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Simplelifeco: local business providing eco-friendly packaging is supported by UKSPF funding

Posted on : 05 Sep 2024

Simplelifeco is a local business that assists micro businesses across the UK, helping to ditch the use of single-use plastic by supplying 100% compostable and eco-friendly packaging and mailing supplies.

Simplelifeco was founded in 2019 and currently employs 3 people. The business is heavily invested in the environment and is already part of the FSC Chain of Custody group and have successfully completed our B Corp Impact Assessment and are awaiting certification. Certified B Corps meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance and are a new kind of business, balancing profit with people and the planet.

The project outlined in the assessment has strong ties with the Welsh Government's programme for a greener, fairer and sustainable economy.

The business currently has good links with DPD, Royal Mail, Fed Ex and other similar companies for supplying compostable packaging and mailing supplies.

Simplelifeco has received help from Jodie Thomas, a mentor from Caerphilly Council’s People & Skills Programme. Jodie visited Simplelifeco as they were looking to take on a warehouse operative for 16 hours per week. The scheme helped take care of the recruitment process finding Simplelifeco suitable candidates with the skills the business needed. The People & Skills Team also provided follow-up support and funding to supply appropriate work clothing.

Sarah Gaze, CCBC International Trade Officer, has supported Simplelifeco with an international trade grant that allowed them to launch in the EU 2 years ago, supplying their products to France, Italy, Germany and Spain.

Simplelifeco received £5000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This grant was dedicated towards Simplelifeco through Caerphilly County Borough Council’s intervention of UKSPF funds. The grant was match funded by the company for staffing and an advertising campaign on Amazon that allowed the company to trade all over the UK and France.

Beth Keeble, Director at Simplelifeco, commented "We can't contain our gratitude towards Caerphilly Council for their unwavering support and guidance throughout the past year! A massive shoutout to Lauren, Sally, and Sarah - the unstoppable dream team - for being our champions and propelling us forward with their infectious energy and dedication. Their tireless efforts have enabled us to welcome our new amazing team member Sam Treble, who has brought fresh perspectives and skills to our business. We can't wait to embark on an exhilarating journey ahead, fuelled by our passion to grow and thrive in the EU market. Let's make this year the greatest one yet!"

Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Cabinet Member for Prosperity, Regeneration, and Climate Change said “It was great to meet with and to speak to new employee, Sam, about his experiences since becoming employed through the Council’s People & Skills programme. We were told about how Simplelifeco will help businesses eliminate plastic and adopt sustainable shipping practices. This very much aligns with the Councils approach to becoming net zero by 2030.”

Find more information on Simplelifeco and their products on their website: https://simplelifeco.uk/

For more information on available business support, or if you have any queries, please contact:

Business Enterprise Renewal Team, Tredomen Business and Technology Centre, Tredomen Park, Ystrad Mynach, Hengoed, CF82 7WF

E-mail: business@caerphilly.gov.uk | Telephone: 01443 866220

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