January month notes
Reflections on New Year goals and sustainable transformation
My word for the year - Nurture
One month into 2024 and the New Year, New Goals conversations have dialled down on LinkedIn ( That’s a relief). I’m all for positive vibes at the turn of the year, yet I found it overwhelming seeing so many plans in my feed at once. I’m still feeling my way into this year. I like easing into January as it's important to remember we are still in the depths of winter.
Each December I use the Year Compass reflective workbook. A by-product is I select a word that embodies my intention for the next 12 months. In 2023 my word was connection. This encouraged me to connect with nature. As well as improve my connection with myself and those around me.
Continuing with that theme my word for 2024 has evolved into Nurture.
Nurture = Verb to care for and protect (someone or something) while they are growing
My intention is to focus on nurturing all the good things in both my personal and professional life. Investing time and energy into the things that I want to grow.
Such as cultivating new innovations and connections. The main focus of my nurturing efforts is to grow more wildflowers both at home and at our office garden.
Do you have an intention or word that sums up what you want for the year? I always love to here how people approach making changes in their life.
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Digital
Digital transformation panel for CSI launch
I joined a panel discussion for the launch of the new Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI). Which is a new catalyst space at Salford Business School. It was a superb discussion chaired by Kai Ojo. Key themes were;
What is digital transformation?
How do we create the conditions needed to sustain innovation?
With 10 years experience of digital transformation initiatives I had plenty to say. For me the key ingredients to success are;
Clarity on outcomes
Emotional intelligence of humility and empathy - focusing on problems
Embedding a customer centric culture which in turn enables innovation
Accountability
Clearance sale
Working in e-commerce again I’m reminded of the role of the January sale. Our current economic model ( at a societal level) is still driving companies to run sales. We need to clear out old stock which we have over ordered. Customer spending is low in January due to the boom of Christmas. Helping to move stock is important. I question January sales. How do we shift buying habits to reduce the environmental impact of over-ordering. This is where slow fashion has the right idea.
If anyone is after a new year bedding bargain check out our Sale page.
As who knows we might have a different approach to sales next year
Launching new kids collection
On our retail side of the business we’ve launched our new kids bedding collection. To drive wholesale stockist enquiries I set-up a new design template. We can re-use this to promote collections on LinkedIn with the carousel preview. I also developed a set of assets that will work on Facebook and Instagram. Do you know of anyone looking to stock kids bedding? or need a larger amount of kids bedding let me know.
Ability to request samples
When ordering bedding online its hard to get a feel for what a material looks like in the light of day. Or how a design detail looks on the printed bedding. Customers might want to spot check a colour-way. Or check on the size of the satin-stripe.
To improve the online experience customers can now order a sample swatch.
This Reduces the friction of having to ring up or email to request a swatch. customers who can now add a free sample to their basket and get it within 2-3 days.
Sustainability
Carbon collaboration
After meeting a fellow textiles supplier in Manchester at an even last year we’ve been talking about sharing our experiences of measuring carbon within our supply chains. Especially scope 3. So it was encouraging that after a meeting this month we’ve agreed to share how we’re working on estimating things like up-stream and down-stream emissions.
NHS Evergreen assessment
As committed suppliers to the NHS, we're gearing up to meet sustainability reporting requirements set for April 2024, in line with the NHS net zero supplier roadmap.
Our ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint are not just about compliance; they're about taking proactive steps towards a sustainable future for all.So with this in mind we’re actively working on setting out our Carbon Reduction Plan. This is part of the NHS's visionary goal of becoming a net zero health service by 2045.
Measuring scope 3 emissions
I’ve been delving into some detailed accounting information with our finance team to help get a handle on the data we can use to support our scope 3 emission calculations. This is where there are financial benefits to sustainability. As opportunities to reduce expenditure are often net better for the planet - so less paper is good for everyone!
Impact of Micro-fibre pollution
Lastly I joined a fascinating event that was discussing research and product developments to reduce the climate impact of micro-fibre pollution. There’s a lot of focus on the impact of physical waste going into landfill. But there is still limited understanding of the impact that microscopic fibres have in water sources when they don't decompose. Given 24% of the climate impact come from the material in-use we have to give this greater consideration.
Achievements and recommendations
Reading this month
The woman in me - Britney Spears (audio book)
If you’re a paid subscriber on Spotify make the most of the free audiobooks you get included
I had a long drive to Newcastle for a meeting this month so basically completed this in one 5 hour round trip.
There has been a lot of discussion about the conservatorship Britney was placed in by her father. The book recounts her experience of living under the constraints placed upon her which took away her freedom and autonomy to be a grown woman.
What Britneys story is a stark reminder of is how talented musicians throughout history have had their talents abused by managers in power. Elvis’s career was hampered by his manager. And so its a sad tale of people abusing power for their own personal gain.
Year of Less -
I stumbled across this book from Substack I think - but enjoyed the randomness of how this book popped up
I’m so glad I found this as the themes from Cait’s personal life story of reducing consumer debt, taking on a 1 year shopping ban and sobriety journey deeply resonated.
2024 is about saving more and consuming less. With the focus being on changing spending habits to be able to save more towards a big India trip next year.
This is an excellent book for anyone looking at an inspiring story of the wider impacts of what happens we choose less.
Achievements
Speaking on the CSI panel event
Attended a gardening on a budget course at RHS Bridgewater
Me & Vikas got out for an unplanned walk around Tatton park
Completed a 28 day reset and renew challenge with Insight Timer
Thanks for stopping by and reading my month notes. I post a summary each month of the key insights across Digital, Sustainability and some personal musings including recommendations of what I’m reading.