The four students took numerous photographs and film to show the rest of their class back at school. Gizela Daemi-Rashidi, their teacher, commented “It is so valuable for students to see how processes work and for students to get an appreciation of current industrial practices”.

The students all thoroughly enjoyed their visit and these are their thoughts of the day;

“The trip gave me a unique insight into the printing industry, giving me knowledge of processes and machine names. It was amazing.” – Tim

“It was nice to hear how conscious of the environment the print industry is. I was amazed to see all the machinery needed in printing and assembling of the books. The scale of production was huge.” – Jasmin

“The trip really gave me a better understanding of the print industry and how it can be a good career choice.” – Calum

“It was brilliant to see how the print industry contributes to helping the environment and how they try and recycle their materials. I was fascinated to see the various job of each machine.” – Maia

Many thanks go to all who supported the activities.

We would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year, from all the team at TJ International.

The fruits of TJ’s labours were widely represented; we didn’t quite do the double alluded to in a previous blog but Profile Books deservedly collected the award for Best British Book for Just My Type – it is a terrific book and along with SAPC who printed the jacket, we are proud to have produced it.

A small (but gratefully received) consolation for not collecting an award came in the form of a case of wine won in the printing charities’ gala raffle. It felt as though this was the most coveted prize of the night, as it drew to our table a relatively large and enthusiastic post-ceremony crowd, until they realised the prize would be posted out to us later and any chance of an immediate uncorking was scotched. In fact, winning alcohol in full view of a room full of printers and publishers brought its own test of dignity and resilience.

“Through great training you’ve got a vision of how things should be done,” said Training Manager Nigel Hawke, addressing the successful learners. “You’ve worked hard to achieve these certificates and we’ve already seen improvements here on the production floor as a result. Well done to you all.”

Autumn also heralds awards season, and having had notification that we have books shortlisted in the BPIF Book Production Awards, including the Book of the Year category, we are thrilled to be shortlisted at the Print Week Awards in the Environmental Printer of the Year and Book Printer of the Year categories; we find ourselves in exulted company in both categories but it would be great to see us prevail and Andy Vosper compete with Kate Winslet for most gushing acceptance speech of 2011.

Indeed there is an air of excited anticipation touching everything at Trecerus Industrial Estate (perhaps with the exception of the Arsenal supporters), and whilst the early kick-offs mean the rugby world cup is a bit of a sober, slow-burning affair, nearer to home we are honoured to be sponsoring the Wadebridge Camels Juniors this year and wish them all the best for the season. But should the home nations succumb to the southern hemisphere and the Camel’s cup run dry up, we may yet still be celebrating an industry double that would cap another successful year at TJ.

The book, by David Croft, tells how the author was involved in an accident while diving in Bermuda 30 years ago and became paralysed from the shoulders down, on the same day that he secured a place to fight in the world karate championships and inaugural world games.

Food for Thought aims to make eating out or at home easier for disabled people and supports two charities, Hospitality Action and Regain – The Trust for Sports Tetraplegics, which will receive £1 from the sale of every issue of the book.

The book is a combination of life story, karate, cooking and disability with 30 of the best chefs in Britain, including Gary Rhodes, Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay, contributing recipes and photographs.

TJ International were awarded the Seal of Excellence for Environment, at a special ceremony held at the House of Lords in Westminster, during BPIF’s Members day on 14th July 2011.

Angus Clark, Chief Executive, has no doubts about the merits of the seal TJ has won. “It’s the ultimate kudos,” he said, “the pinnacle of success that is clearly differentiating us from our competitors.”

Angus said he wanted to go through the process not just “to provide our clients with unassailable reassurance they have an extremely professional partner,” but also “to provide our people with the recognition they so richly deserve”.

Working towards getting the seal was not particularly arduous, partly because we already have competent systems in place. “Getting the seal wasn’t particularly time consuming or any more challenging,” said Angus. “It’s simply the way things are done at TJI – a reflection of a culture that’s deeply embedded in the business.”

The judges praised us highly on our entry and said the following; “TJ International continually improve their environmental performance even when you think there isn’t much more they can do. With excellent monitoring systems in place and meeting the challenges set, TJ demonstrated their commitment in identifying and reducing their environmental impact within their operation”.

Having been shortlisted in both the Environment and Health & Safety categories, Jon Sole, Cat Lawson and Nigel Hawke attended the awards on the 15th June. The awards ceremony took place at the glamorous Café de Paris in London, where entertainment was provided by comedian Mark Steele and rock band Bags of Rock. The awards showcase the most innovative and creative companies in print media and thanks go to all staff for helping to achieve this award, and for continually maintaining our high environmental standards.