zero

WHAT ARE WE DOING AT YPO?

YPO’s journey to net zero began last year and we believe in reducing our negative impacts while increasing our positive ones to create a better world through our actions.

We do this by including social value in all our procurements, reducing energy and waste and constantly collaborating and innovating. Our targets are to halve operations emissions by 2030, achieve net zero by 2038 and support our supply chain to achieve net zero by 2050.

The catalogue strategy has been reviewed to reduce printing by 25% for 2023 and another 25% during 2024. This year’s target has already been surpassed, with a 38% reduction in printing.

YPO has added two electric vehicles to the fleet after taking part in a UK trial aimed at gaining real-world experience in a range of distribution settings.

There is so much that we can and should be doing to reach net zero, so let’s all contribute more and make a difference.

Do you work in the UK business supplies sector and need help to pay for training to advance your career in the industry? If so, a BOSS Federation/BOSS Business Supplies Charity Future Fund Grant of up to £750 could be available to you. To apply, simply follow steps 1-3

Download and complete the application form

Return the application form, along with 500 words explaining why you need the grant, plus references from two colleagues to support your application

The BOSS Business Supplies Charity has supported many Future Fund applicants, helping with the cost of laptops, training courses and even forklift training! Read some of our recipients’ stories:

“Being the recipient of a Future Fund grant from the BOSS Charity has been very rewarding. After 15 years in sales and then redundancy, I needed to re-train. I decided to opt for a career transition programme, and the Future Fund grant has allowed me to be accepted for ongoing training, which has significantly improved my career prospects. The application process was simple and the support I received was immeasurable.”

- Ulumma

Honorary Patron

“Following the completion of my apprenticeship in customer services, I wanted to progress into sales. Funding driving lessons was costly, so I applied to the BOSS Charity Future Fund for assistance. The application process was quick and I was awarded the grant within three weeks, allowing me to book an intensive driving course and test. This has helped me to be more customer-facing in a sales role. Thank you!”

- LB

Chris Armstrong, Commercial Projects Director, Office Power

Favourite sport or hobby to watch/play?

Definitely Rugby Union. I played at school and my son played from juniors to the first team before university. I also attend the Six Nations every year.

How do you start your day?

I take my two springer spaniels for a walk. It helps to clear my mind and plan my day.

Most embarrassing industry moment?

Starting a domino effect with a full tray of Champagne glasses at the BOSS Awards. It was smashing!

What’s something new happening in your life right now?

I’m changing my working life from being full-time with one employer to a portfolio of projects for different companies. I’m branding myself as a NED (NonExecutive Doer).

Name three items on your bucket list.

A healthy and happy family. A 1969 225cc Lambretta – that actually runs well! Driving/riding around the entire UK coastline.

Favourite holiday so far?

A 2016 trip to Borneo. I went trekking in the rainforest and visited the surrounding islands. It was amazing.

What is the wildest thing you’ve ever done?

A 10-metre canyon jump into a small pool of water. The guide said, in a very heavy French accent, if you go to the left or right you will die. Aller tout droit!

Tell us a secret that your work colleagues don’t know about you.

I’m an avid fan of the theatre (particularly musicals) and ballet – especially anything choreographed by Sir Michael Bourne OBE.

If money was no object, what would you do all day? It would be varied. Each day, I’d decide what, when and where for holidays, outdoor activities and skiing. It would also include spending meaningful time with family and friends. Plus a decent amount of cider.

Strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?

A bowl of noodle ramen in Mong Kok (Kowloon district of Hong Kong). I had no idea what was in it, and I didn’t dare ask. But it was tasty.

Who is your hero?

Paul Weller. I’ve enjoyed his music since The Jam and still see him live a couple of times a year.

Do you collect anything?

Old vehicles. So far, a 1957 Land Rover Series 1, Vespa P200e from 1986 and a 1982 Lambretta GP.