Convergence Group is a UK-based connectivity and networking provider, delivering complex networking solutions to both private and public sector organisations. With over 800,000 clients across the UK, the business designs, deploys and manages some of the nation’s most advanced networking systems.
Sustainability became a strategic focus for Convergence Group in 2017, following its ISO 14001 certification after acquiring Networks First. With ambitious growth plans, including the recent acquisition of M247, the company recognises that embedding sustainability into its operations is essential for scaling responsibly. We spoke with Robert Chidley, Compliance Manager at Convergence Group, to explore how sustainability is shaping the business strategy and guiding its future growth.
The Challenge
Like many growing businesses, Convergence Group encountered several obstacles when turning its sustainability ambitions into reality. With no dedicated sustainability manager, the responsibility for carbon measurement and reporting fell to Robert. Although passionate about the agenda, he was learning as he went, and the business lacked the specialist expertise to approach carbon reporting in a structured and compliant way.
Capacity was another issue. As the company focused on acquisitions and broader growth plans, dedicating sufficient time and resources to sustainability proved difficult. This made tasks such as collecting accurate data and engaging suppliers particularly challenging.
Another key factor was market expectation. The public sector, one of Convergence Group’s core markets, increasingly requires suppliers to demonstrate environmental accountability as part of the procurement process. To remain competitive, the business needed to demonstrate compliance with legislation, particularly PPN06/21. Being able to provide evidence of a compliant carbon reduction plan was essential in order to remain eligible for public sector contracts. The risk of falling short could have undermined growth opportunities and performance within their markets.
The Solution
To address these challenges, Convergence Group partnered with Positive Planet in 2021, bringing with it structure, expertise, and clarity to the process. Positive Planet supported the business with comprehensive carbon footprint measurement and carbon reduction planning, aligned with PPN06/21 requirements, ensuring accurate data collection across Scopes 1, 2, and 3. By validating the methodology and outputs, Positive Planet gave Convergence Group confidence that its reporting could stand up to external scrutiny, comply with public sector procurement frameworks, and present a clear roadmap for reducing emissions over time.
The partnership also supported Convergence Group in tackling one of the more complex areas of sustainability: the supply chain. Through targeted surveys and direct engagement with tier-one suppliers, Convergence Group was able to collect higher-quality data and begin addressing Scope 3 emissions. This has now become a key area of focus for Robert and the wider team as they work to strengthen supplier relationships and further enhance their sustainability performance.
“We greatly value our partnership with Positive Planet, which has been instrumental in advancing our sustainability agenda. The team has simplified what could otherwise be a complex and resource-intensive process.
Their structured approach, combined with their availability to provide timely support and expert advice, has made a significant difference to our team’s ability to engage with and act on the findings. We are confident that the progress we have made to date in reducing our environmental impact would not have been possible without their expertise, professionalism, and commitment.
Positive Planet has been, and will continue to be, a trusted partner in our journey towards a more sustainable future.”
Robert Chidley, Compliance Manager at Convergence Group
The Benefits
The ongoing collaboration has delivered both immediate and long-term benefits for Convergence Group. The business has achieved full compliance with the legislative and contractual requirements that underpin its ability to operate in the public sector. With a validated and transparent carbon footprint and a compliant carbon reduction plan in place, the business can continue to compete for and win public sector contracts, protecting and strengthening one of its key revenue streams. Improved data accuracy has also increased confidence in the credibility of its reporting, allowing Convergence Group to communicate progress to stakeholders with transparency and accountability.
Looking ahead, the business is now on a clear path towards Net Zero. Since the partnership began. Convergence Group has successfully reduced its carbon footprint by 148.7 tonnes of CO2e, which equates to around 57 return flights between London and New York. This systematic reduction of emissions provides measurable progress against science-based targets and supports the business’s broader corporate social responsibility values. By taking a proactive stance on sustainability, the business gains a competitive edge in a marketplace where environmental responsibility is increasingly a differentiator. Clients are seeking partners who can demonstrate credible climate action, and the business is now well-positioned to meet that demand.
What’s Next?
Convergence Group continues to work closely with Positive Planet on its annual carbon footprint measurement and the ongoing delivery of its carbon reduction plan. With a growing supply chain and an ambitious growth strategy, the business is focused on embedding sustainability further into its operations through increased supplier engagement. As the majority of emissions come from Scope 3, improving collaboration with suppliers will be a critical part of reducing the business’s overall impact. Convergence Group is committed to dedicating more time and resources to this area as part of its broader decarbonisation efforts.