GS1 UK has named Sophie Segal as its new head of SME, a role that reflects the global data standard organisation’s increased focus on the evolving needs of SMEs.
GS1 UK is one of 115 neutral and independent GS1 organisations operating worldwide. GS1 global standards allow a community of over 50,000 organisations to uniquely identify, describe and track anything, creating greater trust in data for everyone.
With SMEs making up 75% of GS1 UK’s 52,000-strong membership base, and following a turbulent year impacted by the Covid-19 crisis and the EU transition, GS1 UK has outlined plans to leverage the global GS1 network and partners spanning the food, retail, and healthcare sectors to further aid SME members and increase opportunities for growth. A further priority will be to help start-ups create and follow sustainable business models. This aligns with one GS1 UK’s overarching aims to support industry with the widespread adoption of its standards, ensuring greater traceability throughout the supply chain.
Ms Segal has been tasked with ensuring that the proposition GS1 UK offers its SME members is of true value, and provides support and advice at every stage as business develops. Anne Godfrey has similar priorities following her ascension to the position of GS1 UK CEO, as the industry transitions into a post-pandemic phase, and works its way through the ramifications of Brexit..
She said, ‘Small and medium sized businesses have always represented a huge proportion of GS1 UK’s membership, and with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and our departure from the EU still being navigated, I recognise the many challenges SMEs are facing. Now more than ever, they need greater support. While sources of support in the form of advice and funding are out there, it is of little help if SMEs are not aware of it and GS1 UK can help them utilise this landscape to succeed. We have seen many businesses start up during the pandemic and we want to be there for them, supporting their transition to more resilient and sustainable business models.’
Ms Segal is a former head of loyalty at Avis Budget Group, where she was in charge of driving retention strategies across all customer touch points. She has since supported founders and scale-ups when developing customer engagement, as well as helping such companies to rethink their business models with a sustainable mindset. In addition, Sophie acts as a trainer and advisor at Enterprise Nation and co-chairs the Circular Economy Club in Reading.
Sarah Atkins, CMO and membership director at GS1 UK, said, ‘We are delighted to have Sophie on board, strengthening our expertise when it comes to supporting these members. Sophie’s extensive commercial background and knowledge in sustainability, traceability and the circular economy makes her an ideal choice for the role. Through championing these qualities, we hope to create transformative industry change for the better, bolstering the proposition of our SMEs and ultimately ensuring that consumers are informed and protected at the other end of the supply chain. We look forward to seeing how GS1 UK’s SME offering will continue to go from strength to strength under her stewardship.’
Ms Segal concluded, ‘Although the past 12 months have been tough for many, there are also a lot of positive opportunities for SMEs in the current climate. With my background in helping small businesses start and grow their business as well as my focus in sustainability, I cannot wait to help advise these companies in this area, unlocking new value for the segment and bringing their individual stories to life through this lens.’
