Wholesaler Guide
neutral, aligned with ISO standards. Strategically and commercially, it makes sense for them. Their customers are asking harder questions, and they want credible answers.
They were unable to move to third party verification because of uncertainty in supplier information, particularly around deliveries. In their case, most of their supply chain ran through electrical wholesalers.
Some larger suppliers could share high-level ESG information and total company emissions, smaller suppliers often had less to hand. But when asked for delivery data, many wholesalers couldn’t provide anything usable. It wasn’t one missing detail, it was consistent gaps across deliveries. For Scope 3 upstream transport emissions, basic data make a big difference: delivery postcodes, delivery mileage, vehicle type, and if possible, weights for the consignment. Without that, a footprint quickly becomes a set of assumptions rather than an evidence-based number.
Systems are not ready I do understand why this happens as I’ve
“In the future, being able to provide credible, usable delivery information could be the difference between being an approved supplier or not.”
previously worked in electrical wholesaling. It’s a busy, service-led environment. The priority is serving customers, sometimes with limited resources. In the real world, that can mean a delivery goes out in a manager’s car because the customer needs it. Historically, branch systems aren’t designed to capture carbon-ready delivery data.
But as standards tighten, these customer requests will become requirements. In the future, being able to provide credible, usable delivery information could be the difference between being an approved supplier or not.
Carbon reduction = cost reduction There’s an upside to this. Carbon emissions are
now a business metric, directly linked to activity and energy use. When our clients look at their business through a carbon lens, they often see savings and efficiencies that haven’t previously been considered. Carbon reduction = cost reduction.
In logistics, emissions track fuel use. In my wholesaling days, fuel was my second biggest controllable overhead. Having visibility of deliveries helped me understand the true cost of servicing a customer, helped drive efficiencies, reduce overheads and ultimately improve branch profitability.
Be proactive
My message is simple: be proactive. If you haven’t started your Net Zero journey yet, you must, before a lack of carbon data becomes a barrier to entry. From a customer perspective, start capturing delivery data now, at least at a basic and repeatable level. It will help your customers report properly, protect your position in their supply chain, and it may reveal practical savings in your own operation.
IBA Update
IBA reflects on podcast launch L
aunched at the IBA Tradeshow and Gala Dinner (2025), the first episode of Inside Electrical was recorded inside a fully equipped, professional-grade podcast studio – purpose-built to capture the spirit of the event in real time. Recorded live from the heart of the exhibition, Inside Electrical marked its debut as part of The Podcast: Powered by The IBA and has since grown into one of the most engaging new platforms within the Group. The live recordings drew a constant stream of members, Preferred Suppliers and visitors eager to share insights,
swap stories and discuss the future of the independent sector.
The idea for the live podcast setup came from Frank Taylor and Steven Rollings of Blackwater Electrical Supplies, who wanted a way to extend the vibrant conversations happening on the Tradeshow floor.
“It added a whole new energy to the event,” said Frank. “Being recorded live from the trade show, it really captured the energy from both the suppliers and IBA Members, and as a result there was some great conversations and content available to the IBA community.”
Since its official launch shortly after the event, Inside Electrical has gone from strength to strength. Every Preferred Supplier was offered equal opportunity to take part – something that matters deeply to the Group.
“Our suppliers are vital to our business,” said CEO Paul Jenner. “The podcast isn’t about endorsing one over another. It’s about showcasing the depth of expertise across the Group. Every supplier at the September show had their chance to step up, and we’ll be repeating
– and expanding – the opportunity at our March 2026 event.”
IBA chair Russ Gratton praised both the event and the podcast’s early traction: “The Tradeshow has always been about connection – between members, suppliers and the wider industry. Inside Electrical has proven that those conversations don’t have to end once the hall closes. It has become a bridge, keeping that momentum going.”
Inside Electrical Series 2 is due to be published from March 2026. A full link hub is available at:
https://linktr.ee/theibabuyinggroup
As The IBA prepares for its trade show in March 2026, the Group reflects on the initial launch of its Podcast Series, ‘Inside Electrical’, in September 2025.
ewnews.co.uk
March 2026 electrical wholesaler | 19
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