Andy Street Pays Tribute to Kite Packaging "A Hidden Gem in the Coventry Economy"

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street paid tribute to a business he called a ‘hidden gem in the Coventry economy’ during a visit to the city.

The former John Lewis boss was given a presentation on the history of Kite Packaging, based at Torrington Avenue, by Managing Partner Gavin Ashe as well as a tour of the site.

Kite Packaging, which was launched in 2001 as a ‘kitchen table start-up’, has similarities to John Lewis in that it has an employee-ownership philosophy, so staff get share benefits and can benefit from wider growth.

The Mayor was joined by Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hub Strategic Account Manager Phil Peak on the tour, which saw the two business leaders meet with staff and employees to discuss day-to-day operations at the main operational hub of Kite Packaging, which also has sites in Rotherham, Swindon, Letchworth, Sittingbourne, Portsmouth and Gateshead.

Andy Street said: “Learning more about Kite Packaging and meeting the staff has been a real eye-opening experience.

“The company is a real hidden gem in the Coventry economy and a true success story where staff have been involved every step of the way.

“The philosophy is something that you can really buy into as an employee and the business has grown partly because of this.”

Kite Packaging has become one of the largest distributors in the UK in recent years, with its massively successful e-commerce operation and waste compliance business also based at Torrington Avenue.

Managing Partner Gavin Ashe spoke with the Mayor and Phil regarding its businesses plans for the future, which includes expansion in the local area in order to meet growing demand.

Gavin said: “On behalf of all the staff and partners at Kite Packaging, we’d like to thank Andy Street for the time he gave us.

“It was great to be able to talk about the opportunities and difficulties that we all face.”

CWLEP Growth Hub Strategic Account Manager Phil Peak has worked with Kite Packaging for three years to help unlock support for growth opportunities and is striving to help them find suitable development land at the moment.

He said: “It was great for Andy Street to see what an ambitious, well run and successful company Kite Packaging is.

“At the Growth Hub, we are committed to helping businesses like this get to where they want to be through offering support and unlocking opportunities.

“Having already grown into an incredibly successful business, we believe we can help Kite Packaging move to the next level.”

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Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans.

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information. It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers. We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events. When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,