spring/summer 2007 trade suppliers of washroom and cleaning products
www.futures-supplies.co.uk  
020 8689 2072

contents

 
 
futures scoop top green award

Futures was delighted to be awarded the top accolade in two out of the five boroughs taking part in the recent 'Green Guardian Awards'.

  L-R: Councillor Margaret Court, Deputy Mayor of Sutton congratulates Dan, Marc and Andy at the awards ceremony
 
These awards are a unique partnership between the South London Guardian Newspaper series and five local authorities of which Futures became the winner, not only in one but two of the boroughs of Croydon and Sutton. With the glittering final held at Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey, and the biggest environmental awards ceremony in South London, The Green Guardian Awards recognise companies who help protect and improve the environment.   Futures was judged on what it does to limit the environmental impact of its business and for being a business leading the way to a greener and more sustainable future.

For more information on the awards, go to www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk and click on the Green Awards link.

 

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welcome

 
As the long cold winter draws to an end, we extend to you a warm welcome to the Spring/ Summer edition of the Futures newsletter.

Last year was a record year for Futures, with a turnover exceeding £2 million and increased sales of 23%. It was yet another award winning year and together with continued improvements in operations, our valued customers have benefited from customer service excellence with the added value of environmental sensitivity as we continue our commitment to sustainability.

 

Proud to deliver quality, value, service and reliability in a highly competitive market place, we continued to innovate through the development of our website and by listening to what you, the customer, wants therefore demonstrating that we truly are a company that cares.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the newsletter and any comments or ideas are always most welcome.

 

 
 
Mandie Kemp
Managing Director
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help futures make a difference

 
Futures has always taken time to remember those less fortunate, particularly at Christmas time and this year was no exception.

The company provided financial contributions to the Salvation Army and the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity Great Big Christmas Appeal.

To find out more about how you can help these charities log onto Futures' website and click on 'Useful links'.

www.futures-supplies.co.uk

 
GOSH sees over 100,000 patients a year and it relies on companies like Futures for support to help meet the current and future challenges of providing specialist healthcare for seriously ill children.

www.gosh.org

 
 
The Salvation Army, founded in London in 1865 is the UK's largest provider of social care after the government. It relies on the generosity of the public to provide funding to support its services which include homeless centres, drug rehabilitation centres and supports the work of the local emergency services which has recently included support during 7th July London bombings.

 www.salvationarmy.org.uk

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securing the future

Luke and Jason
 
Continuing its commitment of long-term sustainability in supporting its local community, as well as providing further much needed work placements, Futures has provided valuable funding by way of a financial contribution to its local brokerage, 'The Croydon Commitment' to ensure it can continue its valuable work.
 
Launched in July 2004 and working closely with local businesses in the community and the Croydon Local Strategic Partnership, 'The Croydon Commitment' is a movement of businesses committed to working together to improve their economic, social and environmental impact on the borough's community. The initiative is based upon the idea that companies have a greater impact on Croydon's key community needs as well as realising the business benefits of an active Corporate Social Responsibility policy by working collaboratively rather than independently.

Futures, one of the first companies to be involved, launched its initiative within the local community in 2004 to provide support for young disadvantaged people. Recognising that its business activities have an impact on the environment and future generations, the company has worked in partnership with Croydon Council on its local Corporate Social Responsibility 'Employability Project' to give care leavers 12-week work placements. These placements enable young people to gain valuable work experience, build their confidence and self-esteem and give them advice and guidance. Following this, Futures has given two care leavers permanent positions in the company and many more 12-week work placements.

To find out more about this worthwhile initiative go to www.thecroydoncommitment.co.uk 

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business of the year 2006

Futures was delighted to receive the accolade of regional 'Business of the Year 2006' for demonstrating all-round excellence in business, awarded by The British Chamber of Commerce.

 
 
Peter Mileham presents the award to Mandie Kemp
 
Recognising that as a business in the UK you have to work harder and smarter for success, The British Chamber of Commerce Awards provide the opportunity for recognition on a national scale for the hard work and achievements of businesses.

In this particular category, the judging was focused on financial performance and future objectives and the competitive advantage of the business. It particularly looked at examples of specific strategies which have driven business growth and Futures provided evidence and a compelling story of a business that understands its market and customer needs and places these at the forefront of its strategic development.

Peter Mileham, President of the BCC, said; "Futures Supplies & Support Services Ltd is a business that really stands out from the crowd. The competition was fierce. Making it to the short list is tough and winning is reserved for only the very best."
 
Mandie Kemp, Managing Director was also highly commended in the category of 'Entrepreneur of the Year'. This award was presented for an individual who stands out in a crowd, has been instrumental in the success of a business, taking into consideration the overall performance of the business over the years and vision for the future of the business.

To find out more go to www.croydonchamber.org.uk

 
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chsa award recognises exceptional customer service

Futures was delighted to be recognised at the recent CHSA 'Distributor Service Excellence Awards'.

Representing more than 200 manufacturers and distributors across the UK, the 'Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association' is the trade association of suppliers to the cleaning industry whose main aim is to raise standards in the industry.

Recently celebrating its tenth year, the awards recognise companies who provide service excellence. The biennial survey measures customer satisfaction in nine service areas and once completed, each of the participating distributors receives a confidential report, quantifying their performance, as well as a full report benchmarking the company against the overall market.

 

The survey is widely acknowledged as an accurate reflection of distributor service levels as well as providing an invaluable tool for distributors to gauge their performance.

At this year's awards dinner at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel, Graham Fletcher, General Secretary of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association commented, "Futures Supplies & Support Services Ltd has performed magnificently to achieve such a high level of service performance. This is an example to everyone in the industry".

Futures has been successful in achieving 'Distributor Service Excellence' awards consistently since 1997.

For more information on the CHSA go to www.chsa.co.uk

 
 
Tracey with the CHSA award for customer service
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a green approach

 
 
Futures is proud to announce its new branding for its ongoing travel plan. The logo will be used to promote its travel initiatives, encouraging more sustainable travel both within Futures' business, its personnel, suppliers, customers, visitors and the community as a whole.

As part of its sustainable travel initiative, the company has recently purchased its third bike and secured £5,000 worth of funding through Seltrans to support its green initiatives.

 
 
Andy takes up cycling to and from work
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an informed choice

Futures has now stepped up a gear to enhance the traffic light system of categorising products, set up to assist its customers in making an informed purchasing decision and encourage environmental consideration.
 
Following the CHSA Distributor Service Excellence Awards survey, it appears that the cleaning industry is slowly making more use of online capabilities, such as email and websites for placing orders. 9% of the survey respondents in 2006 referred email as an ordering tool up from 3% in 2004.
 
Customers visiting Futures' website now have the added advantage of indicators by way of traffic lights and by clicking through can gain an insight into the environmental impact for that particular product.

Place your orders online and save the cost of a paper based ordering system and the cost of a phone call. Log onto www.futures-supplies.co.uk 

Red products
A product with high environmental impact that must only be used if absolutely necessary, in a controlled way and to a minimum if at all where no alternative is available to do the job.
  Amber products
A product that has an environmental impact but may be used with care providing use is not excessive and where an alternative is not available to do the job.
  Green products
A product that has little impact on the environment if at all, is biodegradable, recycled and carries an environmental mark such as the Nordic Swan.
 
Watch out for the traffic lights on the site and if you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the office.
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we are the champions

 
Marc, Andy and Dan with the award
 
In this year's Croydon Champion Awards, Futures was awarded 'Business Champion 2006' for its outstanding commitment to business, enterprise and innovation.

The Croydon Guardian Newspaper in partnership with Croydon Council set up the Croydon Champion awards to recognise, find and honour the town's unsung heroes. Croydon is one of the UK's largest commercial centres with over 13,000 businesses ranging from new start-up enterprises to SMEs, blue chip company HQs and major multinational corporates and has a reputation as a leading 21st Century business centre with a unique transport infrastructure. Futures was delighted to have been recognised as 'the' local business leading the way for future generations.

For more information on the Champion Awards visit www.croydonguardian.co.uk/croychamps/champs/index.php 

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devoted fans

 
 
Leiann and Lou taking a customer call
 
Futures, understanding different customer perspectives, appreciates that values, beliefs and expectations are key to customer service excellence. Customers are the lifeblood of any company and with repeat business and customer loyalty key to the future growth and success of the company, Futures believe its continuing success is an accurate reflection of its exceptional service levels and customer relationships.

All staff, including drivers, warehouse and office personnel attend dedicated external customer service training recognising that not only front line sales people have a part to play in delivering customer service excellence but everyone has their part to play in transforming Futures' customers into devoted fans!

 
 
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futures' footprint

 
 
Britain is to be the first country in the world to set standards for offsetting schemes aimed at neutralising the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions in order to give consumers confidence that the schemes work.

Through a series of media briefings, DEFRA has announced its support of voluntary carbon offset and a 'consultation' around the standards that should be applied with a view that voluntary carbon offseting is a good thing and should be encouraged.

 
Futures is successfully addressing its impact on the environment by working to reduce carbon emissions through better energy management and targets and finally offsetting unavoidable emissions through carbon credits in partnership with the CarbonNeutral Company, in what the company believes is a responsible best practice model.

A base-line assessment of Futures carbon footprint carried out by CarbonNeutral has been aligned with the company's strategy that through a combination of reduction and indirect offsetting, the net greenhouse gas emissions associated with its business are ZERO.

Futures' carbon credits currently support the Northcombe Wood forest in Devon. Intensive farming has left this area depleted of its original wildlife and forest cover and work is aimed at stimulating tree planting as an aid to rural regeneration of the area.

For more information on The CarbonNeutral Company visit www.carbonneutral.com

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environmental advances see certification

Futures continue to lead the way in tackling long-term sustainability and has recently undergone assessment to BS8555. This performance based approach to the management of environmental issues addresses the implementation on and EMS continual improvement, impact on the environment, the supply chain, sales and marketing activities.

 
 

As part of a pilot initiative through the Cleaning and Support Services Association and funded by DEFRA, Futures has attended a number of workshops delivered by White Young Green, a top Croydon firm of environmental consultants.

The company is continuing to work towards delivering its targets and objectives set out in its environmental policy by working with its customers and suppliers and is delighted to have gained certification against all five phases further endorsing its commitment to long term sustainability.  

 

Key Performance Indicators for 2006 show that the company is now recycling over 73% of its waste and as well as improving the company's impact on the environment, it has made considerable financial savings. As a result of the company's vehicle tracking system, purchase of a Toyota Prius Hybrid and delivering additional driver training through the RAC, Futures has reduced fuel usage and is producing a saving of £50 for every 1,000 miles driven.

To find out more about White Young Green please visit www.wyg.com

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safer driving with the rac

 

Following the recent CHSA 'Distributor Service Excellence Awards' overall customers' expectations in terms of delivery time were measured and evaluated in the 2006 survey.

From order to delivery, an overwhelming majority of 81% expected and received a speedy and prompt delivery within 48 hours. Those surveyed also rated delivery timeliness, occurrence of accurate and complete orders and politeness of the drivers very highly.

These are just some of the reasons why Futures take a great deal of time training its delivery drivers, not just in customer service but in risk management relating to the driving of company vehicles.

Over 50% of all company vehicles will be involved in a road accident in the next 12 months according to RAC statistics and of these, human error will be a contributing factor in 95% of cases.

 

Results from companies who participate in RAC training show their accident probability is reduced by over 70%.

As part of Futures' commitment to training, all company vehicle drivers recently participated in a one-to-one half day Driver Awareness Training course run by the RAC.

All company drivers were assessed on site for their attitude, behaviour and accident probability. The course also covered concentration, observation, anticipation, awareness, mirror use, signal use and fuel efficiency.

For more information on RAC risk management driver training visit www.rac.co.uk/business

 
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smoked out!

 

With the implementation of the smoke-free elements of the Health Act 2006, from 6am on 1st July 2007, virtually all enclosed public places and work places will become smoke-free.

The law will also apply to indoor smoking rooms, which will no longer be allowed, driving smokers outside.

Fears are growing that companies are not yet taking enough action towards coping with the demands imposed and the negative effect of discarded cigarette waste outside business premises will be undeniable, as is the potential for significant fines for not containing litter accumulating outside office buildings.

Suitable ashtrays will ensure that the waste is collected before it even hits the ground helping to keep the streets outside your offices clean and cigarette litter free.  

 

These ashtrays do not have to look unattractive and Futures can offer a range of outdoor ashtrays that give a clean and quality appearance.

The ashtrays, which can be wall or floor mounted are made from heavy gauge, rustproof stainless steel with a hand polished mirror finish.

The weather tight compartment extinguishes butts completely and cigarette waste remains out of sight and dry, making disposal hassle free.

To ensure you are ready for 1st July smoking ban or for more information on these ashtrays, call one of the Futures team on 020 8689 2072 or go to the website on www.futures-supplies.co.uk and type 'ashtray' into the product finder search box. 

 
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working in partnership

 

GBM Services Ltd has been a valued customer of Futures for over ten years and provides high quality cleaning and associated services to commerce, industry and the retail sector.

The partnership between GBM and Futures has evolved throughout the years with GBM's objectives to source supplies for its clients that provide a quality product, value for money partnered with service excellence.

GBM has an excellent reputation in the industry working for some of the country's leading companies from all sectors of the marketplace and has been successful in achieving Golden Service Awards as an endorsement of its commitment to provide service excellence and continual improvement.

 

"Futures has always been a highly professional organisation and it always does what it says it will. We are pleased to continue our working partnership with Futures as we know our valued clients will always come first," said David Donovan, Director.

For more information on GBM Services Ltd visit its website www.gbmssg.co.uk 

 
 
David Donovan, Director,
GBM Support Services Ltd
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focus on staff

 

welcome lou

 
Lou joined the Futures team last November as a part-time General Office Assistant.

Having had many years of office experience, she is responsible for assisting with purchase order processing, database maintenance and carrying out general office duties. Lou has two daughters aged 10 and 15.

 
ten years of dedicated service
 
 
 

Futures, along with customers and suppliers alike would like to offer heartfelt congratulations to Daniel Hills who has just celebrated ten years of service with Futures. Most of you will know Dan as the person at the end of the phone dealing with general customer queries and making sure you get your delivery on time.

Having joined the company straight from school as a Warehouse Assistant he has worked his way up to an all-important role as the company's Operations Manager.

Dan says, "Working at Futures for 10 years has given me fantastic opportunities to learn about management processes. Being given chances by the Managing Director means that I am now part of a Management Team encouraged to make day to day decisions and manage my own staff".

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awards and accreditations

 

Futures is proud to have received these awards and accreditations:

 
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