Principle-Before-Profit Is Good For All, Says North West Entrepreneur

WARRINGTON, U.K. - June 13, 2016 - PRLog -- CYNICAL business experts might find it hard to believe but North West entrepreneur Mark Brocklehurst is proving that his principle-before-profit policy is an effective means of boosting business for the Sharples Group, the copier/printer company he heads-up in Warrington.

Since adopting a policy, based strictly on responsible and ethical business, MD Mark and business partner David Griffiths have seen annual turnover climb to a very healthy £3.2 million and staffing grow to 26 as the 38 years old business goes from strength to strength.

Earlier in the year the company's unique approach to business was officially recognised when it won 'The Most Responsible Business Practice in Cheshire 'Award in the prestigious High Sheriff of Cheshire Enterprise Awards.

But what exactly is Sharples principle-before-profit policy all about? We asked 54 years old Mark, a former Royal Navy aircraft controller who joined the company in 1988 to explain.

"Principle-before-profit is all about people - our staff and our customers in all areas of the business. Getting your customers on-side is crucial for any business," explained Mark. "And the best way to do that is to keep them informed and to share the benefits. It is also wise to keep your customers fully up-to-date with your charitable activities because most will really appreciate your actions.

"On the environment we absolutely talk-the-talk and walk the walk when it comes down to looking after our planet," explained Mark, who lives at Standish near Wigan with his wife Tracey and 11 year old son Tom. "We have been a Carbon Zero accredited company since September 2014 and are always looking at ways to reduce our carbon footprint.

"To offset the element we can't avoid, we donate £50 for every Copier/Printer we supply. This initiative provides a free energy efficient stove to families in Kenya that halves the amount of wood which would otherwise be needed. We have now provided funding for 712 stoves and other clean water projects.

"On the home front our clear message to customers is helping them to reduce print wherever possible. We do this by education and rules-based software which encourages users to think before they print. We have supplied two free Eco friendly copiers to local primary schools that allow the toner to be erased so the paper can be reused again and again; this engages our young people with a sound ecological viewpoint at a pivotal age.

"In addition we supply free recycling boxes to all our customers that allows toner cartridges etc. to be recycled."

Sharples were a founder signatory to the Warrington Climate Change Declaration and are always vocal in environmental debates.

The company is also recognised for channelling all their efforts into their people so they can become the best they can be: "We strongly believe that if we look after our team they in turn will look after our customers," explained Mark. "We have a relatively small number of staff but with an average 12.5 years employment across the team, we believe they endorse our culture with their loyalty."

In a bid to encourage healthy wellbeing, the company subsidises sporting events and last year had 12 Sharples team members compete in their first ever triathlon. However, it is Sharples community and charitable work which really makes them stand out. In the last four years they have raised nearly £500,000 for North West based charities and have set up the Sharples Charity Committee to investigate worthy causes.

Some of the North West based charities to have benefitted from Sharples generosity includes: Warrington Wolves Foundation, St Roccos, Brainwaves, Joseph's Goal, Bolton Lads and Girls Club, Warrington Youth Club and many more. Fund raising challenges have included Zip Wire Slides, Triathlons, Three Peak challenges, hiking and, of course, the much publicised 3,000 mile rowing crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in which Mark Brocklehurst was one of the four brave rowers.

Mark expects to be back in action later this year when he is due to take part in a new world record bid. He is going to ride his road bike up and down a hill non-stop for 72 hours in order to beat the current world record which stands at 48 hours.

For further information about Sharples Group click onto www.sharplesgroup.com

ENDS