SUGTalks

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig continues the conversation with Ian Mallinson, UKISUG Board Member, and David Yawalkar, Head of Solution Management, RISE with SAP, to unpack SAP’s cloud roadmap and what that means for customers planning their next steps. They explore the increasing functionality gap between S/4HANA on-prem and cloud editions, including cloud-only AI, sustainability tools, central finance, and new Business Data Cloud apps, as well as the shift to the dedicated S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition product version. The discussion also covers clean core as an ongoing journey, how tools like Signavio, LinaX and BTP support modernisation, and the incentives and support SAP is offering to help customers transition. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme You can find the UKISUG blog on SAP ERP, private edition, transition option here: https://www.sapusers.org/resource/sap-s-cloud-subscription-transition-option.html UKISUG Members can access the SAP S/4HANA and RISE Report 2024 here: https://www.sapusers.org/resource/sap-s-4hana-and-rise-report-2024.html

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Ian Mallinson, UKISUG Board Member, and David Yawalkar, Head of Solution Management, RISE with SAP, to explore the real cost of “doing nothing” when it comes to SAP roadmaps and cloud transformation. They break down the key maintenance deadlines and look at the evolving SAP landscape, from on-premise and private cloud to public cloud, and how the SUGEN Transformation Charter is helping users navigate timelines, Clean Core, and cloud-only innovation. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig Dale is joined by UKISUG Chair Conor Riordan and board members Dipti Jakhodia and Emma Chambers to take a look back at SAP Sapphire in Orlando and Madrid. They unpack SAP’s “apps, data and AI” flywheel, the rise of agentic AI and Joule, and what the new RISE and GROW messaging really means for existing SAP customers. In addiyition they delve into Sapphire’s innovation narrative and the reality for ECC and S/4HANA users dealing with technical debt, cloud business cases and licensing complexity. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig sits down with Costa Petrosellini, SAP Technical Services Manager at Dunelm and the new Vice Chair of UKISUG. Costa shares his 15-year journey through the user group – from volunteer to board member and now Vice Chair – reflecting on the confidence, connections, and career growth that came with being part of the community. They discuss lessons from his SAP implementations, what makes a successful project, and how collaboration between customers, partners and SAP depends on trust. Costa also talks about his goals as Vice Chair, his excitement for UKISUG Connect, and why anyone thinking of getting involved should “get stuck in”. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Pip Plah, Head of Sovereign Cloud, SAP UK, and Chris Soden, Head of UK Delivery, SAP Sovereign Cloud Services. Together they explore how SAP Sovereign Cloud is helping organisations in highly regulated industries maintain control over their data while embracing cloud innovation. They discuss what “sovereign” really means in practice, from data residency and legal frameworks to the security-cleared teams managing UK workloads. In addition they unpack the difference between commercial and sovereign cloud models. The conversation also covers customer adoption, the new Sovereign Cloud On-Site model, and how evolving regulations and cyber threats are shaping the cloud landscape. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Neil Gardner, Head of Cloud ERP, RISE with SAP, SAP UK & Ireland. Together they unpack SAP’s new Cloud ERP Transition Option and what it means for customers on their journey to S/4HANA. Neil explains why SAP introduced the transition option, who it’s aimed at, and what’s included, from prerequisites to how it helps large, complex organisations manage their move to the cloud. The pair also discuss common misconceptions, the 2030 maintenance deadline, and why “doing nothing” comes with its own cost. Learn more about SAP's Cloud ERP Transition Option here: https://news.sap.com/2025/08/rise-with-sap-journey-sap-erp-private-edition-transition-option-updates/ Read the SAP Note 3591251 mentioned in the podcast here: https://me.sap.com/notes/3591251/E To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig welcomes back Simon Nichols, Founder and CEO of Thrive, to explore “all or nothing thinking” and how it impacts our daily lives. They discuss cognitive distortions, perfectionism, and why our brains often default to black-and-white thinking. Simon shares practical strategies to regulate thought processes, find balance, and reframe situations in healthier ways. From workplace conversations to personal wellbeing, this episode offers valuable insights for recognising and breaking free from unhelpful thinking traps. To see upcoming UKISUG wellbeing sessions click here: https://www.sapusers.org/event-calendar.html?type=wellbeing-session&sort=date&order=asc You can learn more about Thrive here: https://itstime2thrive.co.uk/ To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Simon Bacon, SAP Operations Manager at QD Group, to discuss how strong partner relationships can make or break SAP projects. Simon shares how QD Group delivered a six-month brownfield migration from ECC to SAP S/4HANA on RISE with zero business disruption, clear cost control and a roadmap to clean core. They discuss selecting a partner for culture fit, aligning AMS and project teams, alongside practical advice for striking the right balance between internal ownership and external expertise – and much more. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this special episode of SUGTalks, guest host Gerren Mayne (regular host of the SAPCHAT podcast) takes the chair while Craig Dale moves into the guest seat. Joining them is Simon Bacon, SAP Operations Manager at QD Group. Together, they provide an exclusive preview of UKISUG Connect 2025, exploring what attendees can expect - from over 100 breakout sessions and hands-on workshops to keynotes, the expanded exhibition space, and new initiatives like the quiet room in partnership with Thrive. Simon also shares the value Connect delivers to QD Group year after year, including hands-on learning, networking, and how they use the event to stay on top of SAP’s fast-moving roadmap. Meanwhile Craig shares advice for first-time attendees, reflects on how AI and automation are shaping this year’s agenda, and teases the futuristic theme of SUGFest. Book your place at UKISUG Connect 2025 here: https://brightelm.eventsair.com/ukisug-connect-2025/homepage/Site/Register To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig welcomes back Simon Nichols, Founder and CEO of Thrive, to discuss negativity bias and the importance of taking a positive mindset to overcome it. They explore why our brains are wired to focus on the negative, how this shows up in our daily experiences, and what practical strategies we can use to reframe our thoughts in a more positive light. From mindfulness and memory recall to workplace communication and psychological safety, Simon shares actionable tools for building resilience and positivity. To see upcoming UKISUG wellbeing sessions click here: https://www.sapusers.org/event-calendar.html?type=wellbeing-session&sort=date&order=asc You can learn more about Thrive here: https://itstime2thrive.co.uk/ To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this second episode of a two-part series, Craig is joined by Steffen Schad (Head of Outbound Product Management, SAP BTP), Richard Henry (Commercial Director, Bluestonex), and Glenn van der Meijden (Senior Director, SAP Platform, AstraZeneca) to explore the key findings of UKISUG’s latest SAP BTP Research Paper. In this episode, they delve into the evolving BTP skills landscape, the importance of internal capability, and how customers are balancing innovation with governance. They explore practical training paths, effective credit management, and how to build compelling business cases by linking BTP to real-world value. The discussion also highlights honest user perspectives and tips for getting the most from your BTP investment. You can download the UKISUG BTP Research Paper here: https://www.sapusers.org/resource/sap-btp-whitepaper.html To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme SAP documents mentioned by Steffen: SAP Integration Suite WhitepaperSAP BTP Guidance Framework

In this first of a two-part series, Craig is joined by Steffen Schad (Head of Outbound Product Management, SAP BTP), Richard Henry (Commercial Director, Bluestonex), and Glenn van der Meijden (Senior Director, SAP Platform, AstraZeneca) to explore the key findings of UKISUG’s latest SAP BTP Whitepaper. In this episode they discuss the road to SAP's Clean Core, evolving customer skillsets, and why reframing BTP around business value, not just technology, is essential. They also discuss SAP’s gamified approach to education, and share honest perspectives from both user and partner communities. Stay tuned for Part 2, which will be published on 30/07. You can download the UKISUG BTP Whitepaper here: www.sapusers.org/resource/sap-btp-whitepaper To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Hagen Jander, Vice President, Product Management & Strategy – SAP Business Data Cloud & Insights. Together, they take a deep dive on SAP Business Data Cloud, exploring, what it is, how it builds on DataSphere, and why harmonised, contextualised data is key to powering AI, overcoming data silos, and unlocking real business value. Hagen also shares how customers can get started and what’s coming next on the Business Data Cloud roadmap. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Steffen Schad, Head of Outbound Product Management for SAP BTP. Together, they explore the latest innovations in SAP's Business Technology Platform – from AI-powered automation and integration advances to the new Joule Studio and Business Data Cloud. Steffen explains how BTP is evolving to support organisations of all sizes, and why AI, data and security are more important than ever. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode, Craig is joined by Jose Carvalho, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at the Value AI Institute and Global Head of Centre of Excellence at The Digital Economist. Together they cut through the AI buzz and Jose shares a practical roadmap for turning AI into sustainable business value. Jose also stresses why true success starts with people and data, how boards can lead responsibly, and where industries like healthcare, agriculture and finance are already reaping rewards. You'll also be able to see Jose live on stage at the UKISUG AI Symposium 2025 on 8 July in Manchester, where he’ll headline a day packed with AI strategy, data-governance deep dives and real-world SAP success stories. Sign-up here: https://www.sapusers.org/event-calendar/ai-symposium-2025.html To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig Dale is joined by Stefan Kneis, Chief Customer Officer and Head of BTP Product Success at SAP. They explore the launch of SAP’s new Voice of the Customer programme for BTP, designed to gather meaningful user input at scale and shape future product direction. Stefan shares how feedback has already influenced BTP’s evolution and what the future might hold. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig welcomes back Simon Nichols, Founder and CEO of Thrive, for a timely conversation on how to survive and thrive in times of change. Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, they explore why unpredictability affects us so deeply, how different people respond to it, and what role control, mindset, and even denialism play in our mental wellbeing. To see upcoming UKISUG wellbeing sessions click here: https://www.sapusers.org/event-calendar.html?type=wellbeing-session&sort=date&order=asc You can learn more about Thrive here: https://itstime2thrive.co.uk/ To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Russell Smith, Vice President of ERP Transformation Technology at AstraZeneca. Russell shares his career journey from the Royal Navy through consulting and investment banking, to leading AstraZeneca’s ambitious SAP-driven Axial Programme. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Andy Hancock, Global Vice President - Domain Advisory for Supply Chain Management at SAP. Andy shares insights into how SAP is helping users build resilient and sustainable supply chains in an increasingly volatile world. From the importance of breaking down data silos and embracing agility, to practical applications of AI and the future of supply chain management. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this week's episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Founder and CEO of Thrive, Simon Nichols, to explore the vital role emotional intelligence plays in the workplace. They discuss how EQ can improve communication, foster resilience, support leadership and team development, and contribute to a psychologically safe and inclusive work environment. To see upcoming UKISUG mental health session click here: https://www.sapusers.org/events/all?type=544 You can learn more about Thrive here: https://itstime2thrive.co.uk/ To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme