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News and Updates
All the latest news and updates from the UK's leading supplier of safety clothing and equipment
Arco Reduces Plastic Packaging Consumption and Carbon Emissions
16 March 2023
Arco has successfully reduced its carbon emissions and plastic use by adopting a more 'circular' approach to the packaging used in the distribution of its products.
As part of its recently launched sustainability strategy - A Safe Tomorrow - Arco has committed to reducing packaging waste in its own operations and throughout its supply chain.
The introduction of new mailing bags, made from 80% recycled polythene, which in turn is widely recyclable in the UK, has secured a 35% reduction in the amount of plastic used across its operations. Their production has also been relocated from China to Europe, resulting in an estimated carbon emission saving of 38%.
Arco uses approximately 400,000 mailing bags per year and, as part of its wider efforts to minimise climate change impacts and optimise efficiency, the company is analysing how it can apply more circular thinking within its products and, in turn, how this supports customers' sustainability aims.
Arco has also changed to a new 'void fill solution', to improve the sustainability of packaging which protects products in transit. The new alternative provides a further 13% reduction in plastic usage and carbon emissions and results in 17% less waste. Arco's overarching sustainability aim is to be carbon net zero by 2045.
Jim Harbidge, Head of Sustainability, said:
"The introduction of these changes is a small, but important step that we have taken in support of our sustainability aims and is part of a planned approach to ensure we are carbon net-zero by 2045.
"We would like to thank our packaging supplier, Hazel 4D, for their advice and support in identifying and implementing these changes.
"As a responsible choice of safety partner, we are committed to taking action to reduce climate-related impacts and are focussed on wider sustainability opportunities that we can bring forward, including how we support our local communities."
Mentoring Programme Helps Arco 'Embrace Equity'
07 March 2023
As the UK's leading safety company, Arco is committed to the recruitment and nurturing of the next generation of talent in the industry and has recently launched a new mentoring programme, MentorMe, to support colleagues with their professional development.
In particular, the programme is helping women support women to thrive.
International Women's Day (Wednesday 8th March) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
The theme for this year is embracing equity, creating a gender equal world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
There is a lot more that needs to be done to improve equality, diversity and inclusion in society and in workplaces and, at Arco, one of the ways this can help to be achieved is through MentorMe.
The programme aims to encourage colleagues to share and learn from one another to boost confidence, pass on lived experiences, advice, and support their career development, no matter the individual's background or personal characteristics.
Liz Farr, Learning and Development Partner and founder of MentorMe, said:
"Our mentoring programme is a fantastic way for colleagues to pursue their personal development goals with help from another colleague in the business. We currently have 42 mentees who are being supported by 33 mentors.
"Although the programme is not specifically for, or targeted at, women, we're already seeing the impact it's having on female colleagues taking part. We have some fantastic female mentors guiding female mentees, including those who have experience of working in male-dominated environments, and they're sharing how challenges within those types of environments for women can be faced. We also have female mentors mentoring male colleagues, sharing their knowledge to create equal opportunities for all."
Lynsey Jarratt, New Business Development Manager (Yorkshire & East Midlands), said:
"I enrolled to be a mentor because I feel it's important that we all have access to such guidance should we want it. Having the ability to tap into someone's knowledge, without fear, and the comfort of having a 'go-to' for support or advice should be readily available, both personally and professionally.
"I have been lucky enough in my career at Arco to have had several mentors that have helped to guide and encourage me, both in and out of the workplace."
Susan Hinchliffe, Quality Assurance Manager CEC, said:
"I have mentored people for many years and find the whole thing so rewarding as it's a two-way relationship. I have mentored both women and men and the only difference I have found is that lots of women seem to be having to catch up. That's because they may have taken time out to start a family, so when they return, they have to work harder to rebuild relationships and get up-to-date with everything.
"I believe times have changed with more equity for working mums and mentoring is an excellent way to refocus on your career."
Katie Landon, Sales Enablement Manager, said:
"Becoming a mentor, especially for graduates coming into the business, was important to me. After leaving university and starting my career on a graduate scheme myself, I can really relate to how graduate colleagues may be feeling. It can be overwhelming, challenging and, to be honest, quite scary.
"By being able to support and provide guidance on situations my mentee is facing, I can see how the MentorMe programme can really add value to colleagues by offering a third-party and neutral perspective.
"What I love about being part of this is seeing the 'light bulb' moment in our conversations; when something clicks and hearing the response: 'I never thought of it that way'. That's when you know you are adding value to both your mentee and the business."
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Industry Group Visits Arco's New State-Of-The-Art Safety Centre
06 March 2023
Read moreMembers of the Mast and Tower Safety Group (MATS) have visited Arco's recently opened safety centre in Bracknell to host their quarterly meeting and to tour the new venue.
The MATS Group consists of organisations that own or manage masts and towers (including monopoles, gantries, satellite dishes and roof tops) or any other structure where there are specific and significant work at height and occupational radio frequency (RF) hazards.
As the UK's leading safety company and a specialist training provider, including for those working at height, Arco was proud to host members from the group and to showcase the facilities available at the new centre as well as to highlight the joined-up safety approach it offers - expert knowledge, high-quality products and training - all under one roof.
The centre opened in November last year and represented a multi-million-pound investment by the fifth-generation family business, creating 12 new jobs in the area.
The location was a strategically significant move by Arco, with the business looking to grow its brand in the south of England.
Bracknell Safety Centre is Arco's largest dedicated safety centre and hosts practical learning environments, including a 20-metre external tower for working at height training and confined space labyrinth training facilities as well as an equipment service and maintenance centre and an on-site safety store where customers can purchase products.
Ben Haughton, Technical Director at Arco Professional Safety Services, said:
"It was a pleasure to welcome members from the MATS Group to Bracknell Safety Centre and allow them use of the facility for their quarterly meeting.
"The feedback we received from members about the new centre was extremely positive and it means a lot coming from such an important industry group.
"Working at height is still one of the main causes of workplace injuries and fatalities in the UK and it is important to ensure that those who work at height have the correct training and are able to develop and enhance their skills at centres, such as Bracknell."
To find out more about Bracknell Safety Centre, click here.
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Arco Supports Midlands Cave Rescue Organisation with Training Support and Sponsorship
07 February 2023
Read moreArco has continued its partnership with the Midlands Cave Rescue Organisation (MCRO) to support its life-saving work.
Members of the MRCO undertake regular rescue training to maintain their skill levels.
As an industry leader in safety training and services, Arco has again provided the MRCO with support by allowing the organisation to use its state-of-the-art training facilities at no cost.
Arco Professional Safety Services team members, who are also MCRO volunteers, delivered the training and provided expert advice and guidance to the other MCRO members in attendance.
Last month, 22 members of the MRCO attended Arco's Eccleshall Safety Training Centre, in Stafford, to take part in emergency first aid refresher training, including guidance on the use of new equipment and a rescue training exercise.
In addition, Arco has also sponsored the MCRO by providing them with branded team polo shirts for when they are on business.
Jamie Sadler, Commercial Director at Arco Professional Safety Services, said:
"As a responsible choice of safety partner, Arco is committed to supporting the communities we call home, including providing support to life-saving groups, like the MCRO.
"Our safety experts are some of the leading professionals in their field and many of them dedicate their spare time outside of the business volunteering with search and rescue organisations.
"Supporting the MCRO with a venue and training facilities as well as the benefit of our instructors' time, knowledge and expertise is a small way that Arco can give back and to ensure that we keep people safe."
Mike Clayton, Chairman of the Midlands Cave Rescue Organisation and Equipment Manager at Arco Professional Safety Services, said:
"The MCRO is regularly called upon to assist lost and injured people in caves all over the West Midlands, Shropshire and beyond.
"Even though we are a voluntary organisation, it is vitally important that we keep up-to-date with skills development to ensure we can respond to any emergency.
"The support, sponsorship and co-operation we get from Arco ensures that we can be as effective as possible and ready for when the next call comes."
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Arco Funds Apprentice at Local Building, Repair and Maintenance Business
06 February 2023
Read moreArco has linked up with Kingstown Works Limited (KWL) to fund an apprentice joiner at the business.
The announcement comes during National Apprenticeship Week, a week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
As the UK's only integrated safety services and products business, with a core purpose of keeping people safe, Arco is delighted to have partnered with KWL to fund the important role through its levy funding.
KWL provides extensive property services to approximately 26,000 homes in the Hull area, which includes refurbishment of dwellings, as well as delivering gas and maintenance services to over 22,000 homes.
Darren Ford, Head of Organisational Development and Learning and Development at Arco, said:
"At Arco, we are dedicated to developing the knowledge and skills of our colleagues and apprenticeships are a great way to do this. We've had 42 people complete an apprenticeship and have a further 33 ongoing. Our commitment to apprentices and apprenticeships saw us recognised as one of the top 10 family business apprentice employers in the UK.
"As a responsible choice of safety partner, one of our ambitions within the community is to help young people to achieve. We are therefore delighted to be linking up with a Hull-based company to support them in appointing an apprentice from a local school."
Leanne White, Learning and Development Coordinator at KWL, said:
"Since 2007, KWL has recruited 159 apprentices. As a company, we are extremely proud to have been able to recruit so many talented apprentices' year-on-year.
"The Government recently introduced funding transfers which has allowed KWL to work with larger companies, such as Arco.
"These relationships allow KWL to continue recruiting a healthy number of apprentices which not only grows our own sustainable workforce but continues to improve the skills and future employment opportunities for local people."
The new partnership is the latest example of Arco supporting apprenticeships within the community and follows a previous apprenticeship that the business funded at Martin House Hospice.
Gillian Beverley joined the charity as a Safety, Health and Environmental Advisor in 2022 to undertake a safety, health and environment technician apprenticeship.
Gillian said:
"Changing careers in my 40s has been daunting, but this apprenticeship has given me the chance to learn on the job, combining training and new skills and giving me the confidence to pursue something I'm passionate about."
Matt Ward, Head of Estates at Martin House Hospice, said:
"Gillian has been a great addition to both the estates team and Martin House as a whole. Gillian has picked the role up very quickly and is excelling in her apprenticeship as well as in the workplace.
"Partnering with Arco has been a really positive experience. They have supported us with the apprenticeship levy to enable the role, but they also kindly funded IOSH Managing Safely as an addition. This has provided a strong platform for Gillian to build from for her safety, health and environmental course."