In this episode of the Tower Supplies Podcast, we sit down with Stuart Heritage (Procurement Director) and Bruce Woodfield (Director of Sales & Marketing) to unpack the real complexities behind PPE purchasing decisions.

With increasing pressure on budgets, tightening regulations and ongoing supply chain disruption, buying PPE is no longer a simple price comparison exercise. Stuart and Bruce break down why focusing purely on unit cost can lead to hidden risks, from poor compliance and reduced product lifespan to negative impacts on employee safety, satisfaction and retention.

The conversation explores the importance of total cost of ownership, the role of sustainability, and why engaging end users is critical when selecting the right products. We also dive into real-world examples of cost savings, the dangers of non-compliant PPE entering the market, and how global events have reshaped supply chain strategy.

This episode is packed with practical insights for procurement teams, health and safety leaders, and anyone responsible for keeping people safe at work.

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What The Episode Covers

• Why PPE decisions are more complex than price alone
• The importance of total cost of ownership vs unit cost
• How end-user engagement impacts safety and performance
• The role of quality, sustainability and compliance in PPE
• Real-world examples of long-term cost savings
• The risks of non-compliant or counterfeit PPE
• The true impact of workplace injuries and poor equipment
• Supply chain disruption from Covid, Suez and geopolitics
• Why partnerships and forecasting improve supply reliability
• The challenges of tender processes and “race to the bottom” pricing

Chapters

00:00 – Why are PPE decisions more complex today?

01:10 – What do companies overlook when focusing on price?

04:15 – How should businesses evaluate total cost of ownership?

07:00 – How do you convince stakeholders to prioritise quality?

10:45 – How can better PPE reduce long-term costs?

13:20 – Why is compliance critical in PPE decisions?

17:30 – Who is responsible for ensuring PPE safety?

27:00 – How have global events disrupted PPE supply chains?

32:00 – How can businesses improve supply chain reliability?

35:30 – Why do procurement decisions require collaboration?

40:00 – Are tender processes driving a race to the bottom?