A business’s success hinges on how it nurtures and rewards its workforce, as well as the strength of its customer focus. Kite Packaging has understood this from the very beginning. Established in 2001 as an employee share-owned company, Kite was built on a culture of partnership, where the wealth created from delivering exceptional customer service is shared among the very people who help generate it.
The employee share-ownership model allows colleagues to buy into the business they help to run and benefit directly from its success. As the only employee share-owned packaging company in the sector, Kite sets itself distinctly apart from competitors and has fuelled growth since its early days as a disruptive newcomer. This ownership has inspired a collaborative culture, often described internally as a team sport, and a people-first attitude that has strengthened long-term customer relationships while ensuring employees remain at the forefront of every decision.
The results speak for themselves: between 2020 and 2025, Kite recorded 55% growth, averaging 12.3% annually, far outpacing the sector’s typical 3-5% expansion. This trajectory reflects the company’s commitment to aligning people development with strategic investment.
Kite has invested as heavily in its people as it has in its assets and processes. Training programmes are designed around live projects such as site openings, distribution expansions, and product launches, giving employees practical experience that matters to both their career and the business. From the day they join, staff are entrusted with responsibility, meaning they learn quickly while making meaningful contributions. This approach equips employees to solve real problems while developing talent deeply attuned to the company’s systems and customers.
These programmes have earned Kite widespread recognition. They appeal to students, graduates, and young professionals, providing structured entry points into the business alongside long-term progression opportunities. The company’s Management Apprenticeship Degree, delivered in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, was awarded the Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the 2024 UK Packaging Awards. Judges praised the initiative, noting that Kite has made a bold statement in prioritising its people by funding degree-level study through Sheffield Hallam and Aston universities, developing the next generation of leaders with advanced skills.
While many packaging companies face challenges in attracting and retaining talent, Kite’s model creates loyalty and motivation. Of the senior management team, 15 out of 16 have been promoted internally, with a quarter under the age of 35. Many began their careers through one of Kite’s training programmes, reflecting the company’s consistent investment in people and its provision of genuine career opportunities. Currently, 15% of employees are either on a programme or have graduated from one, making these pathways a reliable source of future leaders.
For new recruits, the day-to-day reality is clear: structured mentoring and projects with genuine responsibility are standard practice. Share purchase options and visible progression routes create a clear line of sight from entry-level roles to leadership, while a culture that values teamwork and openness ensures recognition follows contribution, not tenure. In an industry that’s currently struggling with skills shortages, Kite’s education-first model of apprenticeships, graduate schemes and training academes secures its own talent pipeline and helps shape the future of the sector. One graduate from the Management Programme has recently been promoted to Commercial Manager at one branch, while members of the Field Sales Academy have progressed into Business Development Manager positions, illustrating the tangible career progression on offer.
Kite’s commitment to innovation and sustainability also sets it apart. Named Packaging Company of the Year in 2023, the company was recognised for excellence in packaging design, production, and innovation, reflecting its continued success as a leader in the industry. This emphasis on developing cutting-edge, sustainable solutions ties directly back to Kite’s people-focused model: employees are empowered to challenge conventions, collaborate on new designs, and drive forward practices that benefit both customers and the environment. By investing in its workforce, Kite is investing in the future of packaging. This way, the sector continues to evolve responsibly while meeting the demands of modern logistics and supply chains.
The award-winning business continues to expand, with plans for further investment in its people, its infrastructure, and its sustainable innovation pipeline, ensuring it remains ahead of sector challenges. It is also currently recruiting across multiple areas.
To explore current career opportunities at Kite Packaging, visit kitepackaging.co.uk/mcp/current-vacancies
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