Old Northern uniforms to be recycled into insulation as train operator turns environmental mission to employee clothing

OLD uniforms no longer needed by Northern staff are set to be shredded and turned into:- 'further life products' such as:- insulation and sound boarding as part of a new environmental push by the train operator. End of life uniform will be collected from depots and train crew centres on a regular basis before being shredded and used in 1 of 3 ways by their recycling partner, Avena, a specialist in brand security through processes including textile shredding, clothing destruction and textile recycling. Some of the material, if of a pure fibre structure, will be used to create new items of clothing; some will be used to make new products including:- insulation, sound boards and partition walls; and those not suitable for either of these avenues will be incinerated to create energy as an alternative to landfill.

With a nearly 7,000 strong workforce, many of whom wear uniforms and work wear, the turnover of garments through natural wear and tear alone is significant. Northern has tens of thousands of pieces of uniform and work wear in use by colleagues across the business at any 1 time. Many of the items feature the Northern logo and therefore have to be disposed of safely for security reasons; to avoid the possibility of items being used by those looking to impersonate rail workers and gain access to restricted areas of depots and stations.

Mike Roe, safety and environment director at Northern, said:- "We already recycle 70% of our waste, but we're on a mission to get that to 74% by 2026. Uniforms are something we have in abundance and through natural wear and tear and turnover of staff we regularly have to order-in fresh supplies. By ensuring old items are being recycled rather than ending up in general waste we can reduce our environmental impact and support other businesses that are looking to source greener components for their products."

Elliott Day, senior executive at Avena, said:- "As a business we're delighted to start working with Northern to help them achieve a complete secure solution for end of life uniform and work wear. At Avena we have implemented lockable units across multiple Northern locations so their staff are able to utilise the secure recycling facilities at the site most convenient to them. The old uniforms and work wear will be recycled in the most effective way possible which guarantees full landfill avoidance whilst assisting Northern with their environmental targets."

On Sunday, 21 May 2023, Northern's new summer timetable came into effect and all customers, especially those who have made regular journeys on the same train times, are advised to check before they travel. For more information, visit:- NorthernRailway.Co.UK.

Northern is the 2nd largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.
 

The Best Companies to Work For in the North West Revealed

ORGANISATIONS putting their employees at the heart of everything they do were celebrated on:- Friday, 19 May 2023, during an exciting live reveal of the:- 'Best Companies to Work For' in Q2 2023.

Broadcast live from Salford's MediaCityUK, and hosted by TV presenter Dan Walker, Best Companies Live Q2 2023 revealed the league tables for Best Companies to Work For in the UK by Region and sector; culminating in the coveted national listings.

The top 10 Best Companies to Work For in the North West, based on their employee engagement scores are:-
 

1. Chess Limited	6. Barnett Waddingham
2. Hydrock	7. Mills & Reeve
3. Hobbycraft	8. JMW Solicitors
4. Roadchef Ltd	9. Brabners LLP
5. In Technology Group	10. Weaver Vale Housing Trust

As well as being an opportunity for companies to celebrate their own and each other's achievements, Best Companies Live gave employee 1st workplaces the opportunity to share valuable insight on what employee engagement practices have proved successful and also how they're navigating some of today's biggest people management challenges.

Free to view panel discussions on the infamous red chairs covered topics such as:- How to Energise and Inspire Teams, Creating a Culture of Growth and Recognition, The Importance of Conversation, and Demonstrating Care While Maintaining Candour.

Chess Limited were named:- "Best Company to Work For in the North West" and were also announced as the 3rd:- 'Best Technology Company to Work For in the UK.' David Pollock, Executive Chairman of Chess Limited said:- "The secret is to love your people, they'll love your customers and that's how you build a business to be proud of."

CFO, Stephen Dracup, added:- "I would like to say:- 'well done' and 'thank you' to all our people. We always try to listen to our people fundamentally, and we have prioritised mental health training for our teams".

Construction consultant Hydrock were not only named 2nd:- 'Best Company to Work For in the North West,' but also 3rd best in Wales, and as number 1 'Best Company to Work For in the West Midlands.' The company wants to make a positive contribution to shaping a global and sustainable future community, and is committed to providing an environment where their people can thrive.

"The wellbeing of our people has always been at the heart of our culture, which is why we invest in experiences that bring our people together, learning and development programmes that can enhance all of our lives, and promote a supportive, respectful and caring culture." Dr Brian McConnell, Chief Executive Officer, Hydrock.

Hobbycraft were named as the 3rd:- "Best Company to Work For in the North West," and the:- 'Best Big Company to Work For' in Q2 2023. Dominic Jordan, CEO, stated:- "Engaging with colleagues and their wellbeing and welfare is all well and good (saying these buzzwords) but you've got put the work in."

Hobbycraft's People Director, Chris Fenlon, agreed and added:- "The people team go above and beyond every day to make sure that our teams are looked after and listened to."

Claire Hindley, HR Manager at 4th placed Roadchef Ltd was delighted with their results, and said:- "65% of our managers are promoted internally. We're always looking for internal talent. It's important to us that employees know that they can progress. We've tried to create a culture where people love coming to work."

Recruitment firm In Technology Group, ranked 5th in the North West league table, were also named the 2nd Best Small Company to Work For in the UK.

Will Wareing, Director, said:- "At In Technology Group we prioritise our employees and their well being as they are the key to our success. We begin each month with a company meeting where employees are celebrated for the month before and are also able to communicate with me directly and voice any opinions they need. There is a 2 way commitment in place and a trust that is integral to a successful working environment. Our company values each and every 1 of our employees and would be nothing without their hard work."

Best Companies' quarterly league tables concept is now in its 2nd year; a move away from its previous annual list. This provides workplaces with the opportunity to choose a time that best suits them to survey their employees. They can survey their business once, or up to 4 times, per year, allowing more opportunities for them to showcase what makes them a great place to work.

Using Best Companies' unique 8 Factor methodology to produce a BCI (Best Companies Index) score, companies receive ranking positions based upon their employees' responses to the B heard survey.

Following the second successful Best Companies Live event of 2023, Best Companies founder and CEO, Jonathan Austin, said:- "There are companies that truly shine in challenging times. They continue to innovate and put their people at the forefront of everything they do; these are the companies we're celebrating today. Through Best Companies Live, we're giving them a platform to inspire others and help make the world a better workplace."