Print.IT Reseller - issue 79

01732 759725 BULLETIN 10 Konica Minolta listed in new £5m framework Konica Minolta has been listed on a new five-year framework from Liverpool City Council (LCC) for the provision of MFDs to Merseyside schools and local authorities. LCC’s central procurement office has launched the framework to drive forward innovation and deliver value for money, by providing the means to purchase products and services smartly and at best price. Jonathan Smith, Head of Public Sector Sales said: “Konica Minolta has been the sole supplier to LCC for the past two and a half years. We wanted to further engage in the community to help local schools and authorities benefit from a fixed contract and pricing agreement, in the same way that the council does. The partnership will also offer us the opportunity to attract potential new customers, who can be confident the delivery will be backed by the council’s pre- agreed SLAs.” During the tendering process, all potential suppliers were scored on quality and price. Konica Minolta received the highest scores across the combined thresholds to be the number one bidder. With a combined value of £5m in Liverpool alone, the scheme is also being made available for other areas in the North West including Sefton, Wirral, and Halton. Customers will benefit from pre-approved best pricing, a dedicated sales account manager, locally based support and fixed costs. www.konicaminolta.co.uk ETIRA calls for action The European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association (ETIRA) has issued a detailed response calling for amends to be made to the latest draft of the Voluntary Agreement for Imaging Equipment, released by Eurovaprint earlier this month. The association, which represents inkjet and toner cartridge remanufacturers across the EU, says it acknowledges the proposal is a ‘useful step forward’ but urges amendments to be made, outlining its suggested minimum changes. The aim of the draft Voluntary Agreement is to improve the environmental performance of imaging equipment products across the EU, through the creation of eco-design minimum requirements, supporting the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan. Javier Martinez, President of ETIRA, said: “ETIRA has always called for mandatory legislation to replace the Voluntary Agreement. In our view, only a mandatory approach can bring tangible and enforceable implementation of the goals defined under the Circular Economy Action Plan, because only a regulation is applicable to all market players.” www.etira.org Businesses prioritise environmental impact Three-quarters of business decision-makers say their organisation’s environmental and social impact has become more important due to COVID-19, and more than half (55%) are now paying more attention to these targets compared to six months ago. The new research from Epson also revealed that 82% have worked environmental considerations into their COVID-19 return to workplace and business recovery plans, with 29% of these fully embedding these considerations into their strategies. Respondents see clear benefits in focusing on reducing their environmental impact, citing more positive brand perception (81%), increased profitability (75%) and reduced operating costs (73%). The focus on reducing environmental impact will likely be seen as a positive move by employees, as 75% of workers say they are placing more importance on this than before COVID-19. Sustainability Manager Daniel Quelch, said: “The new world of work is characterised by growing concern for individual safety and environmental impact and companies need their strategies to align with these changing expectations. Now that businesses are enacting return to work and recovery plans, it’s essential to review operational strategies and technology portfolios to close any gaps that may unnecessarily expose them to negative brand perception, safety, security or productivity risks in order to prosper in this new working world.” www.epson.co.uk Ricoh and the B4IG coalition take action Ricoh has endorsed Business for Inclusive Growth’s (B4IG) roadmap calling for businesses and governments to coordinate their efforts to build an inclusive recovery. Launched at the G7 Summit in France in August 2019, B4IG is a global CEO-led coalition of 40 companies fighting against inequalities of income and opportunities. Powered by the OECD as its Strategic Partner, B4IG coordinates with governments to advance inclusive growth at both local and global levels. The group is committed to contributing to the SDGs, strengthening the ESGs, and regards diversity and inclusion as a priority area that should be addressed by all companies. As part of B4IG’s activities, Ricoh participated in a working group focused on bridging the digital divide to help communities that do not have adequate access to digital infrastructure, tools or skills. Together with the B4IG community, Ricoh will accelerate its efforts to resolve these social issues and support new ways of working by providing digital services, upskilling and digital training opportunities for vulnerable groups. www.ricoh.co.uk Javier Martinez Daniel Quelch