Kite Packaging, a leading UK packaging distributor, has been awarded CSR Initiative of the Year at the 2024 UK Packaging Awards for their Management Degree Apprenticeship Programme. 

This recognition follows their win as Packaging Company of the Year in 2023 and further highlights their commitment to employee development and corporate social responsibility. 

The employee share-owned company’s apprenticeship programme has made significant strides in nurturing internal talent. In the past year, Kite has invested over £1 million in technical training, enrolling apprentices in degree courses at Sheffield Hallam and Aston University. Apprentices are gaining hands-on experience while studying for BSc (Hons) degrees in Packaging at Sheffield Hallam and Supply Chain Management at Aston, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and industry trends.

The judges praised Kite’s ongoing investment in its people, noting that the apprenticeship programme is integral to the company’s growth and innovation. One judge commented:

“Kite won Packaging Company of the year in 2023, and has continued its focus on its staff (…) [they] have made a bold statement that their people are their priority and their future. Not just training but also funding their people in degree courses at Sheffield Hallam and Aston universities to ensure future Kite leaders are being developed with high level skills.”

Gavin Ashe, Managing Director at Kite Packaging, said:

“This award underscores our dedication to investing in our people. Our apprentices are not just gaining academic qualifications; they are building the skills and insights necessary to lead the packaging industry in the future.”

Kite’s continued investment in employee education and training ensures the company’s long-term success while contributing to the broader industry’s development. The award solidifies Kite’s reputation as a forward-thinking company committed to sustainability, innovation, and corporate social responsibility.

For more information on Kite Packaging, please visit our home page.

To apply for our 2025 Packaging Professional Management Degree Apprenticeship intake at Sheffield Hallam, visit our careers page.