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Sustainability or Greenwashing?

Always keen to keep up with regulatory changes, our Managing Director Marc Kemp and Office Manager Andy Hills, recently attended an event hosted by the Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with their Patrons Borenius and Metsä Group.

Held at the Leonardo Royal London St Pauls, the event consisted of two keynote speeches, as well as a panel discussion moderated by Lord Justice Snowden.

Sustainability and associated topics are top-trending subjects, on all platforms, across all organisations. However, what does sustainability really mean? What is required, legally or ethically, how is it achieved and how do you sort out the “buzz” from the reality?

Aksu Tuominen from Borenius gave an insight into the Green Claims Directive, the Proposal for Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste, and Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

The second keynote speech was provided by Maija Pohjakallio and Kalle Ikonen from Futures Supplies’ partner Metsä Group. They focused on the practical experiences against the background of recent regulations, also shedding light on current EU deforestation regulation and nature restoration laws.

The insightful speeches lead to an interesting and insightful panel discussion on how the topics affect the ongoing concerns of businesses with panellists were Kalle Ikonen and Maija Pohjakallio from Metsä Group, Casper Herler from Borenius, and Andrew Griffiths from Planet Mark.

You can find out more about out sustainability initiatives on our website at www.futures-supplies.co.uk

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Launching the UK’s First Biological Soluble Paper Cleaning Sachets

Futures Supplies, in partnership with BioHygiene, are delighted to launch THE cleaning sachet to help businesses of all sizes create safe, clean, healthy spaces and reduce their environmental impact.

BioHygiene’s market-leading cleaning products harness the power of microbes, enzymes and natural plant derivatives that work deep into surfaces to quickly break down and remove dirt, grime and grease.

The new generation Biotechnology and Ecotechnology targets dirt, grime, grease and odours for a superior cleaning performance. Water-soluble paper sachets & recyclable packaging eliminates plastic waste and low-hazardous formulas protect staff from injury and ill-health.

Kinder ingredients protect our aquatic ecosystem and biodiversity. Smart dosing reduces storage and costs to streamline operations and sustainable, renewable raw materials reduce CO2 by up to 80%.

Try them now www.futures-supplies.co.uk/product.asp?p_part_code=007%2E702W

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The Real Living Wage

With as many as 1 in 6 individuals earning below ‘The Real Living Wage’ and inflation intensifying the squeeze on low-income families, we were delighted to attend the recent round table breakfast event at The Globe Theatre. co- hosted by Cleanology and The Living Wage Foundation, it was both thought provoking and engaging.

We were delighted to share our thoughts and experiences with a group of like-minded business colleagues who whole heartedly agree that paying people ‘The Real Living Wage’ makes both business and crucially community sense.

Lets spread the word and continue to work together to spread this important message.

https://www.livingwage.org.uk/

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Saving The Planet Since 2006

Scientific consensus states that carbon emissions must be reduced to avoid catastrophic climate change. Businesses have an important and essential role to play in meeting reduction targets. By reducing CO² emissions and carbon offsetting, businesses like ours are able to play their part in the climate change battle. 

Futures Supplies is delighted to have partnered with Carbon Neutral Britain to ensure it continues to maintain its Carbon Neutral for the 16th successive year. This accreditation positions us as an industry leader with one of the strongest and most credible approaches to climate change. 

Since 2006 we have demonstrated our commitment to reducing our CO² emissions in accordance with leading edge quality assurance standards including independent certification to BS EN ISO 14001.

We are proud to be taking a net zero position on emissions by measuring the carbon dioxide (CO²) emissions associated with our business, reducing them at source, and then offsetting any unavoidable emissions by purchasing carbon credits. 

To ‘balance out’ our emissions, we use our carbon credits to support projects throughout the world. We are currently supporting the Carbon Neutral Britain Climate Fund™. 

Projects selected within the Carbon Neutral Britain Climate Fund™ are based on their direct and indirect impact around the world – not just in offsetting, but also in supporting education, employment and clean water, as well as having net positive impact on the local wildlife and ecology. 

As a result of this reduction process coupled with offsetting the unavoidable emissions associated with our business, our carbon footprint is reduced to net zero.

You can find out more about our Commitment to the environment here https://www.futures-supplies.co.uk/environment.asp

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Action Against Fake Reviews

Did you know that 97% of UK consumers read online reviews before buying! It’s therefore vital that people can trust the comments they read. Futures Supplies prides itself on delivering high levels of customer satisfaction so its crucial it can gather accurate insights on which to continue to improve its customers experience.

The UK Government has recently published its proposals for new legislation. This takes aim at fake review practices, as a part of the Digital markets, Competition and Consumers Bill. The legislation will likely come into force next year, following a consultation period.

Current draft provisions propose making it illegal to commission someone to write or submit a fake review, to post consumer reviews without taking reasonable steps to check that they’re genuine and to offer, or advertise, to submit, commission or facilitate fake reviews.

As the first bill of its kind, it gives the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) greater powers to take ‘swift and decisive action’ against lawbreakers on behalf of UK consumers.

Futures Supplies chosen review platform Feefo, the world-leading review platform, ensures that only verified buyers are asked to leave a review freeing Futures Supplies valued customers from the fear of fake reviews.

You can be confident the Feefo platform guarantees to provide real feedback and genuine insights from our confirmed customer experiences.

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Let’s Bee Sustainable!

We’re thrilled to announce that Futures Supplies has teamed up with the wonderful Bee Urban project, in partnership with their main sponsor, Hive Cleaning, to support one of our many sustainability initiatives. 

Our friends at Hive Cleaning are a B Corp certified, ethical office cleaning company who are committed to making a positive impact on the environment. 

As part of their efforts, they have pledged to sponsor a beehive for every new cleaning contract they are awarded. 

Bee Urban, is a social enterprise focused on responsible urban beekeeping, horticulture, and community growing, it’s a fantastic initiative that we’re proud to be a part of. 

To learn more about Bee Urban’s inspiring projects and volunteer opportunities, please visit their website at The Hive.

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26 Years of Service Excellence!

As we celebrate 26 years in business, we thought it would be fun to share a few interesting facts and milestones with you.

We are a family business that was started in the original owner’s garage back in 1995! After renting premises for 10 years in 2005 we decided we were here to stay so we purchased and moved into our very own self-contained, purpose-built offices and warehouse in South London.

Members of the CHSA, the Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association since 1997, Futures Supplies successfully achieved 100% compliance to the Distributor Accreditation Scheme.

To ensuring that our customers can have confidence in the quality of goods and in the provision of our services, we have been independently certified since 1997 for our Quality Management System to British Standard ISO 9001

The company’s Manging Director, Marc started working in the business in 1998. Working through all aspects of the business, and following 20 years’ experience at the sharp end, he became the natural successor to drive the company forward and lead the young dynamic team when in 2018 his Mum retired.

After surviving the dreaded Millennium Bug our premises survived a substantial fire in 2000 which started at a neighbouring National Tyres site. Continuing to trade without any break in service, we went on to achieve our first £1million in annual sales.

In 2004 the company ethos, to effectively tackle and improve its environmental, social and economic impact on the community, saw it provide its first work experience placements to disadvantaged young care leavers.

We won our first business award in 2005 for ‘Best Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility’ and have gone on to be recognised with over 30 accolades including numerous sustainability awards as well as Best SME!

Pioneering the use of Eco-Friendly products and sustainable business practices we became CarbonNeutral certified in 2006. Delivering carbon neutral supplies to our customers we are proud to say the net greenhouse gas emissions associated with our business are ZERO.

Since 2007 we have successfully achieved certification for our Environmental Management System to British Standard ISO 14001. This illustrates that Sustainability is at the heart of our business. We are passionate and committed to ensuring that we meet the needs of today without compromising those of future generations, through minimising negative impacts on our planet and our people. We purchased our first fully electric van in 2008!

Early adopters of social media and our first tweet went out on Twitter in 2009!

One of the few independent family business in our industry, we genuinely care about our customers. Our growth has been organic and as a result of consistently delivering high levels of Service, Quality, Value and Reliability with Environmental Consideration through Innovation and Technology.

We still supply our very first customer and have been since 1995! We believe in working in partnership with suppliers and customers, taking into account their individual needs, to deliver the best possible customer experience.

Dan, our operations Manager, and Andy our Office Manager, are brothers and have worked in the business for over 20 years. We think our team are our heroes, operating throughout the Covid Pandemic since March 2020, they are key workers supplying essential services and products to valued customers ensuring they could continue to open and run their businesses.

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Happy New Year From Us All At Futures Supplies

It has been a tough year for everyone and as such, never has there been a more important time to continue to support each other.

As 2020 comes to a close, we really cannot thank all our loyal customers enough for your support throughout these turbulent times. Rest assured we will continue to go above and beyond to exceed your expectations in delivering an exceptional customer experience.

Our carefully selected suppliers will continue to receive our full support and we are grateful for your help in what has been one of our most challenging years in our 25 years of trading.

Our heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones from this awful virus. If nothing else this year has taught us all to be kind, think of others and remember business is not just about the bottom line but giving back and standing together to overcome this enormous challenge.

We hope 2021 will bring better times for us all in the meantime all the team at Futures Supplies would like to wish you and your families a very happy New Year and everything you wish for.

Marc Kemp, Managing Director.

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Lockdown 2.0 – What this means for Futures Supplies & its clients

 

 

With the pending lockdown coming into force on Thursday, we’d like to remind all our valued clients that we will be open and operating as usual operating as an essential provider throughout the lockdown period.

Ordering and COVID Safe Deliveries & Collections

  • Ordering – Please continue to order as you would usually: Phone, Email or Online
  • COVID Safe Deliveries – All our delivery vehicles are sanitised daily & all drivers provided with alcohol gel & sanitising wipe kits. Our delivery team will wear face masks and adhere to social distancing to carry out your deliveries safely.
  • Collections and Click & Collect – Collection from our premises in Purley Way, Croydon is still operational although no access to our building or facilities.
  • Delivery Timescales – There may be some delays with non-stock items, the office will keep you informed if there are any stock issues and work together to offer a suitable alternative where necessary.
  • Failed Deliveries – If you are closing or have adjusted delivery hours – please inform us immediately to prevent failed deliveries and subsequent charges.

If you have any questions or would like help making your workspace ‘COVID Safe‘ our team will continue to be on hand to help 020 8689 2072

The Futures Supplies team have never been more grateful to be open and working together to keep businesses functioning safely and sustainably.

Keep Safe & Thank you for your continued support

Marc Kemp
Managing Director

 

Face Masks Offer - Free Alcohol Gel
Face Masks Offer – Free Alcohol Gel

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Are Your Deliveries Carried Out by A Carbon Neutral Certified Company?

As an ethical business, our ethos is to deliver service, quality, value, reliability, with a commitment to environmental sustainability, using the most up to date technology and innovation.

Futures Supplies are committed to integrity and transparency in the way we operate, how we supply goods and services and in our business partnerships.

We believe that whilst it is critical, it is not enough to just reduce carbon emissions through our certified Environmental Management System BS EN ISO 14001:2015 targets. Therefore, we offset our unavoidable emissions through our partnership with The CarbonNeutral® Company in a responsible best practice model.

Unfortunately, we all have to use energy as part of our commercial process and therefore, until technology and innovations can provide more answers to help further reduce or eliminate emissions, ‘offsetting’ is the only way to deal with the problem.

In partnership with The CarbonNeutral® Company, Futures Supplies is delighted to have achieved CarbonNeutral® status since 2006. This accreditation positions us as an industry leader with one of the strongest and most credible approaches to climate change.

As a result of our reduction process coupled with measuring the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and offsetting the unavoidable emissions associated with our business, our carbon footprint is reduced to net zero.

You can read more about our environmental approach and our green awards here http://www.futures-supplies.co.uk/environment.asp