Yippee

I'm delighted to say we got through the Forest Stewardship Council FSC and Programme for the endoresement of Forest Certification PEFC audits today. This means that we will now be certified to sell paper products bearing these logos. I am particularly pleased because I have two daughters out in Indonesia and illegal logging is causing major problems there. I like the fact that it will mean tracking paper properly and making sure that people in other areas of the world are treated well and the paper is from sustainable sources.

Shelter Box

Instead of sending Christmas cards we donate money to charity. For the last couple of years this has meant we have donated oxen, beehives, goats etc to some of the poorest people on earth. I think this is better use of money and I am sure our customers would agree.

In Helston, Cornwall there is a particularly worthwhile charity called Shelter Box. They send tents fully equipped for up to 10 people to survive - full information is on this website. www.shelterbox.org/box

This year we have chosen a local charity basically because it is Cornish but helps in the worse hit areas of the world. I hope that we can help in Bangladesh because I travelled there 3 years ago and the people are great even though they constantly face disasters.

Run up to Christmas

Steve has been sending out emails to remind our customers not to get caught out in the Christmas rush. Every year customers tend to leave ordering later and later. This is really noticeable in the direct mail industry. Trouble is that all those goods have to get with their end user before Christmas. Please don't get caught out yourself.

I have just had a couple of weeks in Singapore where the weather is a constant 32 deg except for the deluge of monsoon rain in the afternoon. But it's great just to be able to wander around and put on a coat to go into the stores where the air con is so cold.

Asia is certainly going to be the powerhouse of the next 50 years. Technology and education is an absolute must and there is huge competition to get on.

Great news from Claire

Claire had a baby girl born 28th July at 12.11am early Saturday morning. The baby weighed 8lbs 2oz and is called Lucy Elizabeth. That's quite a coincidence because one of my daugthers is called that too!! Great minds think alike.

The rain has stopped here today and at last some sun is shining through.

New faces at KCS Trade Print

Claire is leaving us to go on maternity leave. We wish her and her new family well. She has been brilliant at getting things done in the accounts department. Lynn has joined Pat in the accounts department and will be dealing with any of your queries.

Debbie Japes has returned to The Office at KCS after her recent globe-trotting jobs with Virgin. But hey, it just got so boring jetting off here and there. She's returned for some real excitement with us. Let's face it - what does Miami have to offer we can't supply.

Chris, one of our press operators, is getting married on Saturday. The reception is in Newquay. Yes, the surf, sea 'n sand place. He's praying that the sun might come out.

Kev, in our finishing department, is celebrating his birthday (19). I know you can all remember that birthday!

Cornwall - a great place to do business

I was delighted to be voted top business woman in the Cornwall Business awards 2007. Two of my judges were past Governor of the Bank of England, Eddie George and Tim Smit, founder of the Eden project.

Cornwall is a great place to do business. There are many innovative companies here - working globally.

Why not visit us at KCS Trade Print - how about a Friday followed by lunch at Rick Steins at Padstow or Jamie Olivers restaurant, Fifteen.

You can then visit the world famous biomes at the Eden Project. The latest James Bond film features it!

Then as we are famous for sun, sand and sea you could spend the rest of the day lazing around!

You can fly from Gatwick and Stansted it takes about 40 minutes straight to Newquay. We will get you.