In this episode of the NK Radio podcast series we are joined by Gill Thorpe, the CEO of The Sourcing Team!
The Sourcing Team are a global sourcing company with a passion for ‘doing the right thing’ for both ‘people and planet’, who in 2017 won the EcoVadis SME Sustainable Leaders Award.
We covered a number of topics in this episode:
- Collaborating to make sustainability easier to achieve
- Reduce waste through the supply chain
- The David Attenborough effect
- Risks to charities if sustainability is ignored
Show Takeaway
We like to think of ethical business as ‘being a force for good’, making a positive contribution (no matter how small) to our society, community and our supply chain partners both locally and globally. It is a journey we should all be on, if you haven’t begun then start now – where can you make a difference? Here are some links to get you thinking:
Become a signatory to the UN Global Compact – https://www.unglobalcompact.org/participation
Taking a waste material for and upcycling – http://www.jamescropper.com/selfridges-story
‘Pursue your Purpose’ Unilever CEO, Paul Polman – Watch on YouTube
“… public expectations of your company have never been greater. Society is demanding that companies, both public and private, serve a social purpose. To prosper over time, every company must not only deliver financial performance, but also show how it makes a positive contribution to society.” https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/investor-relations/larry-fink-ceo-letter
Guest Bio:
Gill Thorpe, Founder of The Sourcing Team
Gill is a Fellow, Council Trustee and Committee Member of The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply and Fellow of the British Promotional Merchandise Association (where in the past she has also been Chair, President and Board Member)
In 1996, Gill founded of The Sourcing Team and more recently in 2015 became chair of the Women Business Enterprise Council. She has a true passion for ethical sourcing, with key focus on human rights and supply chain engagement. Helping drive change through sustainable solutions.

Thanks for talking about Sustainability with Gill
Thorpe, CEO, The Sourcing Team – Liked it!