Rachel Dobson, managing director of buying specialist Lynx Purchasing, outlines the importance of having an ethical and sustainable approach to business.
In the current market, it can feel like a challenge to try and focus past the potential for disruption over the coming months, and onto the long term. However, sustainability is a crucial challenge for the hospitality sector.
Along with the impact of stricter legislation, there is a growing expectation by customers that businesses will operate in a responsible way, from sourcing food and drink right through to the way they dispose of waste. Operators who fail to meet those expectations will see customers voting with their feet.
These factors have all helped to drive the decision by Lynx Purchasing to implement our new sustainability programme. We want to help our customers see how a more ethical and sustainable approach to purchasing can reduce their costs, while still keeping quality levels high. We are looking more than ever at working with suppliers who provide products and services that are produced in a sustainable way.
We all have a responsibility, and because we work so closely with both our customers and more than 60 trusted suppliers, we know we can be a powerful and positive influence for change. Efficient ordering, well-planned delivery schedules and reducing waste all play a part. In the short term, they can help operators deal with any disruption, and over time, these measures will reduce the sector’s environmental impact, well as increasing operators’ margins in the long term.
As just one example, Lynx Purchasing has now joined the Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) which is working to ensure that all fish and seafood sold in the UK comes from sustainable sources. We’re the first purchasing group to join, and our membership is part of a wider commitment to sustainability across our business.
We want to help our customers see how a more ethical and sustainable approach to purchasing can reduce their costs, while still keeping quality levels high. We all have a responsibility, and because we work so closely with both our customers and more than 60 trusted suppliers, we can be a powerful and positive influence for change.
There are a whole range of ways in which operators can put sustainability at the heart of their sourcing. Lynx Purchasing, in partnership with suppliers, is committed to supporting our customers in this vital area.
You can find out more about the Sustainability Programme here.
