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Fairtrade business awards overall winner 2019

The venue for the 2019 Fairtrade Business Awards ceremony was the beautiful and atmospheric Arnos Vale cemetery; a sanctuary of nature, architecture and history in the heart of Bristol, now protected from development for future generations.

Minuteman Press Bristol are thrilled and honoured to learn that in the Fairtrade Business Awards 2019 we have been voted Overall Winner by the Fairtrade business judging panel.

The trophy (a beautiful Bristol Blue glass hand-crafted stylised coffee bean) and certificate were presented by Nick Hewer (The Apprentice, Countdown, PR guru and so much more) to a grateful Peter Wise on behalf of Minuteman Press Bristol. Nick is a passionate ambassador and advocate for Fairtrade; he has visited international projects supported by Fairtrade and spoken fervently at Fairtrade events.

Minuteman Press Bristol were selected from a final shortlist of 50 dedicated Fairtrade businesses invited to attend the Fairtrade Business Awards. Some inspiring and influential Fairtrade category winners were recognised including the University of Bath, Lyons Davidson, the Create Centre and the University of the West of England. All have been avid contributors in the development and growth of the West Country Fairtrade network.

Minuteman Press Bristol have been actively involved with Fairtrade and the Fairtrade business network for the past seven years. Fairtrade is such a worthy cause for businesses to be able to practically support and make a real difference. All the team at Minuteman Press Bristol engage and contribute – be it promoting Fairtrade to customers, purchasing Fairtrade product or endorsing Fairtrade at conferences.

“It was such an honour for Minuteman Press Bristol to be recognised by Fairtrade and a colossal surprise, entirely unexpected; hence the casual attire next to Nick!” commented Minuteman Press Bristol director Peter Wise.

“A huge thrill to meet the wonderful Nick Hewer and learn about his experiences with Fairtrade. I couldn’t resist confiding to him that The Apprentice is a lesser show without him”, his response so characteristically modest.

Poverty should not be permitted to exist in 2019, everyone can make a practical difference by supporting Fairtrade and purchasing Fairtrade products, helping provide an income on which producers can survive, build sustainable infrastructure and grow. Why wouldn’t you? Farmers are paid less than 75 pence per day, less than half the amount needed for a decent standard of life. 75 pence – how much did your coffee, newspaper or sandwich cost?

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Alice in (printing) wonderland

We are delighted to announce the arrival of our newest team member Alice Nutley!

“I have always been highly creative and surrounded by creative people; studying art and design was the natural progression. My studies began at Brighton City College and progressed at the University of the West of England, Bristol”.

Alice graduated in 2017 from the University of the West of England having achieved an upper second BA Hons degree in Graphic Design. Her studies were based at the Arnolfini, City Campus, Bristol.

“I’m inspired by and have a positive attitude toward everything; people and their actions are particularly interesting”.

Alice’s professional career, alongside academia has been in both retail and hospitality sectors.

“Every day is always different at Minuteman Press Bristol. Very interested in the projects people bring and what they’d like the project to achieve with our assistance; affords an interesting glimpse into their lives also”.

As Print Production Manager, Alice’s role includes overseeing digital and inkjet print production, plus the bindery and finishing department. In addition to getting her fingers inky, she is involved in graphic design.

“I appreciate all elements of creating encompassed by graphic design, photography, drawing etc. With graphic design you are always learning new skills… you can be designing for anything.”

But from where do Alice’s ideas originate?

“I’ve always liked David Bowie, his out there approach, always questioning everything, looking at challenges from a different perspective; good to be creative with a twist, think of alternative solutions. My ideas come from experiences but also from research, you have to do your research”.

“Alice brings a fresh perspective and extends the calibre of the Minuteman Bristol team. I’m so pleased she has chosen to remain in Bristol and join us. Alice is a welcome addition and is already adding great value to the solutions we provide for our treasured customer base” (Peter Wise, Director).

Alice’s adventures at Minuteman Press Bristol have been pleasurable. “I like being part of a close team in a nice atmosphere; a humble company with big and small clients”.

Every day is a new day with new challenges demanding original and creative solutions; in the words of Charles Dodgson, always be “Curiouser and curiouser!”

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Bristol’s Shakespearean printers

The Bristol Shakespeare Festival founded in 2003 is a resolutely established feature in the Bristol Summer event calendar. Visitors travel from far and wide to experience the work of the Bard of Avon performed in diverse beautiful venues which have included parks, farms, caves, taverns, oh yes and theatres!

Performances are delivered by an assortment of companies; professional to amateur, serious to tongue in cheek. An absolute must attend for all fans of William Shakespeare and his many acclaimed works.

Minuteman Press Bristol have been honoured to be selected to work with the Bristol Shakespeare Festival since 2014 and are delighted to have been appointed for a fourth consecutive season. Minuteman Press produce programmes, flyers, posters and more for the festival and for performing companies.

“We [Bristol Shakespeare Festival] use Minuteman Press Bristol for all marketing and print materials for the Bristol Shakespeare Festival. Their service is excellent, quick and easy, and they are able to assist with design elements where needs be” (Suzanne Booth, Artistic Director).

“The print is extremely high quality for a fair price, and I have never had a problem in the four years we have used them. We sometimes have to ask for things to be turned around quite quickly and the team will always endeavour to help where they can. I would recommend them for large and small scale print projects alike” (Suzanne Booth, Artistic Director).

For more information about the Bristol Shakespeare Festival have a nose around the website Bristol Shakespeare Festival.

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We won! Fairtrade Business Awards 2016

Hosted by ethical beauty and wellbeing expert, Liz Earle MBE and opened by Molly Scott Cato MEP the Fairtrade South West Business Awards 2016 were well attended by 68 shortlisted businesses at the prestigious At-Bristol Science Centre’s penthouse conference facility. Minuteman Press Bristol were thrilled to win outright Best Fairtrade Office 2016 (sponsored by the lovely people at Burges Salmon).

The ceremony was the culmination of Fairtrade Fortnight celebrations in the region. It forms part of the Sit Down for Breakfast, Stand Up for Farmers campaign, highlighting the fact that many farmers in developing countries provide food for us, but don’t get paid enough to feed their own families – an injustice Fairtrade seeks to redress.

Businesses that use and sell Fairtrade products make a significant contribution to reducing poverty in developing countries and helping achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Fairtrade also enables businesses to achieve transparency in supply chains demanded by the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Minuteman Press Bristol proactively support Fairtrade by purchasing food, drink and cleaning products, display Fairtrade promotional information, write blog articles concerning Fairtrade, support other Fairtrade businesses and so much more. We are all passionate about Fairtrade, its ethos and the wonderful work it does in highlighting global injustice.

All images provided by Jon Craig Photography.

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Minuteman Press Win Travelwest Sustainable Travel Business Award

From a final shortlist of five businesses, Minuteman Press have won the Travelwest Sustainable Business Travel Awards 2015.

The South Bristol graphic design and print enterprise Minuteman Press, a small family owned and managed business won two awards at the recent Travelwest awards, which were hosted by North Somerset Council on Weston-super-Mare Grand pier. The Bedminster based company operates with no motor vehicles, the entire team travel to work by train, bus, bicycle or on foot. All local meetings and deliveries during the working day are completed using bicycle and trailer, resulting in on time deliveries, avoiding traffic queues, no parking issues, off-road travel, no fuel bills and a positive impact on the environment.

Commitment to sustainable transport was unanimous throughout the business, all staff committed to the process and the fleet of bikes has grown rapidly. As a result the team exercise daily, experience fresh air and find the practice rewarding.

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The Travelwest Best Newcomer Special Award was presented on behalf of Minuteman Press to Peter Wise (Director, Minuteman Press) and Ryan Smith (Senior Graphic Designer, Minuteman Press) by Elfan Ap Rees (Deputy Leader, North Somerset Council) on behalf of Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Councils. Image credit and copyright Mark Simmons Photography.

The Travelwest Big Commuting Challenge Category Winner was presented on behalf of Minuteman Press to Peter Wise (Director, Minuteman Press) by Mike Rees (Chief Executive Officer, North Somerset Council) on behalf of Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Councils. Image credit and copyright Mark Simmons Photography.

Peter Wise (Director) said “We are thrilled to have won this award. It was honour enough to have been in the final shortlist. A small business in South Bristol turning words into actions, contributing to the environment in a positive way and in any weather”.

Further information on the awards is located here Travelwest Business Travel Awards 2015.

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Another Prestigious Award Comes Our Way

At Minuteman Press Bristol, we love to be recognised for our commitment. Especially when that award relates to an important principle which we have long since held and which we adhere to in our everyday business. In 2015 we have once again been awarded the Fairtrade South West Business Gold Award in the category of Best Fairtrade Office.

As it states, the award relates to Fairtrade, which is a simple and inherently ethical concept that relates to purchasing products direct from producers within countries which are economically poor. The guiding principle behind Fairtrade is that a fair price is paid for the products purchased, which is sufficient to cover production, the cost of living and factors such as education for children. Usually long term contracts are involved which then enable the producers to plan ahead, safe in the knowledge that a stable price will be paid.

Since its initial inception there are now in excess of 1,000 products that carry the Fairtrade mark within the UK, which include a whole menagerie of produce including tea, wine, beer as well as fresh fruit.

Minuteman Press Bristol’s involvement in Fairtrade began some years ago after discussions between the directors and the whole team, who universally agreed that the high ideals and excellent principles of morality, relating to the concept of Fairtrade, were an excellent fit for our own ethical stance in terms of product sourcing and utilisation. We actively promote the principles of Fairtrade within various facets of marketing, such as within our participation in Fairtrade events, and relevant elements of our online marketing, such as our website news.

Image by kind permission of Jenny Foster, Fairtrade network bristolfairtrade.org.uk. Image by the excellent Jon Craig joncraig.co.uk.

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It is Always Nice to be Appreciated in Life …

MumpreneurUK Silver

At Minuteman Press Bristol, one of our key aims is always to offer a professional service as well as knowledgeable advice and guidance, all of which are traits we engender throughout our business, including our website. As testimony to this, we are very happy to announce that our website has duly been recognised and awarded a Silver Website Award for 2014, by Mumpreneur UK.

Mumpreneuruk.com is a popular online resource that supports entrepreneurial parents and offers advice and guidance on a wide range of subjects. The website conducts annual awards for websites, which has become synonymous with excellent practice and presence. The award itself is judged by a panel of independent industry professionals and reviews aspects of the website including design, ease of use and navigation, to name but a few.

Our website was recently revamped, with the new improved version unveiled in January 2014. Comments from clients have been very positive. In terms of the website, a simplistic yet effective layout, ease of navigation and comprehensive informative content were the facets we wanted and this award recognises that we have achieved our aim.

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Deputy Mayor of Bristol Mark Bradshaw Visits

Minuteman Press Bristol were thrilled to host a visit from the Deputy Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Mark Bradshaw. Minuteman Press have been assisted on many occasions by Mark and his councillor colleagues. Mark toured the offices and production facilities at Minuteman Press Bedminster and received a presentation on Minuteman’s delivery strategy featuring a Volt Metro Electric bicycle and a folding Mezzo bicycle. Minuteman have already clocked-up 2000 environment friendly delivery and collection miles, since the switch to electric last year.

Mark whose responsibilities include transport was fascinated to learn that Minuteman Bristol deliver in an eight mile radius by bike; all of the team being involved. Traffic queues and parking are never an issue.

Whilst Mark visited he was pleased to present Minuteman Press Bristol with the Internet Business Awards prize for winning the 2014 category of Print and Publishing.

“We were so thrilled to receive Mark, he has been such a great supporter and champion of local business; a councillor with enthusiasm, conscience and vision that delivers on his promises” said Minuteman Press Director Peter Wise.

“I’ve been looking forward to visiting the Minuteman Press print centre and learning about their environmentally responsible transport measures; which I of course applaud!” commented Deputy Mayor Mark Bradshaw.

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South West Fairtrade Business Awards 2014

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The results of the South West Fairtrade Business Awards have been announced.

Minuteman Press Bristol were considered in the category of Best Fairtrade Office 2014; the results were presented by journalist and ethical expert Lucy Siegle of The Observer and The Guardian newspapers, at Bristol’s City Hall.

After careful deliberation the judging panel have awarded Minuteman Press Bristol with the Gold award!

Minuteman Press Bristol have always been committed to the philosophy and objectives of Fairtrade and where available purchase Fairtrade products. As the Fairtrade range expands Minuteman Press Bristol will be delighted to increase its purchasing of the spectrum of Fairtrade products.

The more UK businesses that support Fairtrade, the greater the impact that can be achieved; being in business should be about making a real difference.

Image by kind permission of Jenny Foster, Fairtrade network bristolfairtrade.org.uk. Image by Jon Craig joncraig.co.uk.

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Internet Business Awards 2014

Internet Business Awards 2014 500x385 NewsThe results of the UK’s most important B2B awards which celebrate UK online enterprise and recognise the finest B2B websites have been announced;  the results of the Internet Business Awards 2013-2014.

The awards are independent, impartial and objective; they assess criteria including website effectiveness, design qualities, best practice and customer service.

Minuteman Press Bristol had been shortlisted in the category ‘Print and Publishing’ and we are delighted to learn that the judges have voted Minuteman Press Bristol as the Winner!

The Internet Business Awards recognise ten online business sectors (automotive, building and property, business services, consultancy, energy and utilities, industrial products and services, logistics, print and publishing, trade supplies and retail-to-business, and wholesalers and distributors). Winners of other Internet Business Awards 2014 categories included Accenture, RS Components and Adept Vehicle Management.

Minuteman Press Bristol won the Internet Business Awards in 2011 (print and publishing category) and it was a particular delight to win again.

“It is a thrill to win a major award and the buzz that it has generated amongst the team is electric. What is doubly special is being recognised by external independent peers and judges which makes all the hard work just that little bit more worthwhile. We’ll not be complacent and continue to strive to maintain quality at competitive prices with an acceptable lead-time. My sincere thanks to the judges and all involved in the awards, we are thrilled recipients.”