The Compliance Experts Podcast

In this episode, Miles Vartan, founder of Vartan Consultancy, and Ashley Shorey-Mills, the Supply Chain and Engagement Director for the Sizewell C project. Together, they dive into the essential steps and requirements for becoming a supplier in one of the UK’s most ambitious energy projects.Key Topics Discussed:Understanding the Scale of Sizewell C: Why Sizewell C’s nuclear power station build is a unique opportunity for businesses, and what makes it a transformative project for the region and beyond.First Steps to Becoming a Supplier: A breakdown of the initial steps, resources, and criteria for companies interested in joining the Sizewell C supply chain. https://www.competefor.com/sizewellc/Navigating Compliance and Standards: Insights into the compliance and quality standards that suppliers must meet to be part of this critical infrastructure project.Building Long-Term Relationships: How suppliers can establish a lasting partnership with Sizewell C, along with the benefits of working on such a large-scale project.Advice for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Tailored advice on how smaller businesses can get involved, including guidance on networking, leveraging local resources, and understanding Sizewell C’s commitment to supporting local businesses.Guest Bios:Miles Vartan: With years of experience helping businesses grow and navigate complex supply chains, Miles shares his expertise in building successful supplier relationships and meeting stringent industry standards. https://vartanconsultancy.com/Ashley Shorey-Mills: As the driving force behind Sizewell C’s supply chain engagement, Ashley brings firsthand knowledge of the project’s supply chain needs, processes, and opportunities for businesses looking to make a positive impact through collaboration. https://www.suffolkchamber.co.uk/Why Listen?If you’re a business owner, director, or supplier interested in joining the Sizewell C supply chain, this episode offers practical advice, expert insights, and an insider’s view into what it takes to become part of this major infrastructure project.

In this episode Miles talks to Tremayne Johnson (Bartrums) about the haulage industry and the various developments of some of the largest and smallest haulage firms in the UK

With less than a year to the ‘spade in the ground’ at Sizewell C, what should SMEs be doing to join the Supply Chain?

Miles leads his panel of experts into conversation about the latest legislation for importing goods into the UK from the EU and how hauliers and UK companies are coping with the change.

Miles and his guest, Bruce Marques (Milsoms) discuss UK Covid regulations and the vital role of health and safety in the hospitality sector.

Miles talks to Dr Nigel Davies (Muntons) about Carbon Plans, being carbon-neutral and protecting your brand by creating sustainability.

Miles talks to three Sizewell managers about the potential business benefits of the Sizewell C project.

In this episode Miles talks to Debbie Farman of Tubes Scaffolding Ltd.Debbie talks about David Farman, Managing Director of Tubes, and his lifelong ethos in encouraging young people to join the scaffolding industry.Tubes work with young people, often school leavers, and support them right through their apprenticeships until they are fully qualified as scaffolders, and in some cases advanced scaffolders. This committed training and development builds young scaffolders’ understanding of their advancement but also the importance of working in a familiar team which is essential for their health and safety in a working environment.Apprentices who join Tubes usually take 6 months to 12 months to understand whether the industry is right for them, and 95% them stay and continue their training. It’s a clear testament of the training and development that Tubes provide. Qualifications achieved through their apprenticeship programme include NVQ 2 and 3 – which are the standard levels recognised in the industry.Miles asks  ‘Are there ever any cases where the public or health and safety board has had to take down scaffolding?’Listen to Debbie talk about how Tubes get regular Health and Safety audits by NASC – and how they have to pass the assessment to remain members and legal. As members, Tubes follow standards laid out by the NASC – using their constant guidance and adhering to legislation – which ensures every scaffold is fit for purpose. Miles asks ‘How do you keep your employees safe?’  and comments further that enforcing regulation over the last few decades has led to huge reductions in injuries or fatalities – Miles talks through the difference in statistics.Debbie talks about the importance of a good supervisor with scaffolding teams. She comments on how her scaffolding teams are compatible, they know each other very well – a team that are used to working with each other regularly with their supervisor is important to reduce risk for them. She adds – ‘You can’t throw a team together’. We have to make sure that our workforce and others are kept safe whilst scaffolds are in the public domain. Risk assessments and method statements are used but Tubes also have something called the ‘Take-Two’ which catches any risks overlooked or that may have changed during the assessment and the scaffolders arriving to start work. Debbie points out that risks change and develop all the time – so the ‘Take-Two’ is essential when teams arrive to work for their protection and the client’s. Tubes have an open-door policy – and Debbie comments on how important it is to Tubes to support staff who may be unwell, physically or mentally, and she actively supports staff when they are unwell or in a difficult position. Tubes also uses a third-party partner to support workers in difficult times.Debbie finishes talking about how important planning is to Tubes with a clear vision of a five year plan, as well as managing the day to day running of the business. It’s important for Tubes to do this so they can understand what they need to do now, by way of bringing in, and developing new skills, to be able to achieve their expected growth and continued success. Miles adds, it all about managing risk – which is what VARTAN Consultants do!If you have any thoughts or opinions on this topic Miles would love to hear from you and discuss some of your points in a later episode.Disclaimer: At the time of recording the information in this podcast was deemed to be correct BUT please note legislation, deadlines and information can change on a daily basis – so please always check with Vartan Consultancy for up-to-the-minute information.

Miles talks to Carl Day (Anchor Freight) about this escalating problem for warehousers and haulage firms and they take a look at innovative plans around the rising demand for storage.

In this episode Miles and guest Laura Thomas (Legal & QHSE Director of Jackson Civil Engineering) talk about going back to the office after such a long time working from home. But, is it that simple?

It’s been tough and it’s about to get tougher! Miles and his expert guests unpack the latest Brexit laws on importing and exporting and deep dive into the nitty gritty of the looming legislation.

In this first episode Miles Vartan gives us an overview of what he and his guests will bring to this honest and straight-talking podcast series.