Liverpool Printing Business in Drive for Green Education

9th June 2009

Liverpool-based printing company Redwood Press has formed an initiative to support the government’s Eco Schools Programme which aims to ensure every school in the UK is sustainable by the year 2020.

Redwood, which only uses ethically sourced paper and materials, is offering to supply schools and other education providers with green printing services at the same price as traditional printing services. So far Redwood has confirmed contracts with 20 schools across the UK.

The company uses paper that is sourced from sustainable forests carrying accreditations from the FSC and PEFC which support the responsible management of the world’s forests and all inks are vegetable based.

Redwood was set up early last year by partners Jon Aindow and Claire Lewins. It recently expanded following a £700k investment which included cash from Alliance Fund Managers through the MSIF Small Firms Fund. Since then the company has continued to grow and has secured several new clients including Everton FC.

Director Claire Lewins said: “When we researched this initiative we found that the sole reason schools were not using recycled paper for their stationery requirements was because of the additional expense. We struck a deal with our suppliers to enable us to offer education providers a green printing service at no extra cost and we are delighted that so many schools have already signed up. There has been considerable interest from others and we expect our client base in this sector to expand significantly over the coming months.”

“We have worked hard to raise awareness of green issues to schools such as inviting schools to design a poster for World Environment Day. The winning design will be reproduced on a large scale and displayed prominently in the city as part of Liverpool’s Year of the Environment Celebrations.”

AFM investment manager Paul Humphray said: “Redwood has impressed us with its ability to attract customers from new markets and has built up an extensive customer base. The company has grown well since our investment and is proof that businesses can beat the downturn if they are innovative in their strategy.”

Redwood employs 16 staff. Turnover is expected to grow this year to £1.2m.

Ends

For further information please contact Angela white at Alliance Fund Managers on 0151 242 6376.

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Photo Photo shows L-R Claire Lewins and Jon Aindow (Redwood) and Paul Humphray (AFM)

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