< PreviousPRINTING & PACKAGING20Business Link www.blmforum.netYorkshire and Lincolnshire’s expertisein digital technology is ensuring it playsa major role in the success of printingand packaging projects. Whether it’screating highly attractive promotionalmaterial for a company, or providing animpressive setting for products, thebenefits are enormous.The challenge for products is howthey can be made to stand out on theshelves – so the importance ofdistinctive, high quality packaging isessential. However this distinctivenature has to go hand in hand withconvenience in distribution and display.Yet with security concerns taking onever increased importance – with therequirement for a product to be free ofcontamination at any stage of thesupply chain, as well as providingadditional information on the product’smake-up – it’s a constant juggling actfor packaging specialists to combineelegant design and consumerconvenience with additional informationand effective security.It’s no wonder that many companiesare now turning to packaging designerswho are aware of the variousconstraints imposed by manufacturersand retailers alike and can providevaluable information on what isand isn’t feasible when coming upwith effective ways to get across aparticular message.Digital technology has certainlyprovided more flexibility forpackaging design, especially aslegal requirements have requiredmuch more information is onpackaging than was previously thecase. That’s why many companieshave looked towards digitallyprinted labels like those from Datamarkof Hull. Datamark have invested in newequipment geared to small to mediumprint runs to help deliver rapidorigination free labelling. Not only doesthis technology enable the ability toprovide low cost proofing but it alsoallows for small label runs for samplingproducts at exhibitions and shows.Many companies have alsointroduced QR codes on their productsto allow customers to receivepromotional material and furtherinformation. That’s of particular value inthe food and drink sector, as whereastwo or three decades ago onlyprofessional dieticians or thosesuffering from food intolerances wouldusually study ingredients in any greatdepth, this has now become amainstream interest and consumerawareness in provenance has neverbeen more pronounced. The moreinformation that can be provided, viaQR codes or more effective packagingdesign, the more appealing the productwill be to a growing subset ofconsumers.QR codes also have an additionalbenefit when it comes to traceability –packaging can now be totally uniquewith a QR code allowing each individualproduct to be traced back to the originalbatch, providing total peace of mindand allowing swift attention should aproblem be identified.22 ElegancemeetsefficiencyPrinting and packaging has evolved from the simplecommunication of information and transportation ofproducts to a high-tech advertising tool20-23:Layout 1 22/8/13 09:36 Page 1Business Link 21www.blmforum.netPRINTING & PACKAGINGB2CDISPATCHSYSTEMDESIGNED AND MADE IN GREAT BRITAINB2C automatic packagingrandom package fulfilment made easyThe NEW Linkx B2CDISPATCHSYSTEM is specifically designed for eCommerceand online shopping fulfilment, where random, single, multiple, loose orgrouped goods need to be packaged automatically for dispatch.Our patented Random Box Sizerintelligently measures the empty volume of anyrandom, loaded box size and cuts and creases it to final package dimensions readyfor folding, sealing and bagging prior to end-of-line labelling.www.linkxpackaging.com +44 (0)1502 713777ERECTINGPALLETISINGWRAPPINGSEALINGCLOSINGLOADINGCOLLATINGSIZINGContact us now to find out more:T: +44 (0)1502 713777 or E: info@linkx.co.ukor visit www.linkxpackaging.com/b2cNEWAutomation throughout the sector has also had a major impact in improving quality andflexibility across the board, as seen with the Matrix machine from Linkx Systems whichis making a big impact at Birds EyeContinuum Recycling is the pioneering recycled-PET joint venture between Coca-ColaEnterprises and ECO Plastics at Hemswell20-23:Layout 1 22/8/13 09:36 Page 2PRINTING & PACKAGING22Business Link www.blmforum.netBRANDINGPOS/SIGNAGEDIRECT MAILEXHIBTIONS/EVENTSLITERATUREADVERTISINGDIGITAL & WEBPACKAGINGTAKE YOUR PICK T: +44 (0)1924 489149 www.birchcourt.comEst. 1986Areas in our region such as Barnsley,with highly developed digital sectors, aretherefore well-placed to provide thetechnology for these new projects. Theability to personalise packaging anddevelop short print runs in all aspectscan allow for special advertisingcampaigns (like the present Coca-Colacampaigns) and totally unique designs.Automation throughout the sector hasalso had a major impact in improvingquality and flexibility across the board.There are also many environmentalaspects now coming into play and onegreat example of this technology inaction comes with a new ink for screenprinting that has been developed byMagna Colours of Barnsley. They havedeveloped an ink known as Aquafast110that can be cured in half the time and ata lower temperature than traditional ink,so reducing energy use by up to 75%.Barnsley Development Agency hashelped Magna Colours apply for a grantfrom CO2Sense to help develop the newink.The Aquafast110 ink can be cured at110°c in one and a half minutes, ratherthan at 165°c in three minutes as is thecase with standard water-based inks –saving 113g of carbon dioxide for everyT-shirt it is used on. Steve Noble ofMagna Colours says, “It might seem asmall saving per T-shirt, but multiply thatby the millions that are printed each yearand it adds up to potentially hundreds ofthousands of tons of carbon dioxide. Weare continually innovating anddeveloping new products in our lab.Like in any industry if you stay still youare not going to survive.”Energy efficiency has become amajor factor in the sector. Consumersare quick to reject products that appearto make use of excessive packagingand are increasingly informed on theenvironmental impact of theirpurchases. Recycled packaging hastherefore become a mainstream interestand our region excels in this regard.One of the highest profile examples isContinuum Recycling, the pioneeringrecycled-PET joint venture betweenCoca-Cola Enterprises and ECO Plastics,at Hemswell. This opened last springand had already reached the milestoneof half a billion bottles recycled by thetime it celebrated its first anniversary.The site is now responsible forprocessing around 50% of all the plasticbottles collected in the UK and, since itEnergy efficiency hasbecome a majorfactor in the sector.Consumers are quickto reject products thatappear to make use ofexcessive packagingand are increasinglyinformed on theenvironmental impactof their purchases20-23:Layout 1 22/8/13 09:36 Page 3Business Link 23www.blmforum.netPRINTING & PACKAGINGPLAIN LABELSPremium quality Plain and Colour-washed Labels provide you with the ability tooverprint your own information and barcodes using direct thermal or thermal transferapplications.At Datamark UK we have specialist converting presses for producing Plain or Colour-washed labels.We have recently invested in a state of the art wide web press solely for the conversionof Plain Labels.We supply an extensive range of Plain and Coloured Washed labels to suit all yourrequirements and for the most demanding of applications.• Competitively Priced• Available in roll, sheet or fanfold format• Wide range of materials from general purpose paper to highperformance specialist synthetics• Extensive adhesive options for numerous applicationswww.datamarkuk.comCall us on +44 (0)1482 506560 / 505101 to discuss your requirementsopened, it’s more than doubled theamount of bottle-grade recycled plasticpreviously created in Britain.Another example is GB Cullet ofWombwell, which collects unwanteddouble glazing units from across the UKand converts the glass panes into brokenglass – or cullet – which is then used byspecialist manufacturers to make newwindows, bottles and jars, as well as loftinsulation and the reflective beads used inroad surfaces. Founders Gary and BrynHopkins have overseen a £500,000investment in the business over the lastyear, which has been used to move in tolarger premises and develop an on-siteprocessing plant. About 35% of GB Cullet’srecent investment has come from twogrants – from CO2Sense and the RegionalGrowth Fund – which EnterprisingBarnsley helped the company secure.Of course, all companies, not justmanufacturers, benefit from advancementsin printing if they wish to get noticed withhigh quality promotional literature. Youonly have to attend one of our region’sexhibitions to be bombarded with leaflets,flyers and brochures, to the extent thatonly the very best will stand out from thecrowd. Companies such as Alpha Card canprove highly valuable in this regard,providing creative solutions that stand outfrom the crowd and give across the ethosof your company in an engaging fashion.In all instances the importance isstanding out from the crowd, whetherthat’s as one of umpteen promotionalmessages a potential consumer isbombarded with or one of many similaritems on the shelves of the retailer. Yetgimmicks can prove just as ineffective asdull ideas, especially as the public paymore interest in saving energy. Thechallenge is therefore to combineelegance with efficiency and quality withquirkiness, and Yorkshire andLincolnshire’s specialists can assist withthis.20-23:Layout 1 22/8/13 09:36 Page 4Here are our four most popular ‘off the shelf’ size cards. All cards are available in z-fold, c-fold and k-foldformats. Bespoke sizes are also available. The applications for these cards are practically limitless. We haveproduced cards for Universities, sports venues, the NHS, transport companies, events and festivals, charitiesand many more.ALPHACARD RANGEDIRECT MAILAND MORE FASCINATING FOLDS.YOU NAME IT,WE WILL MAKE IT!Our smallest card has acover size of 68mm x48mm and is concise, easyto use and mostimportantly, it deliversyour vital information in aconcise format.Our most popular card With acover size of 85mm x 54mmthe Credit Alpha Card is theperfect format for your cus-tomers to keep handy in theirwallets and purses.With a cover size of108mm x 78mm this cardis designed to fit into yourcustomers’ pocket. Thiscard is perfect for mapsand event guides.The largest member ofthe family, with a coversize of 146mm x 107mm. MINIALPHA CARD POCKETALPHA CARD CREDIT ALPHA CARD HANDYALPHA CARD Die cut, weather resistant, pockets, foil, metallic inks, bottle hangers, lenticular covers,scented cards, flow wrapping, Infinity Folds, postcards to name but a few.FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TOPLACE AN ORDER CALL US ON:0843 21 000 26www.alpha-card.co.uk sales@alpha-card.co.ukFor compact media withunlimited uses - Get Alpha!24-25:Layout 1 22/8/13 09:06 Page 1Business Link 25www.blmforum.netALPHA CARDAlpha Card is the new name incompact media. Compact media cardsare cleverly folded pieces of paper thatcollapse into a handy, portable,retainable package, often no larger thana credit card. Almost twenty years old,this highly versatile format has beenused by numerous FTSE 100companies and has also been employedwidely by the public sector.Common applications of compactmedia include maps, product or serviceinformation, event and exhibitionguides, staff training/information guidesand charity campaigns, but its uses arepractically limitless.Alpha Card Compact Media Ltd andits dedicated team have beenresponsible for the production anddistribution of hundreds of millions ofcompact media products over the pastseven years, meeting thousands ofdifferent job requirements along theway. They have the capability toproduce over 100 million cards a year attheir state-of-the-art manufacturingfacilities in West Yorkshire.With the Alpha Card, they areservicing the market directly for the firsttime and passing on the resultant cost-savings to customers. It’s a product thatis 100% made in the UK, providingskilled manufacturing production anddesign jobs in Yorkshire.The Alpha Card can have a valuablerole to play in your next marketingcampaign...No batteries requiredMobile apps are accessed throughmobile devices, meaning factors suchas battery life and poor signal receptioncan ruin the effectiveness of yourcampaign. Unlike a smartphone, anAlpha Card won’t run out of chargewhen you most need to use it.The ‘touchy-feely’ factorThe Alpha Card’s remarkableversatility combined with its pocket-friendly format makes it far more likelyto be retained over time by yourcustomers than most other mediachannels.Creativity unleashedMarketers love to play with AlphaCards. Once they get their hands onone, they have a rush of inspiration onhow they could use it. With Alpha Cardsavailable in a range of sizes andcustomisable to your specifications,unleash the creativity of yourcampaigns.Once a classic, always a classicCompact media has been a successfuland enduring format for good reason - itworks. It’s wise to have a tried andtested component, with proven returnon investment, as an element of anycommunications campaign.If you’d like to discuss the roleAlpha Card can play in your nextmarketing communicationscampaign, call 0843 2100026,email sales@alpha-card.co.uk orvisit www.alpha-card.co.uk.AlphaCard –the newname incompactmediaWith the launch of Alpha Card, the use of compact media has become more cost-effectivethan ever before for businesses24-25:Layout 1 22/8/13 09:06 Page 2Stephen Elliott PartnerDD01904 683151 M07973 709629Langleys Solicitors LLP01904 610886www.langleys.cominfo@langleys.comYorkLincoln EMPLOYMENT LAW26Business Link www.blmforum.netEmployment tribunals have long beenan unpleasant experience foremployers, with many feeling thesystem weighted too far in favour of theclaimant. The fact that those taking anemployer to a tribunal did not have topay any fees perhaps encouragedspeculative claims, often without merit,which simply added to the burden ofemployers, HR directors and managers.Staggeringly, according to theMinistry of Justice there were 186,300claims made through employmenttribunals in the twelve months to March2012. Of these claims, nearly a thirdended up being withdrawn – but thefirms concerned still incurred costs inpreparing defences against them. TheGovernment has, over the past fewyears, suggested altering the rules tooffload at least some more of theresponsibility onto the claimant, theChancellor referring to the existingscheme as a “one-way bet against smallbusinesses”. Now, though, things arechanging and employers are liable tobenefit. As Stephen Elliot of LangleysSolicitors of York points out, “TheEmployment Tribunals and EmploymentAppeal Tribunals Fee Order 2013 is longenough in title to go over mostpeople’s heads, but employersshould take note. For claims madeon or after 29th July, claimants willhave to pay an issue fee and a moresubstantial fee to take their case to atribunal hearing. “The issue fee is £160 or £250 withthe hearing fee being £230 or £950,depending on whether the claim is a‘Type A’ or ‘Type B’ claim. Type Aclaims attract the lower fees andinclude, for example, unlawfuldeductions from wages and statutoryredundancy payment claims. Type Bclaims attract the higher fees andinclude unfair dismissal, discriminationand whistleblowing claims. “So, for example, if an individualbrings an unfair dismissal claim theycould have to pay £1200 for their claimto come before a tribunal hearing. Thecost of getting to a Tribunal Hearing islikely to prove a disincentive toclaimants who consider bringing lowvalue or unmeritorious claims. “There are instances where employersthemselves will have to pay the fee,such as where judicial mediation isagreed, and claimants who are on lowincomes or receive certain benefits canapply for the fees to be waived. Stephen Elliot points out, “It shouldbe noted that the introduction of the feeregime has not been without criticism.The public sector union UNISON hasrecently obtained permission for ajudicial review of the fee regime to beheard in October.“Whether the fee regime turns out tobe a victory for employers remains tobe seen. UNISON has announced it willstand all fees on behalf of its membersand other unions may follow suit,potentially removing the financialdisincentive the fee regime presents forpotential claimants. Non-unionisedemployees will not have the sameprotection. It would not be surprising,therefore, if we see a correspondingrise in union membership. The next fewmonths will be interesting.”CollaborationtrumpsconflictChanges to the employment tribunal system should make iteasier for employers to avoid excessive cost andinconvenience26-27:Layout 1 22/8/13 09:07 Page 1Business Link 27www.blmforum.netEMPLOYMENT LAWThe changes to tribunals are just oneexample of how changes toemployment law could make it moreeffective from the employers’ point ofview. Sickness absence has long beenan issue and EEF’s latest survey into thearea found that improvements seen inrecent years have now plateaued. Themanufacturing organisation suggeststhat the key concern now was to takeconcerted action to tackle long-termabsence from work, with the pollfinding manufacturers are particularlynegative about the ‘fit note’ system ofgetting people back into their jobs.To this end, the Government aretaking steps to address this bylaunching a new health and workassessment service next year. This willsee state-funded assessments carriedout by Occupational Healthprofessionals on employees who are offsick for four or more weeks. The idea isthat they will be more able to reviewtheir illness in relation to their ability todo their job more effectively than adoctor who is unlikely to have morethan a layman’s understanding of theirspecific role.It’s also likely that case managementwill be introduced for employees whosecomplex needs require ongoingsupport, as well as more advice to bothworkers and their employers related tothe various barriers preventing peoplefrom returning to work. The resultshould hopefully be a more effectiverelationship between employee andemployer and a clearer picture for allconcerned.Changes to the tribunal systemshould ensure that businesses have tospend less time and money in dealingwith claims that perhaps shouldn’t havereached that stage in the first place. Thechanges both in this case andelsewhere when it comes toemployment law emphasise a morecollaborative approach and suggestdialogue between employees andemployers are the most effective waysto avoid potential flashpoints.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/EDHAR26-27:Layout 1 22/8/13 09:07 Page 2BUSINESS TRAVEL28Business Link www.blmforum.netWith the rise of sustainable business,one area in which people are no doubtlooking to save money and improvetheir carbon footprint should be travel. The answer might lie in our region’sever-improving business travel sector.Huge investment in the rail networkshould see journey times improve andstandards overall much more palatable. In fact, a recent report states that trainoperators are generating more than fourtimes as much money for reinvestmentin rail services than fifteen years ago.This is a key finding from Growth andProsperity, a report published by theAssociation of Train OperatingCompanies.By significantly growing passengerrevenue while containing the costs theycan control, train operators haveincreased the money they generate forGovernment to reinvest from £400million in 1997-98 to £1.7 billion in2011-12.This money is helping to reducepublic subsidies and sustain the biggestinvestment programme in rail indecades. At the same time, theoperating margins of train companieshave remained modest, most recentlyon average around 3% of turnover.The key factor driving the £3.2 billionincrease in passenger revenue, which ishelping to generate the money fromtrain operations for Government, hasbeen the phenomenal rise in passengerjourneys. In total, 96% of the increasein revenue has come from passengerjourney growth, as opposed to four percent from fare changes.Michael Roberts, chief executive ofATOC, says, “The railway hasbeen transformed in the pasttwenty years. Unprecedentedgrowth in passenger journeynumbers is creating avirtuous circle by generatingrecord levels of revenue topay for better services in turnencouraging greater rail use.”The report has the backingof the Rail Delivery Group,the leadership body for therail industry. Tim O’Toole,CEO of FirstGroup, says, “Byworking in partnership withGovernment, Network Railand the rest of the industry,franchised train companieswill continue to strive for abigger and better railway.“This is not simply becauseTravelin styleWhen travelling on business the focus of our attention is oftenthe meeting itself rather than the cost of travel, but as ourregion has improved its overall offering the possibility to cuttravel costs can also be achieved…“With pricesstarting from £10,travelling by trainto London with uscan be excellentvalue. Wecontinue to striveto provide a fast,safe, reliableservice to greatmany people whochoose to travelwith us everyyear.”First Hull TrainsPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/GUI JUN PENGPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/AREK_MALANG28-31:Layout 1 22/8/13 09:30 Page 1Business Link 29encouraging more people to travel by rail is goodfor our business, but because it is vital for thefuture of the economy and the country.“It’s great to see passenger numbers up acrossthe industry, reflecting the figures we too arerecording. “With prices starting from £10, travelling bytrain to London with us can be excellent value.We continue to strive to provide a fast, safe,reliable service to great many people who chooseto travel with us every year.”Hull Trains actually runs a business accountscheme which means that those travelling on itsnetwork on a regular basis can enjoy discountsand the added benefits of planning assistancewith journey times and destinations. Planning often comes into play when30 PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/GUI JUN PENGPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/AREK_MALANG28-31:Layout 1 22/8/13 09:30 Page 2Next >