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Innovation
 Boost business by creating new products and services that make a difference
What's the Point?  Living Proof  How to do it
 SHIELDS ENVIRONMENTAL

Shields Environmental has provided the telecoms industry with environmental management solutions and recycling support for over 20 years. In 2002 Shields launched 'fonebak', the world's first mobile phone recycling scheme. Building on its recycling, logistics and global remarketing expertise, Shields has established a nationwide scheme supported by all UK network service providers and four major retail chains.

The scheme is already processing over 100,000 phones each month and aims to recycle as many as possible to minimise environmental impact.

Phones that are suitable for reuse are resold into world markets to help bring telephone communication to some of the remotest parts of the world.

THE RESULTS

The 'fonebak' initiative has further cemented Shields' business relationships with mobile phone network providers whilst also creating a £20 million plus business in its own right. Media interest in the project has had a positive impact on staff morale and the project has provided a foundation for expansion into other European countries.

 Who else is making a point?

Many companies throughout the UK understand the real business benefits that can be gained from creating new products and services. Here are just two:

  • For Chester-based Loines Furnival a willingness to explore new products and services has established the company as one of the UK's leading designers of corporate responsibility reports - both in print and on-line. This in turn has seen Loines Furnival work with leading UK businesses including United Utilities, Camelot, Centrica, EDF Energy and Wates Group.

The results: Working with FTSE 100 companies has given Loines Furnival an insight into how companies lever true business benefits from acting responsibly and engaging with stakeholders. It has also encouraged Loines Furnival to develop new web-based communication tools that can be integrated into clients' reporting solutions. These new products and services have brought tangible financial and business benefits and helped to propel Loines Furnival from being a regional design business to one with a growing national reputation.

  • Aesseal (MCK) Limited was formed in 1990 in Belfast to supply mechanical seals and allied products to the manufacturing industry in Northern Ireland. Through the 1990s, the company successfully developed new products and increased sales by analysing customers' manufacturing processes and identifying appropriate solutions. Having begun with a specific solution to a particular customer problem, Aesseal developed a new product range of innovative barrier systems for which worldwide patent rights were obtained.

The results: Aesseal has transformed itself into an innovative marketing and manufacturing operation with a turnover of well over £2.2m. Up to 60% of sales are now exported including a high percentage to customers in the Republic of Ireland.

 Why is this important?
  • 51% of the British public say they have chosen a product or service because of responsible reputation. Source: The Ethical Consumer, MORI/The Co-operative Bank 2002
  • 86% of customers have a more positive image of a company is seen to be doing something to make the world a better place.  Source: Business in the Community, the Ultimate Win Win Win 1999 supported by Research International
  • 83% of rapidly growing businesses had introduced new products or services in the last three years, compared to just 17% of companies who had remained static. Source: Design Council research in 2002
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