5 minute read
Q1 has been a busy and positive start to 2026 at SMI. We’ve focused on aligning our strategy, supporting our communities, and continuing to develop solutions that help our customers.
Alongside this, we’ve celebrated achievements across the business and recognised the people behind them.
Here’s a look at what made the first quarter such a strong start.
Our annual Strategy Day for our office-based teams took place in January, bringing colleagues together from across the UK to focus on the year ahead.
It was a chance to step back from day-to-day activity, reflect on progress so far, and align on the direction that will shape 2026.
Congratulations to Charlotte Harvey, one of our employees of the year. We hope you enjoy your £1,000 prize!
ESG continues to shape how we operate at SMI, with Q1 already delivering progress across sustainability, community impact, and industry recognition.
2026 is already off to a strong start, with recognition received for two awards from the Acquisition International Magazine 2025 CSR Awards.
SMI was proud to be named:
This recognition highlights the continued progress we are making across social responsibility, sustainability, and environmental initiatives.
We were thrilled to be nominated at the Edie Awards 2026, alongside our brilliant partners at Doc Cleaning Limited for ‘Partnership and Collaboration of the Year’.
We were also nominated for ‘Consumer Engagement and Behaviour Change Initiative of the Year’, highlighting the impact of our ESG booklets and certificates in driving awareness and positive change.
The evening itself was a great opportunity to celebrate progress across the industry, share ideas, and connect with others driving sustainability forward.
We were proud to attend The Rosemary Foundation Spring Ball this quarter, continuing our long-standing support for a charity that means a great deal to many across SMI.
Every ticket, table, and toast helps fund the vital palliative care the charity provides to families who need it most.
Q1 saw continued engagement from our employee volunteering scheme, with teams across SMI giving their time to support a range of initiatives across the UK.
We’ve set an ambitious target, aiming to reach 400 volunteering hours across all sites by the end of the year.
This quarter included:
These initiatives continue to reflect the kind nature of our people and the importance we place on giving back where we can.
This quarter, we were proud to spotlight our long-standing partnership with The Co-operative Group, which has now spanned over five years.
Our work together focuses on delivering flexible, reliable PPE and workplace solutions across multiple sites. This helps to support operational efficiency while keeping colleagues safe and equipped for their roles.
A key part of this partnership has been collaboration.
From sourcing and offering product trials through to adapting quickly to changing requirements, the approach has always been centred on practical solutions that work in real environments.
This quarter saw the launch of our new AQUASHIELD+ range of waterproof working gloves, designed to support teams working in tough, wet, and cold environments.
The range has been developed to deliver grip, durability, and protection where it matters most, helping your team stay safe and productive in challenging conditions without compromising on performance.
Built with a double-coated construction, AQUASHIELD+ helps prevent liquid penetration while maintaining flexibility and control.
Each style in the range is designed for specific tasks, offering a balance of protection and usability across a variety of sectors.
A key focus for us is continuing to make the MY-SMI® portal simpler, faster, and easier to use for customers.
The latest improvements have been shaped directly by customer feedback and focus on making everyday tasks more efficient.
Key updates include:
Together, these changes help customers find what they need more quickly and manage orders with greater ease.
I couldn’t be prouder of the hard work across all departments, sites, and projects so far this year.
We’ve got an exciting few months ahead, with new case studies, continued improvements for our customers, and a pipeline of new product innovations on the horizon.
Thank you all for your continued support and commitment. Let’s keep building on this momentum and make 2026 another strong year for SMI!
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