From quiet northerner to sustainability trailblazer

New niche and improved self-confidence. Participation in the Business Scaleup growth program has meant a major shift for the Örnsköldsvik company Kinab.
- "We have always known that we can do it, but we have gone from being a silent Norrlander to taking the initiative and explaining that our skills are needed," says Annica Jonsson, CEO of Kinab.

Kinab is a full-service provider for recycling environments. They create fresh, functional recycling environments through cleaning, maintenance and consulting services.

- In the past, the focus has been more on washing and cleaning, but with new legal requirements regarding recycling, we have realized that we should focus even more on consulting services and contribute with our knowledge," says Annica Jonsson.

Providing knowledge

In 2024 the municipalities took over responsibility for recycling stations and in 2027 there will be new legislation on kerbside collection. The new legal requirements require expertise in sorting and logistics that not all municipalities and municipal companies currently have.

Kinab has always had an ambitious approach to sustainability but is now aiming even higher.

- We have gone from thinking about how to work with our own company on sustainability to starting to work with it externally. Thanks to our participation in the program, we have realized that our knowledge can make others become more sustainable and that we can help in a larger perspective. By helping others do the right thing, we contribute to a more sustainable future," says Annica Jonsson.

Help on the growth journey

Kinab's customers are municipal energy and recycling companies, housing associations and shops all over Sweden. In recent years, they have expanded by almost 50 percent and felt that they needed help on their growth journey. Therefore, they chose to attend BizMaker's Business Scaleup program. The program is based on Navigator Scaleup's proven method and starts with a mapping of the company. Then the company is assigned four experts, so-called coaches, who are selected uniquely based on the individual company's need for external expertise.

- It is a privilege to participate. Even though we as a company have a lot to do, it's a win-win situation to be involved. The coaches we have are absolutely outstanding. It has been so valuable to stop and reflect, get these control questions and to have experts in different areas to call and consult. We are extremely pleased to have been included in the Scaleup program," says Annica Jonsson.

Kinab is now in the fourth and final phase of the program, which is designed to suit micro and small businesses looking to grow.

- It's cool to see the journey that Kinab is making right now. There are a large number of companies in Västernorrland with the potential and desire to grow but who do not do so for various reasons. It may be due to lack of time or competence in certain areas. And this program is for such companies, says Pelle Berglund, business advisor and process manager at BizMaker.