Packaging Powerhouse Supports Northern Business and Economy

The Northern Powerhouse is an ambition announced in the 2016 Autumn Statement with the aim of bringing together business, industry and cities to promote the North of England and boost performance in the Northern cities, particularly across the M62 corridor.

Such strong business ethics for growth, investment and innovation are replicated in a Northern Packaging Powerhouse, which sees the largest independently owned corrugated group in the UK Boxes and Packaging, operate three sites in the North of England – Merseyside, Manchester and Doncaster.

Delve a little deeper, and the size and stature of this particular Northern Powerhouse is apparent. Six individual sites – including a bespoke distribution centre to support supply chain management for blue chip companies and an ‘in plant’ for a global manufacturing business – shows the depth of ability and commitment to provide bespoke packaging solutions. Furthermore, it demonstrates the drive and determination of the team to support the aims of the Government ambition – to make the North strong, prosperous and a tangible player on the UK business field.

“Individually we are proud to be amongst the largest in the group and, whilst site each has its own geographical customer base, working together as a Northern team gives us even greater depth to our offering as we draw on each other’s strengths and specialities,” commented Gary Hargreaves Managing Director Boxes and Packaging (Manchester). “Each site benefits from a wealth of industry experience, indeed the industry experience of our Managing Directors alone equates to over 70 years, giving a depth of knowledge and motivation from the top that is not often found. This drive and determination to succeed independently, and cohesively, has seen each business prosper in recent times.”

The three largest sites within the Boxes and Packaging group sit alongside the M62 corridor, as well as North/South arterial routes. Furthermore, each is within proximity of major UK airports and East and West Coast ports, ideally placing them to support businesses who export by air or sea freight, as well as road and rail.

Combined they can provide high quality point of sale and retail ready packaging, design led innovative solutions, a variety of corrugated solutions including large pallet packs and conventional cases.

“Our Northern Packaging Powerhouse has a combined turnover exceeding £25 million and this is anticipated to grow further after investments have been made including new gluing capabilities at Merseyside and Manchester and the distribution centre aligned to our Doncaster site,” said Gavin Richardson CEO Boxes and Packaging. “Corrugated packaging continues to garner new interest and enthusiasm as we show how strong, versatile and easily recyclable packaging can be in helping businesses to meet their own CSR policies and increase their sustainability.”

Gavin concluded; “The business principles of the Northern Powerhouse ambition are filtering through to localised business leaders and influencers and has great merit for driving success in the North of the country. Our own Northern Powerhouse continues to aim high and build its customer portfolio and is well placed to support existing Northern businesses and those who undoubtedly will choose the North as the place to invest in and join in its success.”