Pulse launches New Sustainability Webinar Series

By Sarah Shannon

We’re excited to launch our new sustainability webinar series and we’d love you to join us on Zoom for Insightful Conversations and practical takeaways!

Our series of monthly sustainability webinars are designed specifically for professionals tackling sustainability and compliance challenges in business and free to attend! Whether you’re passionate about environmental issues, exploring sustainability strategies for your organisation as it faces tougher compliance regulations, or simply curious about making a difference, our webinars will provide you with the insights, tools, and inspiration you need.

Register Today for ‘How ESG & CSRD Are Shaping Tomorrow’s Businesses Webinar at 1pm on Thursday 10 of October.

Meet Our 2024 Speakers & Save the Dates

1. John Curran – 10th October, 1 PM

John Curran is the Managing Director and Principal Consultant at Blue Planet Consulting Limited, a sustainability and ESG strategy advisory business he founded in 2021. With more than 20 years of experience as a senior leader and non-executive director in the Sustainability & ESG space, John has led large strategic transformation projects across a variety of sectors, including retail, aviation, technology, healthcare, engineering, financial services, and more. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, advising boards and senior leaders on navigating the complex Sustainability & ESG landscape, offering practical guidance on policy development, strategy, and implementation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from an expert who has hands-on experience across multiple industries: Register Today for ‘How ESG & CSRD Are Shaping Tomorrow’s Businesses Webinar’

Register today

2. Mark Kane – 1pm on 14 November 2024

Mark Kane is the CEO and Co-Founder of Sustainabil-IT, a company focused on accelerating sustainability through technology. With a background in technology and renewables, including a global award from ICMG/Zachman for his “Sustainable Digital Transformation” program, Mark is at the forefront of sustainability’s intersection with technology, offering a suite of SaaS 2.0 solutions that support everything from strategy and education to carbon management and reporting. As a faculty member at the Institute of Sustainability Studies and currently co-authoring “Digital-Led Sustainability” with the award-winning author of best-seller “Digital Made Simple” David Galea, Mark has a deep understanding of how digital transformation can drive sustainable business practices, making him the ideal speaker and advisor for companies looking to leverage technology to achieve their sustainability goals.

3. Aisling Connaughton – 1pm on 12 December 2024

Aisling Connaughton, Co-founder & Sustainability Solutionist at Cyd Connects, will bring a fresh perspective to our series. Cyd Connects is a women-led sustainability consultancy that specialises in creating sustainability roadmaps, helping businesses become a force for good. A certified B Corp and participant in the UN Global Compact, Cyd Connects aims to make sustainability not just effective but also fun and inspiring. Aisling’s career spans over 18 years in sustainability, marketing, and communications, having worked with major brands like Huawei and Liz Earle Beauty Co. She also shares her insights as a TEDx speaker and guest lecturer at leading universities, bringing clarity and innovation to the often complex world of sustainability.

Stay Tuned for More!

Each of our webinars will offer a deep dive into crucial topics, practical tips, and inspiring discussions on how we can all contribute to a more sustainable future. These are just the first of many guest speakers who are experts in the field of sustainability and broad range of topics to come from BCORP to sustainability trends, so keep an eye on our website and social channels for updates and registration details.

So get ready for thought-provoking sessions, expert insights, and strategies that will help your business stay ahead in the evolving sustainability landscape.

We look forward to having you join us!

Register Today for ‘How ESG & CSRD Are Shaping Tomorrow’s Businesses Webinar’

Register and we will send on the webinar recording too!

Powerhouse Addition: The new face on Pulse Market Board

By Sarah Shannon

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We are delighted to announce the newest addition to our Board, Anthony Carey. Anthony’s impressive track record on Boards combined with his wealth of experience in the financial services sectors promise to bring invaluable insights and guidance to Pulse as we continue to scale up our business.

Anthony Carey commented: “I am excited to have the opportunity to join the Board and work with the team at Pulse Market. The company is well positioned for success as it continues its journey on bringing innovative solutions to effectively manage the challenges of supply chain vendors whilst also assisting clients in addressing their “outside in” Sustainable Scope 3 data efforts.”

Anthony Carey’s background

Anthony Carey’s career has spanned three decades in international banking. He has held prominent roles at Statestreet and JPMorgan in both “C suite”and board director positions. With a strong foundation in Executive and Independent Non-Executive capacities, he has contributed his expertise across various European jurisdictions.

Furthermore, Anthony’s commitment to the industry is demonstrated by his past involvement as a board member and Chairperson of the Dublin Funds Industry Association (now Irish Funds). He is also a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and a member of both Institute Of Directors In Ireland and the Irish Funds Directors Association.

Pulse Market CEO, Michael O’Shea added: “I’m thrilled to welcome Anthony Carey to the Pulse Market Board, a pivotal moment in our journey. Anthony’s remarkable leadership experience as COO at State Street EMEA adds invaluable financial and strategic expertise essential to advancing our venture. With him on board, we’re poised to drive innovation in procurement and supplier management software, all while championing responsible business practices.”

Here is a snapshot of Anthony Carey’s impressive career:

Career Summary

Serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director approved by the Central Bank of Ireland (PCF-2B) since 2022.
Worked at Statestreet Bank as an Executive Vice President in Investor Services from 2008 to 2020.
Held the position of Senior Vice President in Investor Services at JPMorgan Bank from 1990 to 2007.

Notable Board and Governance Roles:

Currently, Independent Non-Executive Director at a regulated Irish Payment Services Company .
Former Executive member at various banking and asset servicing licensed entities at Statestreet and JP Morgan in UK, Italy, Ireland and Poland.
Served as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Euroclear Bank SA/NV.

Anthony Carey’s extensive background in banking, fintech, and various board roles makes him a valuable addition to our team. His knowledge and leadership will play a crucial role in Pulse Market’s continued success.

We’re looking forward to working with Anthony and appreciate the fresh insights and expertise he brings to our team. Meet the rest of the team.

5 mistakes to avoid when engaging suppliers

By Sarah Shannon

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For every successful procurement project, there are as many or more unsuccessful projects that run into common pitfalls. The critical success factor to engage suppliers effectively is to identify and avoid common mistakes early on in the process. In this article we identify 5 mistakes to avoid and why it matters.

Consider this scenario – you’ve been asked by your boss to put work out to tender which involves engaging existing suppliers and reaching out to new possibilities. As procurement is not your day job so you want to move forward quickly and get on with your day to day job. Yes? However, you know taking your time and doing it correctly will save you a lot of headaches further down the line. That’s why understanding and mitigating common supplier engagement blunders is paramount for your procurement success.

Let’s explore the 5 mistakes to avoid when engaging suppliers; recognising them can help ensure you stay on track and reward the contract to the supplier that is right for your business (and avoid bumpy relationships down the line).

MISTAKE #1: Finding the Right Balance in Requesting Documents

When asking for proposals or information, it’s important to provide the right amount of detail. Too little information can lead to an inadequate solution, while too much detail can limit creativity. Striking the right balance allows solution providers to showcase their abilities while also encouraging innovation.

MISTAKE #2: Involving the Whole Organisation

Leaving the specification process solely to technical staff can result in overlooked usability and process flow elements. User satisfaction is crucial for a successful solution. So involving users from various departments ensures better buy-in from all stakeholders for the final choice.

MISTAKE #3: Considering the Full Solution

Don’t just focus on the product or service solution itself. Instead evaluate the implementation and support aspects as well. Without skilled implementers or proper support, the project could face delays or not meet expectations. Building strong relationships with suppliers is key to long-term success.

MISTAKE #4: Ignoring Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Don’t base your decision solely on the initial price. Consider the overall cost of ownership over several years, including hardware, maintenance, and training expenses. Understanding the TCO is essential for making an informed purchase decision.

MISTAKE #5: Planning for the Future

Don’t overlook future needs and technological advancements. Make sure the product or service solution can adapt to changes and integrate emerging technologies. Scalability is crucial for staying competitive and avoiding costly re-implementation.

By recognising these common mistakes and taking proactive steps to address them, businesses can improve their procurement processes and make better decisions that align with their long-term goals and provide maximum value.

Discover our Procurement Platform designed by procurement professionals – loved by buyers and suppliers. Book a Pulse Procurement demo today here

Embracing the circular economy: shaping a sustainable future

By Sarah Shannon

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Circular economy is the hottest topic in sustainability right now. So what is the circular economy?

Unlike the dominant linear economy of a ‘take, make, consume and bin’ the circular economy revolves around three principles:

keep products and materials in use
cut out waste and pollution
foster regeneration of natural systems

Circularity is mostly touched on in conversations with nods of the heads agreeing that it is the right thing to do. Today, not enough businesses are embracing the circular economy.

The good news is there are businesses leading the way. Organisations like Lenovo computers, Volvo cars, Ikea and Adidas are leaving behind the destructive linear economy and embracing the circular economy to reduce consumption of raw materials, carbon emissions and reduce waste.

A faster transition requires a systematic shift in the way businesses think and design products following the three principles outlined above. It also requires a fundamental shift in the way individuals consume products and services to influence change. According to European Parliament every European consumes an average of 14 tonnes of raw materials per annum and produces 5 tonnes of waste.*

*https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/video/x_V007-0034

What is holding businesses back?

Businesses are held back from making the shift either because they don’t know where to begin or fear the short term costs to shift business operations and processes.

Instead, now is the time to think differently – look to the long term savings for the business and of course the safety of the people and our planet.

Benefits of the circular economy

From the all important environmental perspective it reduces resource extraction, lowers levels of pollution and minimises wastage.

For the businesses embracing the circular economy they are experiencing numerous benefits such as:

Stimulating innovation
Attracting investment/funding
Gaining competitive advantage
Creating new business opportunities
Enhancing brand reputation
Generating job opportunities
Saving on costs of materials
Boosting the bottom line

However, achieving a circular economy requires collaborative efforts from governments, businesses, and individuals. A company can’t work on its own to achieve a circular economy. Achieving a successful transition to a circular economy requires collaborative efforts from governments, businesses and individuals. By considering each third–party partnership carefully and ensuring suppliers share the same sustainability goals they can work together to transition faster. That’s where your responsible sourcing team can play an influential role as they armed with the knowledge and tools to select suppliers that meet sustainability standards.

Discover more about procurement best practice to free up precious time to focus on your strategic goals. Visit Procurement Best Practice

https://pulsemarket.com/procurement-best-practice

Rising to the Net-Zero Challenge:

By Sarah Shannon

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Key Considerations for SMEs Competing in Tenders

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 5.5 million businesses that drive innovation and job creation in the UK economy. But they also have a significant impact on supply chain carbon emissions, making them a target for accountability under Scope 3 regulation.

To address their own indirect carbon emissions, Tier 1 organisations are turning to their suppliers – the majority are SMEs – to account and report their carbon emissions. Consquently winning business in a net-zero emissions world presents challenges for smaller businesses, but it’s not impossible to overcome, in fact it can present opportunities. In fact SMEs are getting higher up the prefered supplier list because they can demonstrate sustainability credentials unlike their larger competitors.

In this blog, we’ll share 4 key considerations for SMEs and procurement professionals eager to bid for business and win by showcasing their sustainability efforts.

1 Understand Tender Requirements

The first step for SMEs competing for tenders in a net-zero world is to understand the tender requirements. Governments and large private sector organisations are increasingly prioritising sustainability and emissions reduction in their procurement processes. This means that companies completing an RFP should evidence a clear understanding of the tender requirements and how they align with sustainability goals.

2 Build a Sustainability Strategy

To compete effectively in a net-zero world, companies of all sizes should integrate sustainability into their corporate strategy and demonstrate how it aligns with their brand and cultural values. Begin by developing a clear plan with sustainability targets and a plan to achieve them. For those struggling with resource can work with industry associations and sustainability consultants who can help tailor the sustainability plan for the business and differentiate it from competitors. Another factor in the strategy should be to complete sustainability certifications or access partnerships with sustainability-focused organisations to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

3 Focus on Innovation

Innovation drives sustainability, and SMEs can leverage their agility and flexibility to develop and implement innovative sustainable solutions – faster than monolithic organisations. Developing products, services, and business models that prioritise sustainability can be a strong differentiator. SMEs can collaborate with your industry peers and suppliers to drive change or government bodies and universities to access resources for research and development.

4 Leverage Technology

Technology is critical for enabling sustainability. SMEs can leverage it to reduce their carbon footprint and compete for tenders with an element of carbon emission accounting. Adopting energy-efficient technologies, implementing smart building systems, or using data analytics to optimize energy consumption are examples. Highlight your switch to virtual meetings and remote work that reduces travel emissions while also consider renewable energy sources can power operations.

By understanding requirements, building a sustainability strategy, focusing on innovation, and leveraging technology, SMEs can compete effectively for net-zero tenders. SMEs can help contribute to the transition to a net-zero economy while driving innovation and job creation

In conclusion, SMEs face unique challenges in competing for tenders in a business world focussing on driving down Scope 3 emissions. By gaining a closer understanding of the tender requirements, integrating sustainability into your corporate strategy, focusing on innovation, and leveraging technology, you can position your organisation as leaders in sustainability and compete effectively for tenders.

With the right approach, SMEs can contribute to the global transition to a net-zero economy while also benefiting from faster growth by attracting new customers who admire businesses with strong sustainable credentials.

Takeaway Tip: Learn more about Scope 1, 2 and 3 in the Scope of Sustainability

How Pulse Market can help:

We’ll help you track and manage Scope 3 data, decarbonise your value chain, and develop a transition plan that balances reaching your net zero goals while remaining a profitable, successful business.

Book a demo to discover more about our Procurement or Sustainability Solutions.

Sustainability Consultants Come Together To Maximise Your Impact

By Sarah Shannon

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Attention sustainability consultants! Are you passionate about making a positive impact on businesses and the environment?

Join our discovery call with Gavin Tweedie Co-Founder of Net Zero Nation on 11 of May. It’s an opportunity to share ideas with your peers and identify ways to engage SMES and maximise your impact on people and the planet.

smiling man in front of scottish loch — Gavin Tweedie

Together, we’ll discuss principles and barriers, ignite passion and action, and explore sustainability reporting, supply chain management, and data gathering. We’ll also delve into collaboration, SMEs vs. large enterprises, and best practices for growing your business.

Expect to gain insights into successes and trends, and connect with like-minded consultants. Let’s reduce carbon footprints and accelerate clients’ sustainability journey. We can do more together than apart. Join us now!

Who is event for

Sustainability consultants who are passionate about making a positive impact on businesses and the environment.

Expected Outcomes:

Understanding the importance of collaboration in maximising impact
Talking about ‘shifting mindsets’ – helping businesses take the common sense approach
Thought leadership report summarizing the discussion and key takeaways – requires survey tools
Increased understanding of principles and barriers to driving understanding in organisations
Improved knowledge of sustainability reporting and supply chain engagement management
Increased awareness of data gathering to make businesses genuinely ESG-friendly
Insights into engaging SMEs vs. large enterprises and the similarities and differences
Identification of successes and trends in sustainability consulting
Best practices for growing your sustainability consulting business
New connections with like-minded sustainability consultants

Event Details

📅 Date: 3pm on Thursday, 11 May 2023 on Teams.

Spaces are limited – so get your meeting link now by emailing sarah.shannon@pulsemarket.com

Business Seminar: Meet the Panel

By Sarah Shannon

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As proud sponsors of the Causeway Exchange Business Seminar we’d like to introduce the incredible panel. The panel is a perfect blend of Irish and Scottish thought leaders from across the greener world, procurement and financial services.

Host and Panelists

Host:
Russell Dalgleish, Pulse Market Ambassador

Host: Russell Dalgleish: Scottish Serial Entrepreneur, Investor and Global Network Builder

Russell is founding Managing Partner of the advisory group, Exolta Capital Partners. He has enjoyed the benefits of a highly successful international career in the technology sector and now focuses his efforts on supporting owners and boards of companies to devise and implement international growth strategies. He is a regular speaker and conference host and has spoken at conferences from Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi – and now with Causeway in Edinburgh!

Panel

1 Joanne Murphy, COO of Chartered Institute of Banking

Joanne Murphy is the Chief Operating Officer of the Chartered Banker Institute, delivering the Institute’s business wide transformation and people strategy. As Deputy CEO, Joanne leads the strategic review and annual business planning activity at the Institute. Joanne’s remit includes driving our professional inclusion agenda, and she has executive responsibility across a variety of business function including Learning, Professional Standards, Membership, Business Support, Finance, People, Innovation and Marketing.

Joanne was instrumental in development and launching of the Institute new Principles of Responsible Banking Academy in October 2022 and holds professional membership of the CIPD and Chartered Banker Institute.’

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-murphy-mba-mcbi-33753437/

Website: https://www.charteredbanker.com/the-institute.html

2 Tabi Jayne, Director and Interim CEO for Net Zero Nation

Tabitha Jayne is co-founder, director and Interim CEO for Net Zero Nation, a Scottish not-for-profit focused on mitigating climate change by mass mobilising SMEs on their journey to Net Zero.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabithajayne/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/net-zero-nation

3 Richard Carr – Group Environment Director WebHelp

Richard Carr, a Glasgow based professional with extensive experience within the ESG, Sustainability and FM sectors. As Group Environment Director for Webhelp his responsibilities include designing and delivering a strategy that will contribute to the global net-zero ambition. In a previous role as Head of Property and Environment, his responsibilities included leading a global team of colleagues in the transformation towards low carbon, energy efficient properties and services.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-carr-1b318689/

Website: https://webhelp.com/

4 Andrew Morrison – Founder & Director AB Bid

Andrew established AM Bid in 2014 and has successfully grown it to a £1m+ business. Prior to that he led most of the British Gas bid function managing 5 national bid teams. His 17 years in bidding were preceded with a 12-year career in social housing. Andrew has won a string of awards including from the Chartered Institute of Housing, the Institute of Directors, British Chambers of Commerce and APMP (Association of Proposal Management Professionals). In May 2022 Andrew was named by APMP as the Global Bid & Proposal Thought Leader of the Year. Andrew was the first bidding professional in the world to be given LinkedIn Live broadcasting rights and, since July 2020, he has delivered over 110 bidding best practice and work-winning live broadcasts. AM Bid has recently launched Ultimate Tender Coach – a digital bid writing training and support program that equips people to write their own bids.

Andrew’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmorrisonbidding/

AM Bid website: https://www.ambid.co.uk/

Ultimate Tender Coach website: https://www.ultimatetendercoach.com/

5 Paul Murphy ClimeAction

Solutions Lead at Climeaction

In 2021 Paul joined Leading Edge Group to establish their company Climeaction, a whole operations decarbonisation solution for business. An energy and process engineer by education, Paul has previously held senior positions in global consulting organisations and is a non-executive Director of Renewable Gas Forum Ireland (RGFI). Paul has extensive global experience in industrial energy efficiency and decarbonisation of manufacturing organisations, being a key advisor to some of the world’s largest companies across 5 continents in the Food & Dairy, Beverages, Manufacturing and Life Science sectors. Paul has a passion for supporting SME business decarbonisation. When they say “Climate Action Solutions for All” they mean it. Paul and his team work with companies of all scales, providing the same level of service and expertise regardless of size and have worked with over 250 companies in the past 12 months on climate action. Their mission is to enable true decarbonisation of business, and this requires solutions at all levels of the supply chain and across all business functions.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-murphy-climeaction/

Website: https://www.climeaction.com/

6 Neil Stevenson Procurement Manager at Aegon Asset Management

Neil works for Aegon Asset Management as Procurement & Vendor Manager. Neil has over 30 years’ experience in the financial and manufacturing sectors designing and managing supply chains across the globe. Neil is passionate about promoting the ESG agenda in sourcing decisions within the Aegon group and wider finance community .

LinkedIn Profile

Aegon

7 Craig Dick, Third Party Sustainability Lead, abrdn

Craig has worked in sustainability since graduating from university in 2016. Craig has worked in the built environment sector working for a global market leader in sustainability and delivering environmental sustainability outcomes on live development and construction projects throughout the UK. He recently joined the financial services sector to help deliver a sustainable procurement programme for abrdn which aligns with the firm’s corporate sustainability objectives.

website

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How well do you know your supplier: the results are in

By Sarah Shannon

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Whenever we meet a client or listen to a person, we learn. At Pulse, we are always on the lookout for ways to continually improve our platform and support our clients. In order to learn more about the challenges organisations face with vendor risk management and third-party risks, we’re conducting a survey.

We compiled the survey to engage attendees at the DNA conference. We didn’t expect it to be such a big talking point and now sharing it widely on our digital channels. The 3-minute survey with 10 questions stimulated conversations that lasted up to 60 minutes. Why? The questions really got people thinking about who they do business with and who their suppliers do business with.

As a result of the survey, businesses are becoming more aware of the risks associated with suppliers, such as cyber-attacks, data loss, regulatory compliance failures, financial uncertainty, and unethical business practices. Risks that can lead to reputational damage, financial ruin or both.

How do you compare? Take the Survey

Check out the surprising results below and take the short survey to see how you compare. There is no right or wrong answer – it is simply to get you thinking more about who you are doing business with.

Results in for ‘Do You Know Your Supplier’ Survey:

Infographic illustrating results from a survey

Event News: ESG and Supplier Management – the truth about finding your competitive advantage

By Sarah Shannon

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Pulse Market is proud to sponsor the Causeway Exchange Network ESG business seminar. We’ll be joined by event supporters Enterprise Ireland on Friday, 25 of November, in Edinburgh, at the stunning Waldorf Astoria.

As you know here at Pulse Market we love partnering with organisations that champion SMEs and make doing business simpler. That’s why we’re delighted to share this exciting news that we’re sponsoring Causeway Exchange’s next business seminar: ‘ESG and Vendor Risk Management – how your business can gain competitive advantage’.

Buy your tickets today from Causeway Exchange

About the seminar

Pulse Market, Causeway Exchange and Enterprise Ireland are bringing experts from Scottish and Irish blue-chip businesses, procurement bid teams and ESG/Net Zero experts together to discuss the biggest challenges businesses face in relation to ESG and suppliers as we face a recession.

The panel of experts will present best practice in supplier management and show how these strategies can be implemented in your business so as to attain your ESG goals.

Why the theme ESG and supplier management?
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rules, alignment and enhancements have been at the heart of many business requirements in the recent years. None more so than with the rise of awareness following COP26 in Glasgow in 2021. Businesses are now looking for their suppliers to act, raise their game, and be accountable/aligned with their vision.

Whilst ESG has been a key business issue for some time, a greater need has arisen to have total accountability for you suppliers and supply chain. Recent events such as the Russian invasion on Ukraine, and the sanctions imposed on Russia, have ignited a demand for suppliers to be fully accountable and understand where they are buying their goods and services.

Suppliers having total clarity (look-through) of their suppliers, with due diligence completed, validation of infosec, and accreditation across ISO, ESG are the businesses staying ahead of the pack and winning business. Discover how your business can gain the competitive edge by coming along to the Causeway Exchange business seminar.

Meet the Panel

Host: Russell Dalgleish, serial entrepreneur and global networker
Panelists:
Tabitha Jayne, Director and Interim CEO for Net Zero Nation
Andrew Morrison, Founder and Director of AM Bid
Joanne Murphy, MBA, MCBI , COO of Chartered Institute of Banking
Richard Carr, Group Environment Director, Webhelp Enterprise
Paul Murphy Solutions lead at Climeaction
Neil Stevenson MCIPS Stevenson, Procurement & Vendor Management, Aegon Asset Management

Buy your tickets today from Causeway Exchange

(Tickets £35 for Causeway Exchange Members £50 for non members)

Follow our socials to hear more from the panel experts and be the first to hear the exciting updates about this event.