As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s time to reflect on the remarkable achievements and milestones that have made this year truly special for A R Richards Ltd. From significant contributions to the community to expanding services and embracing sustainability, here’s a glimpse into the highlights of our year.
Sleepers for Sweet Dreams
Our commitment to quality and excellence in service reached new heights in 2023 as we proudly supplied over 82,000 sleepers to our valued customers. When laid end to end, these sleepers cover an area equivalent to around 1,957 full-size football pitches, providing a foundation for countless sweet dreams.
Newport Show Triumph
Returning to the local agricultural scene after the challenges posed by the pandemic, our team worked tirelessly to make the Newport Show a grand success. The dedication of our employees, the support of our customers and suppliers, and a bit of healthy competition all concluded in winning the prestigious Best Large Trade Stand award. We plan to mirror this achievement in the coming year and look forward to creating more memorable event experiences.
Paving the Way for Success
A noteworthy addition to our merchant offerings this year was introducing a display area, boosting sales in aggregates and paving ranges. Looking ahead, 2024 promises a new trade counter and shop front to showcase innovative products and enhance our customer experience.
Fields of Plenty
Our agricultural endeavours in 2023 covered over 24,000 acres of grass, whole crops, maise silage, and 2,500 acres of combinable crops. With the baling and wrapping of over 34,000 square and round bales and 26,000 straw and hay bales, we take pride in contributing to the production of the food that graces your daily meals.
Expanding Bin Rounds
In the Euro Bin department realm, A R Richards celebrated a significant milestone by expanding our bin rounds to three rounds a day, five days a week. Starting with just two rounds a week, this achievement was made possible through the hard work of our wagon drivers, sales team, and office staff. We are thrilled to have increased our customer base, extending our services to new areas such as Wrexham, Oswestry, Chester, and Uttoxeter. Our plan for the future is to maintain this momentum and ensure all our customers receive exceptional service in 2024.
Waste to Energy Sustainability
Our commitment to environmental responsibility shines through as we brought in over 40,000 tonnes of waste to Bensite in 2023, equivalent to 2,920 Big Bens. We’ve generated enough electricity to power over 4,700 homes by processing non-recyclable materials for waste-to-energy conversion—a testament to our dedication to sustainability and a greener future.
Safety First: Online Courses for All
Prioritising the health and safety of our team members, we have successfully completed nearly 1,000 online courses across all staff members. These courses cover a wide range of topics, excluding site management courses for managers, third-party training for plant/machinery operation, abrasive wheel training, and more. Looking ahead to 2024, our focus is on CSCS course qualifications, reinforcing our safety commitment, and maintaining the CHAS Elite standard for the third consecutive year.
Skip to Success
In response to the growing demand from our customers, we invested over £200,000 in new skips over the last 12 months. This substantial investment resulted in a remarkable 21% increase in our total skip count. Expanding our skip inventory allows us to accommodate new and existing customers better, ensuring prompt and efficient waste management solutions.
Waste Management Excellence
A R Richards Ltd has significantly increased its commitment to responsible waste management, handling a staggering 24% more waste through our sites this year. This accomplishment underscores our dedication to sustainable practices and reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal.
Diversifying Services in 2024
Looking towards the future, 2024 holds exciting prospects for A R Richards Ltd. Our goal is to extend our waste handling services to include man & van collections, confidential waste disposal, clinical waste management, and a broader range of hazardous waste categories under our permit. This strategic expansion enables us to effectively handle diverse waste streams encountered in the years ahead, reaffirming our position as a comprehensive waste management solution provider.
As we celebrate these achievements, we extend our gratitude to our dedicated team, loyal customers, and valued partners who have played a pivotal role in making 2023 a year of success for A R Richards Ltd. With a commitment to safety, sustainability, and service excellence, we eagerly anticipate the opportunities and challenges that 2024 will bring, confident in our ability to continue positively impacting our community and beyond.
