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“Working with CBAMBOO was absolutely the right decision. Their support has been invaluable, which is why I’m recommending them to all our suppliers and customers. I tell them, ‘Get in touch with CBAMBOO—they can help you.’ I’m a proud ambassador for CBAMBOO.”
Lesley Rowley, Managing Director for Finance & Purchasing
A proactive approach to CBAM
As global regulations evolve, businesses must adapt or risk being left behind. Stainless Steel Services, a UK-based stockholder and processor, recognised the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as both a challenge and an opportunity when it was implemented in 2023. Lesley Rowley, Managing Director for Finance & Purchasing and Darren Moult, Managing Director for Sales and Operations made the decision to integrate CBAM compliance into its operations. By educating the team, customers, and suppliers while leveraging CBAMBOO’s Platform and expertise, Stainless Steel Services has managed to gain trust, secure new business, and stay ahead of regulatory changes.
Overcoming initial uncertainty
When CBAM was first introduced in 2023, uncertainty loomed over the industry. Many companies, both EU-based importers and non-EU suppliers, adopted a "wait-and-see" approach, hoping the regulation would go away. Stainless Steel Services took the opposite stance. They saw CBAM not just as a compliance challenge but as an opportunity to strengthen customer relationships and future-proof their business.
Recognising the administrative burden CBAM can be, Stainless Steel Services sought a reliable solution to help them comply. CBAMBOO’s Platform became an essential tool, enabling seamless data collection and emission calculations.
"I knew we needed support, and having a calculation platform was essential—we couldn't have gathered and managed our CBAM data without it”, Lesley says. “Working with CBAMBOO has deepened my understanding and given me confidence when I felt that I was sinking in CBAM information. Their support has helped me engage with customers and clearly communicate, ‘This is what we’re doing, this is how we’re managing it, and we’re here to support you by providing our CBAM data in the best way possible.’
Turning compliance into a competitive advantage
Today, Stainless Steel Services is well-versed in CBAM, but Lesley believes that they remain in the minority. And she’s right. Only a small part of EU-based companies report that they are able to get actual emission data from their non-EU suppliers, usually due to lack of data or knowledge about CBAM. While many non-EU-based suppliers still lag behind, Stainless Steel Services has leveraged their proactive approach as a key differentiator.
“I see our customers often and I get the feeling that we are doing a lot more than any of their other suppliers are doing, and that's really done us some good. Several of our customers have phoned to ask if we can come out and talk about CBAM, which has enabled us to say that we are not a company who's ignoring it.”
Stainless Steel Services’s transparency and preparedness have not gone unnoticed. Lesley believes that their customers appreciate their commitment and the clarity they provide on CBAM-related challenges. This engagement has translated into stronger client relationships and new business opportunities. So far, they have given support to over 10% of their customers and are expecting more to follow in the coming months now as more and more realise CBAM is not going anywhere, according to Lesley.
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Preparing for the UK CBAM
To sustain this advantage, Stainless Steel Services has ensured the sales team are trained to integrate CBAM into their customer interactions. Every sales discussion includes CBAM, reinforcing that Stainless Steel Services is not only compliant but also a knowledgeable partner ready to support its clients. Lesley herself has been actively visiting customers to present on CBAM, an initiative that has been met with positive responses. Her message is clear: don’t wait until 2027, when the UK CBAM is implemented—start preparing now. Through CBAMBOO’s support, Lesley has been able to pass on this knowledge, guiding both colleagues and customers in taking proactive steps. While the current focus is on meeting EU CBAM requirements, Lesley is already preparing for the UK’s version, set to be implemented in 2027.
“[CBAM] is a whole company policy that everybody's got to understand the importance of.” [The UK CBAM] is going to require a lot of work from us, so although it's not coming into play yet, I want to make sure we get into it now so we are ready when it comes.
A strong partnership with CBAMBOO
For Lesley, partnering with CBAMBOO has been a game-changer.
“Working with CBAMBOO was absolutely the right decision. Their support has been invaluable, which is why I’m recommending them to all our suppliers and customers. I tell them, ‘Get in touch with CBAMBOO—they can help you.’ I’m a proud ambassador for CBAMBOO.”
By leveraging CBAMBOO’s expertise and platform, Stainless Steel Services has navigated CBAM with confidence, ensuring compliance while strengthening customer relationships. Not only have they implemented CBAM in their own operation, but they have also taken on a leadership role, actively educating employees, customers and suppliers, on CBAM requirements and best practices. By being in the forefront and sharing their knowledge with others, Stainless Steel Services is not only helping businesses run and adapt to regulatory changes but also driving broader industry momentum toward low-carbon solutions. Their efforts are accelerating CBAM engagement, ultimately pushing the sector to invest in more sustainable practices.
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