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Case Study

Scotland’s Heavy Duty Vehicle (HDV) Supply Chain and Net Zero

Optimat mapped three Scottish supply chains that could benefit from the transition to zero emission Heavy Duty Vehicles. We provided clear and concise insights about the current and future nature and scale of these supply chains to support policy making.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The study was commissioned by the ClimateXChange (Scottish Government’s centre of expertise on climate) on behalf of the Scottish Government. The overall purpose of the study was to better understand how the transition to zero emission Heavy Duty Vehicles would impact on three Scottish supply chains:

  1. Heavy Duty Vehicle manufacturing
  2. Associated EV charging infrastructure
  3. Associated hydrogen refuelling infrastructure

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Identify and assess the current make-up and capability level of the three supply chains
Identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the existing supply chains
Identify and assess how demand for Scottish supply chain and manufacturing services may change in future, particularly in light of policy drivers and decarbonisation targets
Identify how other sectors in Scotland can benefit from new supply chain opportunities related to zero emission HDVs

Identify and assess the current make-up and capability level of the three supply chains
Identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the existing supply chains
Identify and assess how demand for Scottish supply chain and manufacturing services may change in future, particularly in light of policy drivers and decarbonisation targets
Identify how other sectors in Scotland can benefit from new supply chain opportunities related to zero emission HDVs




OUR APPROACH

Our approach consisted of desk research, one-to-one consultations with 27 industry and other stakeholders from across the three supply chains and a validation workshop, attended by 13 industry and other stakeholder from ten organisations.

We combined insights from desk research and stakeholder engagement to carry out a SWOT analysis of each supply chain and provide an overview of current and potential future employment in each supply chain. We also identified where other sectors could benefit from the transition to zero emission HDVs

We worked closely with the Steering Group to ensure the study outputs delivered the aims and objectives.

DELIVERY TEAM

John Taylor
Senior Consultant
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Deborah Creamer
Managing Director & Senior Consultant
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Mark Morrison
Senior Consultant
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Ed Leigh
Consultant
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OUTPUTS AND IMPACTS

The study delivered four main outputs:

  • A comprehensive report with high quality evidence and insights aimed at policy makers – available on the ClimateXChange website
  • A detailed supply chain directory for each of the three supply chains, categorising each supply chain company as being currently active or having relevant capabilities to become active in future. Companies were categorised into primary and secondary supply chain segments to facilitate the gap analysis
  • A summary infographic showing the potential change in employment in the supply chains and how this might change by 2030 and by 2035
  • A summary presentation to help the client communicate and disseminate study findings

Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss how we can help map supply chains and provide insights into the implications of Net Zero

"We were very happy to work with Optimat on this project. John and the team maintained a consistently professional approach, with clear communications throughout. The work was delivered on time and to budget."

Colin Seditas (Climate & Economy lead)
ClimateXChange

John Taylor

Senior Consultant

I’m John Taylor, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. Since joining the company in 2003, I have developed specialisms in sustainability and net zero related studies. This includes projecting future market demand scenarios, profiling regional supply chain capabilities, identifying and evaluating public sector support interventions and understanding future net zero skills needs across transport, built environment, energy transition, industrial decarbonisation and waste and the circular economy.

I am also one of the lead consultants for economic impact assessments and evaluation of challenge-fund programme and project applications. An experienced innovation due diligence assessor, I focus on reviewing R&D project applications with environmental outcomes. I like to work with good people in teams that deliver insights and outputs that clients value.

Prior to joining Optimat, I started a company to create online platforms to catalyse collaboration between companies and research organisations. Before this, I spent seven years working in the Scottish economic development network, supporting start-up and growing businesses, across all sectors, to develop business plans and access funding.

I have a BA(hons) in Business Economics and Marketing, an MSc in Entrepreneurial Studies and an MSc in Economic Management & Policy with Environmental Economics.

Deborah Creamer

Managing Director

I’m Deborah Creamer, the Managing Director of Optimat. I’m passionate about helping organisations and businesses make smarter, evidence-based decisions, especially when it comes to innovation, technology, and long-term growth.

I’ve been part of the Optimat team since 1998, specialising in strategic industrial analysis for high-tech sectors. Over the years, I’ve built up a deep understanding of what drives success in innovation and economic development, and I enjoy working with clients to turn data and insight into meaningful action.

I specialise in advanced materials and manufacturing and the industries in which they play a key role – ranging from aerospace to medical devices. My particular area of expertise is in funding for innovation, spanning a broad spectrum from evaluating R&D and innovation funding application to developing business cases for significant innovation assets in Scotland and the UK. I’ve supported many organisations to craft successful funding applications whether that is for a small R&D project or a state-of-the-art innovation centre and it’s incredibly rewarding to help secure the backing that great ideas need to become reality. Ibelieve in the power of innovation, collaboration, and practical thinking to create lasting impact, for businesses, industries, and communities.

Before joining Optimat, my career started in materials R&D and new product development, working with BP International and Bourns Electronics Inc. That hands on industry experience gave me a solid foundation in how technologies evolve and get to market.

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, an MBA, and I’m a Chartered Engineer.

Mark Morrison

Senior Consultant

I’m Mark, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in life sciences and sustainability, working closely with clients to help them understand new technology and market opportunities as well as workforce skills requirements to enable these to become reality.

I’ve been with Optimat since 2015 and worked with a range of public sector clients to deliver insightful market and sector analyses in subject areas including synthetic biology, chemical manufacturing, carbon capture utilisation and storage, medical devices, decarbonised transport, and renewable energy. I’ve also supported private sector clients to secure grant funding from Scottish, UK and European agencies, and have coordinated a number of European Commission funded projects.

Before joining Optimat I was the CEO of the Institute of Nanotechnology, a not-for-profit organisation that was instrumental in raising the profile and opportunities in nanotechnology for UK and European businesses. This provided me with first-hand experience of engaging and collaborating with a range of stakeholders in private, public and third sector organisations across Europe.

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology from the University of Glasgow and a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Manchester.

Ed Leigh

Consultant

I am Ed, a Consultant at Optimat. I’m passionate about turning complex climate and nature concepts into clear, actionable insights. My core expertise is around carbon appraisal and management, climate/social innovation development, and product supply chain mapping/market strategy.

I especially enjoy collaborating with clients and stakeholders to shape meaningful action, combining robust quantitative analysis with qualitative insight to create strategies grounded in clear problem definition. This approach has enabled me to build strong relationships and expand my technical understanding of emerging and novel technologies, while also identifying and mapping the skills required to address them effectively.

My work includes the management of greenhouse gases and the development of strategic pathways for reduction and removals in sectors including transport, CCUS, energy, and nature-based solutions. I have developed practical approaches to innovation support by developing implementation strategies for climate technologies and nature-based solutions, with a systems-wide perspective.

I have completed a BSc in Geography and an MSc in Global Strategy and Sustainability. I am passionate about applying systems approaches to develop tangible, logical steps to deliver a resilient, adaptation-based future.