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Thursday, 24 October 2019

It's been a while....Ecostudio update


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I’m probably not alone in feeling that posting to a blog can feel like a lonely occupation and for me it often slips down the list of priorities when running a small business. However, catching up with a few clients recently and generally feeling rather ashamed about the website looking a bit tired, has kicked me into action.

After 10 years or so at the leading edge of the sustainability field things do, at last, seem to be moving forward. We're nowhere near being a mainstream business agenda yet but with critical legislation being passed, corporate social responsibility and consumer demand driving change and stimulating growth it certainly feels like we're in a good place.

The website will be developed, but for now, here’s a quick update on things that have been happening at Ecostudio over the last few years (not mentioning the birth of my daughter):

We’ve renewed our focus on helping food and drink businesses and policy makers move away from single use packaging. Buoyed by the ‘blue planet effect’ and recent consultations around Extended Producer Responsibility, Plastic Tax and Deposit Return Schemes and so on. I was invited to host a Zero Waste conference with Food Centre Wales last year alongside speakers from Marks and Spencer, Volac, Pennotec and Natural Weigh. The event drew a sell-out crowd and initiated a series of sustainable packaging workshops that I have lead.

I’ve also been invited to speak at the Policy Forum for Wales Keynote Seminar about the Circular Economy next month, following a talk I gave for them last year. We’ve been working alongside Frith RM in reporting to WRAP and Defra on mandatory on-pack recycling labelling.

Iain Cox (left) chairing a panel discussion at the FCW Zero Waste Conference
The Sustainable Business Review – online self-assessment tool for food and drink businesses is now reaching critical mass and we maintain links to the Welsh Government and have supported them in the development of their Sustainable Brand Values that will encourage Welsh food and drink businesses to embed into their processes

We’ve been supporting social enterprise and charities to put sustainable practices in place through our work with Social Business Wales. We’re also working on a professional development programme for land based businesses, more to follow on that. Not to mention our sustainability training masterclasses that are helping business gain advantage from the growing demand for sustainable brands, products and services.

All in a days work…or so.

Friday, 9 June 2017

Food and Drink Wales plan for green growth in food manufacturing available now

Food and Drink Wales plan for Green Growth in food and drink manufacturing has been published this week following a launch by Jane Hutt at the recent Taste Wales conference.

'Doing Better Business - Opportunities for Welsh Food and Drink Manufacturers in Responsible and Green Growth' is written by Iain Cox of Ecostudio, with Welsh Government officials from Food and Drink Wales and with support from the industry.

This business-friendly publication sets out how the Welsh Governments intention for an environmentally and socially responsible food and drink sector is bringing commercial advantages to Welsh food manufacturers.

Iain Cox the publication's author and Director of Ecostudio says:
"The UK marketplace for sustainably produced food and drink provides Welsh businesses with opportunities for growth. Driven by an increasing consumer appetite and new legislation, buyers from retail, wholesale and the public sector are actively seeking suppliers that can help them meet this growing market demand.
This was worth £8.64billion to the UK economy in 2014, up from £6.6billion in 2010*
Doing Better Business illustrates how the Welsh Governments plans for green growth are being put into practice by leading Welsh food and drink manufacturers and it gives a practical insight for how food and drink manufacturers  can take advantage of new opportunities for growth."

Contact / further information:
Iain Cox
08452 696105

This publication is available to download on Business Wales website by clicking here


Saturday, 11 February 2017

Food businesses wanted for international publication

Sustainable food is worth £8.64billion to the UK economy. 

Driven by increasing consumer appetite and new legislation, buyers from retail, wholesale and the public sector are actively seeking suppliers that can help them meet this growing market demand.

Ecostudio is preparing a publication for the Welsh Government to promote how innovative food businesses profit through brands, products and services that benefit the environment and local communities.

We are seeking up to 10 food businesses from Wales to be included in this publication.

This is a free promotional opportunity. Please get in touch before 5pm Friday 17th February 2017

Contact:
Iain Cox
m: 07827 815876
e: iain@ecostudio.org.uk

Friday, 18 November 2016

Iain Cox wins Sustainability Champion award!


Thursday, 27 October 2016

New report available: How Community Food Co-ops make a positive contribution to future generations.



Since 2004 the RRU Community Food Co-ops programme in Wales has provided healthy and affordable food to those that most need it – whilst providing much needed access to market, and a straightforward distribution for an increasing number of regional growers and local produce. 

Run as a social enterprise and volunteer led there were over 300 co-ops active across Wales in 2016. 


The programme was established with Welsh Government funding to deliver multiple policy objectives on health, poverty and rural development. It is closely aligned with the goals of the Well being for Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. They strive to ensure their operational activities and strategic decision making is environmentally sound and socially responsible. 

Ecostudio has worked closely with the team to develop an award winning 10 point sustainability plan. This has enabled them to monitor, evaluate and improve their performance whilst demonstrating a return on investment that adds value to the community benefits that they are established to deliver.

Our report provides a summary of this work to date. It can be downloaded here.


Wednesday, 26 October 2016


Tuesday, 11 October 2016

Iain Cox, Founder of Ecostudio, shortlisted for Sustainability Champion Award!

It's an honour to be on a shortlist of 3 for Sustainability Champion of the inaugural Sustain Wales Awards.

To get this far is a real boost to me personally and acknowledges the contributions of all that have been involved since I set up Ecostudio in 2008.

If you'd like to vote for me please do so here: http://www.cynnalcymru.com/sustainability-champion-2016/

If you'd like to find out a little more about me before you decide please read this article: http://www.mywelshpool.co.uk/viewerheadline/ArticleId/11801