The Launch - June 2008

On friday last, after a hectic week putting finishing touches to our two demonstration units and the marketing material needed, and a last-minute stress in actually moving the units (lessons were learned in respect to how contractors measure their vans is all I shall say on that!), we were finally ready.

The "steps to sustainability" event in which we were featuring, was organised by the Gatwick Diamond and was the first stage in efforts to gather local businesses of all sizes and engage them with local government representatives, SEEDA and other business experts to help promote and develop innovative ways for companies to introduce and maintain sustainability in the workplace.

The attendance was excellent and from our perspective we were able to put our proposition in front of many interested parties including vending experts BoxLogix, the former owner of CoffeeNation, Martyn Dawes, Sony (who have a large local presence) and the University of Brighton. Councillor Bob Lanzer of Crawley Borough Council also expressed interest and that was an important aim of mine, to get local support and backing.

I am immensely grateful to our supply partners, Nibbles, who brought literally tons of fantastic tasty sandwiches, snacks and salads; yet again I had to look at their superb food all day, but when I did get to eat some, it delivered the taste and quality I have come to expect and that matches our core values so well. They did a superb job and it was also great to have many of those involved in the project to date, including Andy, Duncan and Colin together to witness the final unveiling of the first Go4Fresh units.

I am hopeful that we will have placement partner sites for the first handful of units shortly; there was certainly the right interest and some great points on what we address for sustainability and health for employees were aired and discussed during the workshop sessions. Indeed, not one person in the room could come up with a reason as to why they would not buy from one of our machines and the possibilities in how we can arrange different payment options, incorporate subsidies and provide full audit data ticked many corporte CSR boxes.

We learned lots during the day and now have leads to follow up, planning and production to do but, for once, we have a small breather; having finally acheived what we set out to do in producing working demonstration units ready for production.

My heartfelt thanks go out to all past, present and future stakeholders and to the Gatwick Diamond for running the event. (better pictures to follow!)

How was it for you?