HotSeat: Kiron Phillips, Business Development Manager at Great Central Plastics

Great Central Plastics Ltd, based in Northamptonshire, in the heart of the UK, is a leading manufacturer of injection-moulded products. It specialises in creating custom plastic solutions with a strong focus on sustainability. Known for its adaptability and innovative approach, the company excels in working with sustainable materials and quick-turnaround projects, thanks to its efficient processes and extensive expertise. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility, Great Central Plastics continues supporting diverse industries, offering reliable and forward-thinking solutions.

Today, Kiron Phillips, GCP’s Business Development Manager, gives insight into the company’s journey and future ambitions in the PlastikMedia HotSeat!

What trends do you think will shape the future of UK plastics? How will Great Central Plastics respond?

The future of UK plastics will be driven by the growing focus on sustainability and evolving regulations. Consumers increasingly demand eco-friendly solutions, a shift mirrored by legislative efforts to reduce environmental impact across all sectors. UK injection moulders who can provide innovative, genuinely sustainable products will likely do well. Key trends we predict include advances in recycling technologies, adopting biodegradable materials, and developing more efficient, low-waste production methods.

At Great Central Plastics, we have been proactively preparing for this shift. We’ve made significant investments in developing a comprehensive range of sustainable injection moulding solutions. By enhancing our expertise and refining our processes, we’ve established strong foundations to lead in sustainable moulding. Looking ahead, we are committed to driving continuous innovation, ensuring our products not only meet but exceed sustainability expectations, helping to propel the UK plastics industry towards a greener future.

How has Great Central Plastics developed during your tenure?

We are proud to represent the next generation of Great Central Plastics. The business was originally focused on the promotional industry, manufacturing products for magazine cover mounts, events, and similar applications. However, a combination of shifting perceptions around plastics and the impact of COVID-19 led to a rapid decline in this area.
In response, we adapted by leveraging our business model, which is designed for quick tool and material changes. This flexibility has allowed us to seamlessly transition to working with sustainable materials while maintaining the efficiency and adaptability that have always been our strengths.

We have also built strong relationships with some of the world’s leading suppliers of sustainable materials, giving us early access to new compounds before they become widely available in the UK. This advantage enables us to provide our clients with exclusive opportunities to stay ahead of their competition by incorporating these innovative materials into their products.

What do you credit as the key to your success?

That’s a difficult question to answer because, honestly, we don’t feel we’ve achieved success yet—not in the way we envision it. We see ourselves as being in the process of building towards a long-term vision of success, which we believe will take shape over the next 5–10 years.

If we had to pinpoint what has driven us so far, it would be our belief in the future we’re working towards. This belief has guided every decision we’ve made, from investing in sustainable materials and innovative technologies to building a resilient and adaptable business model. It’s about having the foresight to anticipate market trends, the courage to embrace change, and the determination to pursue a vision even when the path isn’t always clear.

We also credit our team’s ability to adapt and evolve. By staying flexible and forward-thinking, we’ve been able to pivot during challenging times, like the decline of traditional promotional plastics and the disruptions caused by COVID-19. This resilience, paired with our commitment to sustainability and innovation, has laid the groundwork for what we believe will become a successful and future-ready business.

What has been the greatest challenge in your career?

The greatest challenge thus far has undoubtedly been facilitating our management buyout (MBO) while simultaneously addressing the evolving challenges facing our industry. The MBO was a pivotal moment that required intense focus, strategic planning, and a commitment to preserving the company’s legacy while planning for its future.

One of the most significant hurdles has been navigating the growing demand for sustainability in an industry that faces significant public and regulatory scrutiny. Plastics have become a contentious topic, with widespread stigmas around their use and environmental impact. We had to work hard to redefine our business model to align with sustainable practices and ensure we could deliver genuinely eco-friendly solutions while maintaining profitability.

At the same time, broader economic challenges—including the instability brought about by COVID-19 and fluctuating market conditions—added layers of complexity. Managing these competing priorities required resilience, adaptability, and a clear vision of where we wanted the company to go. It’s been a steep learning curve, but these challenges have also driven our growth and reinforced the importance of innovation and forward-thinking leadership in achieving long-term success.

What advice do you wish you’d had on entering the industry and does that differ from the advice you would give to an apprentice joining now?

As someone still relatively new to the industry, I’m not sure I have a definitive answer about the advice I wish I’d received when I started. The truth is, I’m still learning and adapting every day. Perhaps one piece of advice that would have been helpful is to embrace the complexity of the industry from the outset. The plastics sector is incredibly dynamic, with constant advancements in materials, technology, and sustainability practices. Knowing that continuous learning is essential would have prepared me to stay curious and open-minded from day one.

For apprentices entering the field today, my advice would be not to underestimate the potential of this industry. There’s a wealth of knowledge and expertise in traditional polymer processing and tool-making that forms a solid foundation for learning. However, the real opportunity lies in bridging the gap between traditional methods and the future of plastics.

With the rapid growth of bio-polymers, advances in sustainable materials, and technological developments in tool-making, the industry is transforming. Those who can develop skills in these emerging areas will be in high demand. This is a pivotal time to enter the field, as the convergence of sustainability and innovation is creating exciting career pathways. By embracing the evolving nature of the industry and staying ahead of these trends, apprentices can position themselves as the next generation of leaders in plastics manufacturing.

What hidden talents do you have?

I’m not sure I have any ‘Hidden Talents’ but outside of the world of plastics, I like to enjoy various aspects of fitness. I recently hung up the rugby boots after 20 years of playing for various local clubs. I coach the U10’s at my local club, go to the gym, do the occasional 5k or 10kr run and embark on various hikes with my dog, Mila. If you’ve been to our site you’ll know well!

Great Central Plastics
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