All posts by Supply Chain Expert

Ever wondered how the UK came to generate the most food waste in Europe? Curious to know the role of digital product passports in shaping sustainable supply chains? Tune in to our riveting discussion as we dissect these pressing issues while also examining the predicted tripling demand for new material by 2050. The implications of the UK's exit from the EU on legislation and trade restrictions, the shocking 7 million tonnes of textile waste produced by EU businesses and consumers, and LinkedIn's milestone of 1 billion members are all spotlighted in this episode. We further delve into the alarming increase in cyber threats, illustrated by the recent Boeing incident.

Switching gears, we transition into a critical discussion around the dangers lurking in the shadows of the burgeoning lithium-ion battery market, primarily used in electric vehicles. The grim reality of modern slavery in the UK and the significance of appointing the first independent anti-slavery commissioner is brought to light. As we navigate these complex topics, the importance of ethical supply chains surfaces repeatedly, underscoring the necessity of astute management in this realm. Buckle up for this enlightening journey that promises to enrich your understanding of our global landscape and the urgent need for change. Oh, and don't worry, we also give you a sneak peek into the exciting topics waiting in our upcoming episodes leading up to our landmark 200th episode!

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

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Boldly stepping into the realm of AI Safety, this episode of the Chain Reaction Podcast takes you on a journey through the recent World Summit on AI Safety. Held at the historic Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire, we dissect the key takeaways from this groundbreaking summit and the international declaration signed by 28 global leaders. Promising an insightful exploration, we shed light on the global commitment to address AI risks and the steps towards developing AI responsibly for the benefit of all.

Navigating through the complexities of AI, we discuss potential risks such as lack of transparency, risks of bias, privacy concerns, and ethical dilemmas. Discover why the push for unbiased algorithms, diverse training data sets, and strict data protections are of paramount importance. As we delve into the increasing sophistication of AI technologies, we highlight potential security risks and the implications on our society. This episode promises a deep dive into the exciting possibilities and the significant challenges the future of AI holds. Tune in and join us as we unravel the complex world of AI safety.

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here

From Ferrari's bold leap into cryptocurrency to the economic ripples of conflict in Israel and the Amazon drought, every global event has an impact on our interconnected supply chains. We will journey through this complex web of interactions, highlighting the significance of the EU's budgeting decisions, the repercussions of strikes and layoffs in the auto industry, and the potential implications of the Taliban on the world stage. Shipping companies are investing in ships powered by green energy. Adding about 29 per cent capacity in 2023 to box ships. You're not just a passive listener; you're a global citizen seeking to grasp the interconnectedness of our world economy. 

Our exploration continues into the realm of fashion. Michelle McKettrick is the chief customer officer at Primark and she believes that big brands need to be vocal about the work they do on sustainability, even when there are challenges.  Primark are also taking strides with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's inventive Jeans Redesign project, making fashion both environmentally friendly and affordable. The Go Transparent Movement, the Transparency Index of Fashion, and Primark's pledge to go chemical-free are on the agenda. We're decoding how Primark, along with other retail giants, are stepping up to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – a critical move shaping the future of retail. Buckle up as we navigate through high-stakes business, political climates, and the pressing issue of climate change.

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
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News about forthcoming programmes click here

Do you ever wonder about the intricate relationships between infrastructure projects and supply chains? Get ready for an insightful journey as we unpack the many facets of major undertakings like the High Speed 2 (HS2) project, shedding light on both their potential merits such as economic stimulation and increased capacity, and challenges like environmental concerns and local opposition.

Hold on tight as we broaden our scope to include other massive projects like Crossrail and the Channel Tunnel. We evaluate their time and cost constraints and analyze their immense potential to catalyze supply chains.  International comparisions with Japan's bullet train and the first US High Speed Rail System in California. We further discuss the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station and the potential economic growth and job creation from expanding London's Heathrow airport. Be prepared for an enlightening conversation on how decisions about infrastructure investments have far-reaching implications on economies, and how enhancements in infrastructure directly bolster supply chains and national productivity.

You can follow Chain Reaction on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
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News about forthcoming programmes click here

Ready to disrupt the usual menu and whet your appetite for a sustainable food system? We'll inspect every ingredient of the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission's report, discussing everything from junk food advertising to sustainable farming. We'll also take a bite into the weighty $12 trillion hidden cost of the global food system and digest the commendable efforts by the World Bank's Food Systems 2030 programme to achieve zero hunger by 2030. We'll explore the indigestible issues of overconsumption, waste, and the socio-political implications of food pricing.

For our second course, we'll dish out some powerful insights into the role of investors and industry in promoting sustainable change. We'll taste the efforts of Iceland in reducing food waste and its bold move to eliminate palm oil from their ingredients. Our conversation will simmer around the need to cut back on meat consumption and the unhealthy commercial incentives in the food industry. We'll stir up conversations about research, development, and the urgency for transparency in the food industry. Finally, we'll present the complexities of food supply chains, the roles major organizations and governments play, and the vital need for better information and transparency in food products. This is a feast for the mind that any foodie, environmentalist, or global citizen wouldn't want to miss.

You can follow Chain Reaction on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow like and share the Chain Reaction Podcast with colleagues and friends on social media.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here

Ready to unravel the complex web of global supply chains? This episode is packed with insights as we dissect the far-reaching impacts of recent high-profile supply chain events. From potential derailments such as the UK's HS2 high speed rail link abandonment and the US auto workers' strike, to the ripple effects of Amazon's labor board settlement and current procurement regulations in the UK and Germany, we've got it covered. Plus, we investigate the real-world implications of the recent Kia and Hyundai car recalls in the US, unveiling the myriad complexities inherent to these global supply chain happenings.

To further fuel your understanding, we dive into a wealth of news items and legislative updates affecting global supply chains. When the Mississippi River registers historic low water levels or when the call to unionize Amazon workers gains momentum, what does it signify for global supply chains? We delve into the German Supply Chain Act and its impact on large corporations, and examine the UK's proposed Procurement Bill with a close eye on its potential effects on public contracts. All the while, we consistently thread in discussions around sustainability and ethical practices in supply chains, offering you a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of this vast, dynamic sphere. Don't miss out on this enlightening dialogue!

You can follow Chain Reaction on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow like and share the Chain Reaction Podcast with colleagues and friends on social media.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here

What if I told you that global economics isn't as dry as it sounds? Prepare to be enlightened as we dissect the impacts of steady interest rates in the US and UK, rising energy prices, and wage increments in the US economy. We also shed light on the continuous strikes, which are threatening to disrupt economic growth, and the launch of the first green methanol vessel by Maersk Let's not forget the end of strikes at Chevron's Australian LNG facilities and the potential ripple effects of ongoing strikes at Apple's France locations. 

Hold onto your seats because we're just getting started! We're also going to uncover the dark side of technology with the FBI's warning against public phone charging stations. Also on the table is the latest round of industrial action announced by the train driver's union and its potential ramifications. We'll delve into the nine-year contract awarded to West Coast Operators and the controversy surrounding the possible cancellation of the Birmingham to Manchester leg of the HS2 project. To cap it all off, we'll discuss China's electric vehicle subsidies, the Inflation Reduction Act introduced by the Biden administration, and what these could mean for the global supply chain. It's a rollercoaster ride of insights and analysis you won't want to miss!

You can follow Chain Reaction on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook

Support the show

About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow like and share the Chain Reaction Podcast with colleagues and friends on social media.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here

Prepare to be captivated as we navigate the complex webs connecting advertising to supply chains. Your host, Tony Hines, kicks off this journey by dissecting the recent seismic shifts in the advertising market and how they greatly influence the demand side of businesses. Picture this: your business's demand process often starts with an advertising project – interesting, right? That's just the tip of the iceberg.

Brace yourselves as the narrative takes a thrilling twist with the exploration of the demise of the third-party cookie. What implications does this have for advertising and, more importantly, for privacy? The climax of our journey involves a detailed analysis of programmatic advertising. Tony parallels this with transformation programs in supply chains, especially in the digital marketplace. Join Tony Hines on the Chain Reaction podcast and experience the unexpected ways advertising strategies intertwine with supply chain processes. You wouldn't want to miss it!

You can follow Chain Reaction on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow like and share the Chain Reaction Podcast with colleagues and friends on social media.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here

Ever wondered if you should invest in an electric vehicle? We’ve got an episode that unravels the pros and cons of the EV market, and it just might be the deciding factor in your next big purchase. We also touch on the urgent issues of climate change, the need for cleaner energy, and the infrastructure necessary to instill consumer confidence in this rapidly evolving market. Stay tuned for our news episodes as well, where we dissect global happenings impacting supply chains from trade and economy, to climate change and technology. 

Prepare yourself for our special edition on artificial intelligence, a topic that’s setting the world ablaze. Dive into the nuances of service supply chains with our upcoming episodes in October, focusing on the crucial role of the service economy. This sector accounts for 80% of both the UK and the United States economy, and understanding its workings can give you a unique perspective on the disparities between the developed and the developing world. So, mark your calendars and join me, Tony Hines, in September for insightful discussions that promise to open up new perspectives. Until then, happy listening!

You can follow Chain Reaction on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow like and share the Chain Reaction Podcast with colleagues and friends on social media.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here

 Nestlé is raising the stakes, acquiring a significant share in Brazilian luxury chocolate maker, Grupo CRM. This episode uncovers the implications of this move on the global confectionery market. But it's not all sugar-coated – we'll grapple with the fluctuating prices of Brent Crude and West Texas Oil, and track Japan's economy, pulling itself painstakingly from the brink. The Indian rupee's record-breaking lows may seem troubling, yet we explore the various factors contributing to this. Kamatsu's strategic operations shift from China, coupled with increased US Treasury yields and other Asian currency weaknesses apply further pressure – join us as we break it all down.

Delays in post-Brexit checks and charges on food imports from the European Union. Will this mean a spike in food prices? The UK's reintegration into the Horizon programme is next on the menu, opening doors for collaborative research across European institutions. And then, brace yourselves for a climate change reality check, as we scrutinize Greece’s recent weather woes. We also tackle the unsettling issue of reinforced auto-claved aerated concrete crumbling in public buildings. Lastly, we delve into the digital world, examining Google's new requirements for political adverts on its platforms to disclose AI-generated content. Deep-dive into these global economic concerns and current events impacting global supply chains.

You can follow Chain Reaction on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook

Support the show

About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow like and share the Chain Reaction Podcast with colleagues and friends on social media.

Facebook
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News about forthcoming programmes click here