Fostering collaboration and sustainability within its supply chain was the focus of two recent stakeholder events hosted by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution.

Held in Reading and Perth – and attended by 110 key stakeholders – the insightful, in-person days enabled the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to showcase its commitment to integrating climate and social action into all aspects of its operations through areas including the reduction of carbon emissions, water use and waste, tackling modern slavery, the provision of the Living Wage, environmental management and biodiversity.

Recognising that supplier collaboration is vital to achieving sustainability goals, the events – with presentations by Andrew Smith (Director of Customer Operations, SHEPD), Eliane Algaard (Director of Customer Operations SEPD), James Flanagan (Procurement Director), Shirley Robertson (Head of Strategic Planning and Sustainability) and Kylie Jones (Nature & Carbon Strategy Manager) - provided a platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning.

These presentations by SSEN updated attendees on its operations and ambitions, while emphasising the importance of the Sustainable Supplier Code. Suppliers who had not yet signed the code were then encouraged to pledge their commitment to sustainability.

The events also featured contributions from key partners, with EcoVadis and Loop sharing insights into the use of tools and metrics to measure and promote sustainability through scorecards. Additionally, the Supply Chain Sustainability School provided resources and expertise, focusing on areas such as social value and biodiversity, and enabling suppliers to develop strategies in low-maturity areas.

One of the highlights of the events was the interactive Sustainability Success Story speed pitches, where stakeholders highlighted sustainability initiatives and best practices. In Reading, these presentations came from SSEN’s Mobile Diesel Generators team, Capgemini, SpeedyHire, FM Conway, Tower Supplies, and Clancy. While in Perth, they were led by SSEN Distribution’s Nature4Networks team joined by Aggreko, Emtelle, Briggs Marine, Kelvatek, and Neos Networks.

With such diverse organisations sharing their insights, the pitches they gave encouraged further networking; helping to remove barriers to collaboration and ultimately shaping stronger relationships within the supply chain that will set the stage for long-term cooperation and sustainability.

Andrew Smith, SSEN’s Operations Director said:

“Sustainability is at the very heart of what our teams do every day, and it has been incredibly valuable to engage with our supply chain partners, increase shared knowledge and collaborate on the issues that matter to us all. 

“I’d like to thank our suppliers for supporting these events and for sharing their thoughts, ideas, and insights openly and constructively. Sustainability presents both challenges and opportunities for our industry—challenges we can only overcome together.”

SSEN remains committed to driving sustainability through innovation, collaboration, and partnership with its supply chain. These successful stakeholder events mark another significant step toward building a more sustainable future.

Stakeholder feedback from the events will help guide SSEN in updating its Sustainable Supplier Code in 2025 and will encourage continued and regular engagement with its supply chain.

If you have questions or would like to provide further feedback on SSEN’s Sustainable Supplier Code or engagement, please contact the team by email: distributionsustainabilityteam@sse.com