HotSeat: Suzanne Johnston, Director at PS Partnerships & Consultancy Ltd

PS Partnerships & Consultancy Ltd supports businesses in navigating regulatory compliance, sustainability standards, and industry best practices. Suzanne Johnston founded the company, which helps organisations meet evolving environmental and compliance challenges and offers expertise in ISO certifications, ESG strategies, and outsourced compliance management.

In this PlastikMedia HotSeat, Suzanne discusses the trends shaping the future of plastics, the growing importance of sustainability and compliance, and her journey in building PS Partnerships.

What trends do you think will shape the future of UK plastics?  How will PS Partnerships & Consultancy respond?

With the increasing concerns from the public regarding climate change and pollution, combined with a drive by the government for net zero, sustainable practices in plastic production and management are going to become ever more pressing.

If the government is to reach their target of eliminating avoidable plastic waste, increased legislation is inevitable, forcing the industry to meet sustainable targets. Companies that are already improving their processes will find themselves compliant and market leaders.

The UK has a target of reaching net zero by 2050, meaning that reducing carbon emissions through the reduction of energy associated with the manufacture, use and disposal of plastic products should be a key priority for manufacturers.

It’s already a requirement for large companies to report annually on their greenhouse emissions and, when active in certain supply chains, often have to demonstrate carbon reduction plans. And this will expand into many more (if not all) sectors.

But where there is change, there is opportunity. Opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and differentiation!

We may see more research and development in bioplastics, improving production techniques and recycling methods. Product life cycle, however, and promoting a circular economy is going to be key!

Plastics are an integral part of society, but the future of plastics is (and must be) sustainability.

So, how will we respond? With compliance, of course. Compliance is what we do. We specialise in regulatory requirements and industry-specific standards. Compliance is a constantly evolving process, and at PS Partnerships, we offer an Outsourced Compliance Manager package. This package allows our clients to concentrate on their core business functions while staying in line with ever-evolving regulations.

How has PS Partnerships & Consultancy developed during your tenure?

When we started the business, I felt sure that sustainability would be a key part of our activity, but I had no idea it would be so important. But 5 years down the line, we have refined our services and deliver in many areas, all with sustainability at their heart.

We’ve seen an increase in the demand for ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management Systems) and ISO 50001:2018 (Energy Management Systems) as well as ESG strategies.

Even in the medical device sector, where we help companies with regulatory compliance as well as how to design, develop or manufacture devices more sustainably.

What do you credit as the key to your success?

Taking risks. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. I took a risk leaving a regularly paid job with all the benefits to starting PS Partnerships and all the uncertainties that come with being a business owner. But I wouldn’t change things now.

And perseverance (although some people might say stubborn!) Having started the business, I wanted it to be a success, so I will keep going to make sure it is.

What has been the greatest challenge in your career?

Covid lockdown was tough for most people, and it was my greatest challenge. Only three weeks before, I’d gone from employed to self-employed, and then suddenly, I was stuck at home (with a bad case of COVID), trying to get a business off the ground while attempting to homeschool my children and finish my MBA.

But somehow, we all got through it and looking back, I’m pretty chuffed with where we have got to now, and it gives me some confidence to think if I could get through that, I (hope) I can get through anything.

What advice do you wish you’d had on entering the industry, and does that differ from the advice you would give to an apprentice joining now?

When I started in the industry, I wish someone had told me about all the different opportunities there are across the sector and to get out there and find out about them. Early in my career, I was involved in European projects, which involved a lot of travel and working with lots of different companies. But I still wasn’t aware of what other opportunities were available to me.

The advice I’d give apprentices now is to grab every opportunity you are given. There are so many roles in the industry. With the right support, your career could take you anywhere, and when you are on your journey, don’t forget to take a moment to recognise your achievements – you deserve the credit.

What hidden talents do you have?

I can run long distances! I have entered (and finished) a few 50-mile races as well as a number of marathons. I much prefer running up and down trails than on the road and being based in Shropshire, there are plenty of hills about.

Read more news from PS Partnerships here.

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