Recycling

We have been recycling our card & paper now for some years, however during 2009 we will be linking up with another local sign supplier to recycle a product called di-bond that has become ever more popular within the industry.

Although there is waste within the sign industry we are making every effort to minimise what actually goes in the bin, and endeavour to educate our customers on the most economical and environmentally friendly base products we have at or disposal. We are working closely with our suppliers to utilise both card and PVC materials that have already been recycled.

Staff Training

At CIM we have re-invested in the people that help us build our reputation for us. We appreciate that although we  have built a great reputation for CIM, we cannot sit still and therefore we truly understand the importance of both internal and external training for everyone who works within the business.

All our staff have undergone training courses to ensure we improve and grow as a company. For external training we have sent staff on vehicle wrapping courses approved by Avery at Dynamic Digital Imaging and Cox plastics. We have also utilised the services of BCTS (Broadland Council training services) and Jarrold training for motivational and organisational skills.

We have at least one work experience candidate per year and intend to build strong links with Sprowston High School during 2009. We try to give the candidates a full overview from the design and computer work, through to production and even hands on application to panels and vans. We endeavour to give them an insight into a busy working environment that also has a creative end product.

Due to our open plan office and vibrant team atmosphere, during their two weeks with us they certainly won't have an easy holiday or get to take a backseat. We hope that anyone who undertakes work experience with us will understand the strong work ethic we hold at CIM whilst having fun and ultimately gaining an insight into the sign and graphics industry.

Re-investment

At CIM we have always wanted to produce and finish our products in-house as much possible to control costs and lead times of production. As we saw a growing demand for full colour graphics on shop-fronts, windows and vehicles, it became impossible to continue to out-source this part of our business. During 2000 we invested in vinyl plotter cutters and 2002 saw the introduction of our full colour HP water based ink jet printer. In 2004 we invested in solvent print and cut machinery that would lend itself to all manner of applications and we were very specific in the machinery purchased, on reflection it was the perfect solution to all our requirements.

2008 was a great year for CIM, this saw us show our commitment and intention to be at the forefront of the graphics companies in Norwich and the surrounding region; with the purchase of a UV direct flat bed machine to reduce labour time and pressure on other in-house machinery. The same year we moved in to our new industrial unit, purpose built to our own specifications. Working in conjunction with Tilia properties, a local company specialising in bespoke industrial buildings, who have helped us design & create what is one of the most iconic premises on the trading estate.

Our new industrial unit has allowed us to successfully complete fleet branding for many companies, increase our production and workshop areas to allow a smoother work-flow and provide a great working environment for all our staff, something very different to our starter home for the last 8 years. Although the new premises has great aesthetics, the more beneficial factors of it being economical to run and the perfect size for growth over the coming years are what we are really pleased with.

Community Responsibility

Norfolk Wildlife Trust

We have been a supporter of Norfolk Wildlife Trust for the last 8 years both by an annual membership and we support at least 1 or 2 golf days per annum.

Manor Park FC

We have sponsored a Norwich football team for the last 3 seasons who are in division 1b of the Sunday district league, playing at Bayer Crop Science social club in Hellesdon, Norwich. We supplied this seasons kit in bright orange tying in with our corporate brand.