We’re excited to share that for this month, our Charity Committee has donated to four incredible organisations!
Firstly, Chris decided to donate to Changing Lives At Carrington, a fantastic organisation that began rescuing animals in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic led to a dramatic increase in the need to save, care for and rehome stray and privately homed small animals. Since then they have successfully rehomed more than 1,600 animals with even more pending on our waiting lists! The money we donated will be going towards the vet bills for these furry friends!
Andy Byrne‘s chosen charity, Ribble Rivers Trust works tirelessly to protect and enhance the River Ribble and its surrounding environments. Their efforts include habitat restoration, wildlife conservation, and community engagement programs. By improving water quality and promoting biodiversity, Ribble River Trust ensures the river remains a thriving natural resource for both wildlife and local communities.
We also donates to our Production Manager Mark Rhodes, who completed the Mighty Hike in the Lake District this Saturday to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support! Mark finished the 25 mile hike in 7 hours!
Finally, we donated to Alzheimer’s Society, as Mark Rhodes, Jessica Judd, and Ruth Aluko each ran 50 miles in 30 days to raise money! They ended up raising £1,450 together for a brilliant cause!
We’re thrilled to have concluded a successful Surfex 2024 exhibition, where we had the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and showcase our products and services.
We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Orbital | Design. Print. Web. Design for their exceptional design skills, which brought our brand to life at the exhibition. Their creative vision and attention to detail were invaluable in creating a memorable experience for our attendees.
Additionally, we’d like to thank DD Exhibitions for their outstanding work in building and installing our stand, as well as their insightful suggestions and expert guidance on how to make our stand visually stunning and structurally sound. Their input helped us create a truly impactful presence that exceeded our expectations.
Most importantly, we would like to thank each and every one of our visitors who took the time to stop by our stand and learn more about our offerings. We appreciate your interest in what we do and look forward to staying in touch.
Surfex Ltd 2024 was an excellent opportunity for us to network, build relationships, and showcase our capabilities.
We are thrilled to share some incredible news with all of you – we have been honoured with not just one, but TWO prestigious awards that truly reflect our core values and unwavering commitment to our community, employees, and the environment!
Health & Safety in Manufacturing Award 2024 & North West Family Business Judges Award 2024.
Winning the Health & Safety in Manufacturing Award at the highly competitive and prestigious The Safety & Health Excellence Awards is a testament to the dedication of our team in ensuring the well-being of everyone who steps foot into one of our manufacturing facilities.
“Surpassing some larger, more well-established nominees is a recognition of the steps we’ve taken to improve safety standards and create a secure work environment for all.”
And that’s not all – we are also proud recipients of the Judges Award at the North West Family Business Awards 2024, celebrating the heart and soul of family-run businesses and the incredible people who make them thrive – they are the lifeblood of the UK economy. This award reflects our deep-rooted values, our amazing team, and our strong connection to our community and the environment. It is a recognition of the whole team at Rakem Group, who were acknowledged on the night with this special award.
“These awards are not just trophies on a shelf – they represent the essence of who we are and the spirit of everything we stand for. They serve as a reminder of the positive impact we strive to make every day, not just in our business but in the lives of those around us.”
We at Rakem Group would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who nominated and judged us. We recognise that we could not have achieved this without the tireless dedication of our team, the unwavering support of our community, and the shared vision we all hold dear.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being part of this incredible journey with us.
Technical support is key to business success – helping your business to solve product challenges, research new industry opportunities or solutions, and thoroughly test new formulations before launch. And it’s more important than ever today, with companies across the construction ecosystem needing to focus on increasing sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
If you’re one of the many businesses that are short on time or resources and are looking for a reliable external technical partner, it’s essential you find the right company to work with. In this guide, we cover: ● Rakem Group’s company values and how they support technical excellence ● An overview of the Technical Support Service team at Rakem Group ● And we meet the team you’ll be working with You’ll see how technical support delivers results across the Rakem group of companies – and how we can help your business too.
Technical support from an industry leader
Since Rakem was founded in the 1990s, we’ve grown to become a well known and respected group of brands, dedicated to solving a wide variety of chemical challenges through a combination of technical expertise, cutting-edge equipment, and quality service. As we’ve grown, so has our experience and expertise, with many of the Rakem Group companies now ISO 9001:2015 certified.
Today, we run a team of research and development chemists operating across two state-of-the-art labs, dedicated to helping us and our customers to deliver even greater business success. But it’s more than our resources. At the Rakem Group, we’re proud to have a culture of innovation and success that runs through everything we do. We focus on three priorities as we run our business:
Delivering value to people through innovation and compliance.
Delivering value to the planet through increased sustainability and environmental awareness.
Increasing profit – using our product ranges, people and technical expertise to help our customers to greater business success.
Our Values
● Family. We’re more than a team. People are the heart of our business, a community that thrives on creating solutions from a collective care and commitment and shares a passion for innovation. ● Fun. Innovation drives us and family binds us, but it’s the fun and passion that defines us. We believe in celebrating every challenge and taking delight in every solution. ● Integrity. We’re committed to upholding the highest standards of performance and compliance, and our business thrives on trust and transparency. We simply don’t cut corners, and if we were to make a mistake, we’ll own it and make it right. ● Innovation. We make sure we’re always at the forefront of new opportunities, addressing and surpassing our customers’ biggest challenges, as well as continually adopting new and better ways of running our own business too. ● Friendly. We don’t just serve our customers, we build lasting relationships with them. We value every interaction, and our commitment to quality is matched by our warmth and approachability. Meet your team Our highly experienced R&D and Technical Support Services team is a perfect example of our brand values in real life: a carefully curated group of talented, curious and inquisitive chemical scientists, having fun as they work across the Rakem Group to deliver innovative R&D and business solutions. We’ve found and invested in some of the best people in the industry, making sure their skillsets cover a wide range of areas and knowledge. But we also trust them to know what they need to succeed both now and in the future. For example, we continually invest in the latest technology for our R&D lab, but if the team wants to experiment with something particular, we love hearing their requests for new or different equipment. Giving people the freedom to try new things encourages them to continue driving forward to discover new possibilities.
Here’s the people you’ll be working with.
Alistair Sharp, Group Technical Services Manager Alistair leads Rakem Group’s Technical Support Service, helping every individual to develop new strengths and achieve their best. He’s a passionate believer in exceptional product quality, and ensures that sustainability is a fundamental part of the team – and wider Group – strategy. He backs this up with extensive construction chemical experience and years working with the Rakem Group. Like the rest of his team, Alistair is brilliant at unravelling complex challenges and enhancing our customers’ products, so you can absolutely trust them to solve any of your industrial chemical challenges.
Usman Rasul, Chief Chemist (Construction) Our chief chemist Usman is our technical expert, finding solutions to the problems other people can’t solve. He has a PhD in Biological Chemistry but also huge amounts of cross-sector industry expertise, bringing the Rakem Group years of experience from the pharmaceutical and nuclear sectors. He is obsessed with R&D and loves our well-equipped labs. He’s highly intelligent and very proactive. And one of his favourite things is finding innovative, sustainable solutions to customer challenges and achieving product perfection for our own portfolio. He’s just right for us.
Scott Tilley, Chief Chemist (Coatings) There are many reasons to love Scott. A time-served chemist, who has over 20 years experience working in the coatings sector. Scott developed and honed his expert skill-set working for a global leader in coatings additives. We know we can give him anything to look into, whether it’s construction products, water-based or paint/spray applications, or in fact anything else, and he’ll find a way to reliably test it and deliver the results. He’s an essential part of our offering to customers and to the Rakem Group business – well-tested solutions with results you can rely on. Scott’s communication skills are legendary too – he generates the perfect report to make his findings easy for our commercial teams and customers to understand.
Stephen Headley, R&D Technician Ste has a great instinct for the art of the possible. He came to the Technical Support Service after years of working in our production team. He’s also worked in quality control for a number of Rakem Group companies. It gives him a unique insight into how it all works and makes him a key part of the technical team, supporting Usman and ensuring the quality of our products. Ste is particularly passionate about the R&D part of his role – he loves the challenge of solving the problems he’s given.
Mohammed Saif, Apprentice R&D Technician Saif is the newest member of the Rakem Group’s research and development team. As an apprentice R&D technician, Saif helps to support Scott with the work he does testing and delivering coatings R&D and Technical Support Services projects. Saif already shows the Rakem values, approaching projects with passion and enthusiasm and with a great appetite for learning.
Andy Byrne, Business Support and Compliance Manager Andy is a bit of a legend. He’s well known throughout the chemical industry, and there’s not much he hasn’t worked on during his time in the Rakem Group. He’s the original mastermind behind the Technical Support Services team, responsible for identifying the skills and competencies we needed to deliver innovative R&D and recruiting the experts you’ve already met above. Today, Andy’s role extends beyond the technical team, but he’s alway ready to bring them his experience, skill and passion.
Find out more
The Technical Support Services team works across the Rakem Group companies to make sure our customers get the best, most innovative solutions to their challenges. Explore all our businesses and see how we can help you here
If you’re looking for a new chemical supplier, chances are you’ve been let down by your current provider. Maybe they’ve had a price increase or there’s been a quality or supply issue. Of course, price, quality and continuity of supply are vital. But what else should you look for in your next supplier? We set out nine vital questions to ask when choosing your new chemical supplier.
Question 1 – will this business truly understand my company’s needs?
While many companies aren’t able to share a customer list due to strict confidentiality rules, you need to feel confident they’re experienced with a business like yours.
They must be able to tailor their services to meet your specific requirements. This could be in terms of providing technical support, flexing volumes or understanding the importance of on-time, in-full delivery. Look out for case studies on the company’s website for insight into how they work.
Question 2 – is this company’s product range right for my business?
In an ideal world your potential new supplier will have an up-to-date website that’s easy to navigate so you can quickly find out whether they supply what you need. The chances are, to start with, you’ll dip one toe in the water by purchasing a single product. But nobody wants one supplier per chemical used. So it’s worth checking out the provider’s full range up front to see if they can provide you with additional chemicals in the future. Helping you streamline operations and reduce administration at a later date.
Question 3 – do their costs fit with my budget?
Cost is key. But that doesn’t always mean the cheapest provider is the right one for your business. It’s a balancing act, with quality, continuity of supply, product range and other aspects – like technical support, flexibility and reliability – to consider too.
Question 4 – can they reliably and flexibly meet my supply needs, now and in the future?
As a manufacturer, you’ll likely want multiple chemical suppliers so you can stay ahead of any supply challenges. This makes it vitally important to assess whether a potential new supplier has the capacity to meet your demand. Not only now, but into the future. Because, as your business grows, you want to be sure the supplier can scale to your needs.
With manufacturing uptime so key, you’ll want a new chemical supplier with a 100% on-time, in-full delivery record[1] . And, in an ideal world, they’d also be flexible enough to meet varying volume needs. So find out whether they’re willing to deliver half-loads if you were to have a slowdown in production or your warehouse is crammed full. Finding a chemical supplier with a flexible approach could be godsend down the line.
Question 5 – does the chemical supplier offer technical support, R&D and product development services?
There are many situations when technical support could be indispensable for your manufacturing process. For example:
If something’s gone wrong with a product’s formulation or performance.
If you need to reduce costs without impacting performance.
You need help to understand something better – from product formulation and sustainability solutions to regulatory issues.
You want to develop a new product or expand into new markets.
Your technical team needs extra support.
For any of these situations, it’s vital to have access to top-notch technical expertise. Yet only some suppliers have technically trained commercial teams who can answer technical queries up front. And even fewer chemical suppliers offer support from highly experienced sector experts as part of their offer. Look out for businesses that provide this level of technical support – it could be the defining factor in helping you perfect your product formulations.
Question 6 – how do they maintain consistent quality standards and meet deadlines?
The obvious certifications to look out for are ISO9001, ISO45001 and ISO14001[2] . Which cover quality management, health and safety management and environmental management respectively. You’ll also want to ensure your potential new supplier has a robust internal audit system that helps it stay on track and ensure everything is traceable.
But quality goes beyond ISO and systems. Think about the team of people the business is built around. Does the company have leaders and employees with significant sector experience? And what’s the reputation of key people like? Doing some digging in this area will give you the confidence to decide who to move forwards with.
Question 7 – is this company financially secure and invested for the long-term?
Rakem Group’s Operations Director, Steve Bunker says: ‘I’m not a great fan of using credit checks alone to decide if a company is financially secure. The numbers that are assessed to determine a credit score tend to be nine months old. And, as we know, so much can happen in that period’.
Steve recommends trying these additional tips in addition to credit checks:
Take a look at Companies House to check:
Company accounts – ideally you want your supplier toshare its full company accounts rather than abbreviated statements. If the ‘re only abbreviated, you should be able to obtain a full set from your supplier if they want to work with you.
Directors’ track records – see how many companies they’ve been involved with and be mindful of any failed businesses on their records.
How old the company is – be mindful of phoenix businesses, especially where failed companies reappear in a different guise soon after closing.
Visit the company’s website – you’re looking for a site that’s regularly updated with recent news stories and articles that actually help customers rather than just selling the company’s products.
It’s also imperative that you actually visit your supplier in person. To at least verify what you’ve learned from your online research but also to fulfil your obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
‘All of this gives you a reasonable steer’ says Steve.
Question 8 – will this company be a good cultural fit for my business?
Take a look at a potential chemical supplier’s company values and any other information about how they work. Then, when you speak with them, make sure they demonstrate these values when they interact with you.
Companies that are confident in their approach will be happy to complete supplier questionnaires as part of the procurement process. As well as on an ongoing basis because they can demonstrate high standards and continuous improvement.
They’re also happy to open the door and welcome you over the threshold because they’ve got nothing to hide.
Question 9 – do their sustainability and corporate social responsibility standards match or exceed yours?
Aligning your business with like-minded suppliers has become increasingly important in recent years. Look for companies that make a difference beyond their own front door, for example:
Find a chemical supplier that can respond to all nine of these questions in the right way and you can be confident they’ll be a great fit for your manufacturing business.
Compliance can be a strategic tool that – properly understood and applied – can be used to improve your business. With an ever-growing jungle of chemical legislation and regulations impacting the chemical industry, it can be tempting to turn compliance into a tick-box exercise. But we believe compliance doesn’t have to be all stick and no carrot. Our experience shows compliance can be an exciting opportunity to drive better business practices – enhancing efficiency, saving money, inspiring innovation, and enabling business growth.
1. Protecting people and our planet
Compliance with health and safety and environmental regulations like EPA, REACH, UK REACH, CLP, GB CLP, COSHH, CDG, DSEAR, BPR, COPR ensure our industry protects the health and safety of workers, consumers and the environment.
2. Meeting your legal obligations
There are numerous legal requirements governing production, handling, transportation, and the disposal of chemicals and packaging. Compliance helps companies avoid repercussions such as fines, lawsuits, and sanctions.
3. Protecting your reputation
Non-compliance can damage a company’s reputation, leading to loss of trust among customers, prospective customers and business partners. Adhering to compliance standards demonstrates a commitment to ethical business practices and responsible stewardship.
4. Minimising risk
Compliance programmes help identify and mitigate safety and environmental risks. By implementing best practices and adhering to regulations, companies can minimise the likelihood and impact of adverse events.
5. Changing macroeconomic/legal business context
The EU is introducing a range of regulations and measures – including through its circular economy action plan (CEAP) and legislation like the new EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The UK will introduce UK CBAM by 2027. This changing business landscape is setting new standards for chemical-using businesses to meet.
Compliance-driven benefits for your business
1. Cost savings
Compliance usually involves upfront costs for things like putting safety measures in place, getting permits, hiring in expertise or training employees. But, ultimately, ensuring regulatory compliance saves money by helping you avoid costs like these:
Product recalls – the wrong additive in a formula or incorrect labelling could trigger a product recall. Whether voluntary or compulsory, this would be a costly blow that could be avoided.
Fines and legal fees – engineering firm Kier was taken to court in 2023 by the Health and Safety Executive resulting in a fine of more than £4m and almost £90,000 in costs. Breach of the UK REACH regulation could result in an unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years imprisonment.
Reputational damage – breach chemical legislation in the UK and your company and Directors could find themselves on the HSE’s public register of enforcement notices or public register of convictions which could spell big trouble for your company when trying to attract and secure business.
Lost-time incidents and sickness absence – HSE data shows the cost of workplace injuries and work-related ill health to UK businesses was £20.7bn in 2021/2022 alone.
Saving money through compliance isn’t all about the stick – because governments often provide compliance carrots in the form of tax incentives. The UK government has a range of environmental taxes, reliefs and schemes for businesses which can save significant sums for manufacturers if rules are followed correctly.
2. Enhanced efficiency
Compliance frameworks often necessitate documentation, training, and regular audits, which can improve organisational efficiency and accountability. By standardising processes and ensuring clarity in roles and responsibilities, companies can operate more smoothly and proactively identify areas for improvement.
By prioritising compliance, we’re forced to look at everything we do. This helps drive continual improvement and a preventative approach which, ultimately, further reduces costs.
“Working towards relevant certifications, such as ISO9001, ISO45001 and ISO14001, is a great way to help identify the areas where your business can improve its compliance,” says Andy Byrne at the Rakem Group. “Certifications also give you a great way to show your customers that your business meets high standards.”
3. Market access and expansion
Many markets require adherence to specific regulatory standards for chemical products to be sold or used. Compliance facilitates market access by ensuring products meet regulatory requirements, enabling companies to expand their customer base and explore new business opportunities.
If your business doesn’t have a regulatory team or product development team, it’s vital to partner with suppliers that can support you in these areas. “The best suppliers don’t just share technical data sheets,” says Andy. “They have deep chemical industry regulatory compliance knowledge which helps them advise and guide your product development and ensure compliance across multiple countries.”
4. Innovation and sustainability
Compliance encourages companies to adopt environmentally friendly practices and develop safer, more sustainable products. By investing in research and development to meet regulatory standards, businesses can stay ahead of competitors and align with evolving consumer preferences for environmentally responsible products.
Embedding good compliance practices in the chemical industry not only helps companies fulfil their legal obligations and safeguard against risks but also fosters a culture of responsibility, innovation, and long-term sustainability.
Be able to quickly access data on the scope one, two and three carbon emissions of your entire manufacturing supply chain.
Develop a winning combination of compliance and innovation and your company will leverage the opportunities presented by the new era of sustainability.
Regulatory compliance that makes business sense
It’s vital to find ways to comply with your legal and regulatory obligations in a way that works for your business. From improving efficiencies and savings costs to driving innovation and growing your business. Going beyond a tick-box compliance mentality will pay dividends.
If you’re looking for a compliance-first chemical supplier that can bring all these benefits and more to your business, get in touch with the Rakem Group.
