In the latest instalment of our supply chain industry executive interview series we spoke to Segura Founder Peter Needle about the recognition of ESG and traceability at board level, the increase in supply chain risk assessment and mitigation, net zero objectives and more…
Tell us about your company, products and services.
Founded in 2012, Segura is the leading platform for next generation supply chain transparency. We focus on traceability and underpinning ESG with multi-tier data capture. We help our clients to achieve ethical, sustainable and compliant multi-tiered supply chains through automatic supplier onboarding, mapping and reporting.
What have been the biggest challenges the Supply Chain industry has faced over the past 12 months?
New upcoming legislation plus changes to existing legislation have certainly been a challenge. Plus the after effects of Covid 19 and the ongoing war in Ukraine have obviously taken their tolls as have labour and product shortage.
And what have been the biggest opportunities?
The recognition of ESG and traceability underpinning the information at board level. Traceability also offers an opportunity for cost consolidation and better negotiation opportunities.
What is the biggest priority for the Supply Chain industry in 2023?
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) continues to be a priority moving forward, combined with in efforts to achieve a more sustainable supply chain. As consumer awareness increases and customers are demanding products that are safe, sustainable, and responsibly sourced, retailers must ensure their suppliers are ethical, sustainable, efficient and compliant. The move towards Net-Zero will also require retailers to capture, manage and understand the impacts theirs products have on the planet, throughout their supply chains. Retailers will require full transparency and traceability in order to achieve their ongoing targets and remain compliant.
What are the main trends you are expecting to see in the market in 2023?
An increase in supply chain risk assessment and mitigation. This may lead to further near-shoring. Also a focus on backing up sustainability claims and the end to ‘greenwashing’. Organisatons are having to back up their claims.
What technology is going to have the biggest impact on the market next year?
Undoubtedly supply chain traceability and mapping, to underpin efforts, claims, uncover and fix issues and underpin companies ESG goals.
In 2025 we’ll all be talking about…?
Net zero objectives and actions in more detail.
Which person in, or associated with, the Supply Chain industry would you most like to meet?
I’d like to meet Emma Howard Boyd (Chair of the Environment Agency) and discuss her views on Greenwashing and how we can all work together more collaboratively to end it.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learnt about the Supply Chain sector?
You go to the bar at the Total Supply Chain Summit – what’s your tipple of choice?
At this time of year, almost certainly a full-bodied red wine.
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
The Segura team. They’re a fantastic bunch of people who rise to every challenge with energy and creativity
And what’s the most challenging?
The team (joke!). Probably the challenge of keeping up with the pace of change.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Wow – that’s difficult to answer! There are so many brilliant ones to choose from throughout my career. I love listening to people and find most have a pearl of wisdom or two to impart. I suppose one of the reasons I took the plunge to leave a well-paid stable job at HSBC and start something from scratch, stems from a chance encounter with Doug Ellis who was chairman at Aston Villa football club at the time. He spent 4 hours with me talking about his life and how he had left the Navy and then set up his travel business. He encouraged me to be open to opportunities and take risks. No great thing has ever been accomplished by playing it safe.
Peaky Blinders or Stranger Things?
I have never watched either. Ted Lasso is my favourite show from the last couple of years by far!
