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Searching for microbusinesses to help

Lyreco, the European leader and third largest distributor of workplace products and services in the world, has launched a new initiative dubbed the Lyreco Goodness Microbusiness Support Programme. Offering a helping hand to microbusinesses in the UK and Ireland that align with the company’s CSR and environmental credentials, a total of 10 successful applicants will be offered a bespoke business support package in a bid to support a vital part of the economy. 

The initiative aims to back ambitious microbusinesses that provide products and services in a similar field to Lyreco; namely PPE, hygiene, catering supplies, office furniture, IT and workplace technology and general office supplies.

Launched as the focus of the world looks to COP26 to deliver on climate change promises the company is looking to play its part in supporting microbusinesses that have the same commitment and align with the CSR and environmental credentials it follows.

Bespoke support

The 10 successful applicants will be offered a bespoke page on Lyreco’s web-shop, marketing and communication support, a free catalogue listing of up to 10 products or services, preferred payment days and ongoing business support. While difficult to calculate the financial value of the support package to a company, it is estimated to be worth over £20,000 and will provide microbusinesses with a badly needed support package after the pressures they have been under throughout the past 18 months.

David Harman, Lyreco WISE Director of Product and Services

David Harman, Lyreco WISE Director of Product and Services, explains how the idea for the initiative came about:

“Microbusinesses are an essential component of the UK economy, but for many business owners, the pandemic has had a devastating impact. This in turn could have a detrimental effect on employment and the resilience of our communities. Now more than ever, microbusinesses need access to support and resources that will empower them to thrive in the post-pandemic economy. The main challenges faced by microbusinesses include access to funding and support, employment and HR, marketing and communication, and, crucially in a post-pandemic world that has seen a major shift online, a lack of digital skills - and that’s where we hope to help with the Lyreco Goodness Microbusiness Support Programme.”

Representing more than 2.1 million businesses and 33 percent of employment in England, microbusinesses have seen substantial growth over the last decade. However, a recent report featuring data from the Office of National Statistics shows that during the pandemic, microbusinesses were the most impacted business size, with nearly 10 percent more facing temporary or permanent closure.*

Andrew Bryers, Lyreco WISE Head of Corporate Social Responsibility

Andrew Bryers, Lyreco WISE Head of CSR, comments:

“The Lyreco Goodness Microbusiness Support Programme has been developed to support our community and equip microbusinesses with the digital tools and skills necessary to grow their businesses. While I urge all microbusinesses in the UK and Ireland to apply, we are particularly interested in hearing from those able to demonstrate their environmental credentials, such as climate change targets and reduction of plastic within products; any initiatives around social responsibly, such as charity support, diversity and inclusion strategies, and supporting local communities; and companies providing environmentally friendly products or services.”

Green initiatives

Lyreco UK & Ireland is known globally for its strong CSR strategy and green initiatives, such as its commitment to becoming completely Carbon Neutral by 2030 and clear focus on doing the right thing for its customers, people, communities, and planet. Discovering and then supporting companies with a similar mindset offers a great new way of extending these efforts while supporting a vital part of the economy. Since 1926 Lyreco has been a responsible partner for businesses, supporting their day-to-day working life. Lyreco is a company that provides everything needed at work, regardless of whether the workplace is an office, home business, warehouse or a building site. More than just a workplace solutions company Lyreco is a partner in its customer’s performance, helping customers consolidate suppliers, reduce costs and contribute to a more sustainable future.

A member of the UN Global Compact since 2004, Lyreco operates primarily as a socially and environmentally aware, responsible business. The group directly operates in 25 countries in Europe and Asia. Lyreco’s 10,000 employees share a common mission: to be pioneers in delivering sustainably what any workplace needs, so that it’s people can focus on what matters most.

The Lyreco Goodness Microbusiness Support Programme is open now and remains open for a total of three weeks, on 21st November. Click here to apply:  online.lyreco.co.uk/msp3

Learn more about Lyreco at www.wearelyreco.com

Economic Growth report for the LGA from Shared Intelligence, 10 May 2021*

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