Following their triumph as Packaging Company of the Year in 2023, Kite Packaging has been honoured once again at the UK Packaging Awards, this time receiving the CSR Initiative of the Year for their Management Degree Apprenticeship Programme.
The employee share-owned packaging distributor was founded in 2001 with a vision to become the UK’s premier supplier. Since then, Kite has adopted a unique philosophy of employee-ownership fuelled by the belief that customer satisfaction is enhanced when employees have a stake in the business.
Fast-forward twenty-three-years and the company has become a leading figure and pioneering force within the packaging industry thanks to the sheer talent and determination of its staff, who are driven by a collective desire to succeed.
Pivotal to Kite’s growth and success has been a commitment to nurturing their internal talent and integrating fresh perspectives through graduates and apprentices. Kite’s win at the UK Packaging Awards comes as no surprise then as the company has consistently invested in its employees through graduate programmes, apprenticeships, and continuous learning and training opportunities.
In the past year alone, Kite Packaging has invested over £1 million into technical training for their employees, including funding degree courses at Sheffield Hallam and Aston University. The packaging distributor enrolled eight apprentices on to the Packaging Professional Degree Apprenticeship at Sheffield Hallam, and a further two on The Supply Chain Management Degree Apprenticeship at Aston University.
Those attending Sheffield Hallam are now in the second year of their four-year Level 6 programme which will lead to a BSc (Hons) in Packaging. This programme enables them to work full-time while studying modules on raw material conversion, packaging technology, sustainability and marketing. With a strong emphasis on sustainable packaging, the curriculum is designed to address key industry trends and challenges, equipping Kite’s apprentices with both the practical experience and critical insights for a thriving career in the industry.
Apprentices enrolled in the Supply Chain Management Professional Practice Degree Apprenticeship at Aston University will also graduate with a BSc (Hons). Over four years, they will learn about logistics, procurement, inventory management and supply chain strategy through academic study and hands-on experience in their roles. With a focus on leadership and sustainability, the apprentices will develop essential skills in supply chain decision-making and management. This apprenticeship not only leads to a degree, but it also fosters career progression in strategic supply chain positions.
At Kite Packaging, combining work experience with academic study through programmes like these has been a cornerstone of employee development. It is equipping their staff with hands-on skills and critical industry insights, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge directly to real-world challenges. The apprentices benefit by gaining a comprehensive understanding of industry practices, while strengthening their problem-solving abilities and classroom learning with practical application. These programmes are helping Kite’s apprentices build valuable professional networks and gain a strong sense of responsibility early on. They are developing into skilled employees with a well-rounded expertise, paving the way for long-term career growth and retention.
Kite’s ongoing investment in education and training strengthens its workforce and contributes to the advancement of the packaging industry as a whole. By equipping individuals with specialised skills, Kite boosts productivity and drives innovation across the sector, addressing skill shortages and ensuring a steady pipeline of well-trained professionals prepared for evolving industry demands. This commitment to employee education cultivates loyalty, stability, and continuity within Kite’s team, while also fostering sustainable growth and resilience within the broader industry. Kite’s focus on training exemplifies the company’s dedication to building a competitive, forward-thinking workforce.
Judges praised the packaging distributor, saying, “Kite won Packaging Company of the Year in 2023, and has continued its focus on its staff. With an investment of over £1 million in technical training, Kite have made a bold statement that their people are their priority and their future. Not just training but also funding their people in degree courses at Sheffield Hallam and Aston universities to ensure future Kite leaders are being developed with high level skills.”
Another judge said, “The investment is a big statement of the faith Kite has in its people, a policy that is paying Kite back big time with over 50,000 positive Trustpilot reviews.”
This accolade highlights Kite’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and sustainable growth through employee development. By prioritising investment in staff education, Kite is nurturing a highly skilled workforce that enhances operational efficiency and quality within the packaging industry. Not only are they ensuring the long-term economic resilience of the company but also contributing to local economies by developing well-trained professionals. Through initiatives like their apprenticeship programme, Kite leads by example, proving that profitability and social responsibility can go hand in hand.
Kite Packaging
t: 02476 420065
e: enquiries@kitepackaging.co.uk
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