2024 Speakers
Day 1 - Net Zero five years on… Are we on track?
Rt Hon Chris Skidmore OBE
Author, Mission Zero
Rt Hon Chris Skidmore OBE
Author, Mission Zero
Chris Skidmore was the UK’s Energy Minister responsible for signing the UK’s net zero commitment into law in 2019: becoming the first G7 country to do so.
Most recently, Chris was appointed by the UK Prime Minister in 2022 to lead an independent review of net zero, publishing Mission Zero: The Net Zero Review in January 2023.
This was the most comprehensive engagement exercise ever undertaken on net zero in the UK, while the 340-page report, whose recommendations were widely adopted by the UK government, has been universally acknowledged by those working in climate policy as the definitive guide to how to deliver net zero more effectively in the UK. Mission Zero was published as a book in November 2023: Mission Zero | Biteback Publishing.
Lord Nicholas Stern, the author of the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change has stated that “Mission Zero is a remarkable and important piece of work. It provides a clear analysis of and guide to, the extraordinary opportunities that lie in building a new approach to growth and energy in the UK … It is a model of clarity and rigour in its analysis and draws on careful consultation across society, industry, politics and the UK’s nations. It should be read by all who are interested in growth, climate and the environment. It carries important lessons for countries across the world on how to take the transition to the zero-carbon economy forward. A tremendous achievement.”
Chris was a Member of Parliament between 2010 to 2024, during which time he served in five government departments, as Science, Research and Innovation Minister, Universities Minister, Health Minster and Minister for the Constitution. As a member of the UK Cabinet, he was also appointed a Privy Councillor in 2019. Chris recently also chaired the cross-party All Party Group on the Environment between 2022 and 2024.
He has also been a Senior Fellow (2021-23) at the Harvard Kennedy School, is a Visiting Fellow of St Anthony’s College, Oxford and a Professor of Practice in Net Zero Policy at Bath University. He was appointed as an Officer of the British Empire in 2022 for services to parliament.
He has continued to publish a number of reports on climate and energy policy and chairs the influential Mission Zero Coalition he established in March 2023. Chris is a prolific speaker on climate policy and in 2023, he spoke at over 200 conferences and events on delivering net zero and the energy transition, including giving keynote speeches at London Climate Action Week, New York Climate Week and COP28 in Dubai.
Michael Pollitt – University of Cambridge
Professor of Business Economics, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
Michael Pollitt – University of Cambridge
Professor of Business Economics, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
Michael Pollitt is Professor of Business Economics at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge. He is an Assistant Director of the Energy Policy Research Group (EPRG) and a joint academic director of the Centre on Regulation in Europe (CERRE). Michael is also a Fellow in Economics and Management at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.
He was the external economic advisor to Ofgem from 2007 to 2011 and the Vice President of the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE) for 2020-23.
He has published 13 books and over 100 refereed journal articles on efficiency analysis, energy policy and business ethics. Michael has co-authored/edited three books on business ethics and since 2000 has been the convenor of the Association of Christian Economists UK, working closely with theologians.
Michael has extensive experience of interdisciplinary engagement. He chaired the In Search of Good Energy Policy project at the University of Cambridge, which brought together academics from 12 departments – including law, philosophy and theology - and resulted in an edited volume (of the same name) from CUP.
Nick Molden – Emissions Analytics Ltd
Chief Executive Officer, Emissions Analytics Ltd
Nick Molden – Emissions Analytics Ltd
Chief Executive Officer, Emissions Analytics Ltd
Nick founded Emissions Analytics in 2011 to understand real-world emissions and fuel economy and emissions from vehicles. This evolved into understanding the holistic environmental impact of vehicles on air, soil and water, from tyre wear rates to volatile organic compound emissions.
Nick is chairman of the European standardisation CEN Workshop 90 on collecting real driving tailpipe emissions data, which led to the publication of the AIR Index. He is also chairman of CEN Workshop 103 on standardising the measurement of vehicle interior air quality and is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Imperial College London.
Simon Manley – UNDO
Head of Carbon, UNDO
Simon Manley – UNDO
Head of Carbon, UNDO
Simon specialises in the development and implementation of standards and methodologies for the fast-evolving carbon removals sector. He brings a wealth of in-depth, first-hand experience in enhanced rock weathering, biochar, woodland creation and peatland restoration.
As Head of Carbon for UNDO, the world's leading enhanced rock weathering project developer and carbon removal company, Simon and his team ensure projects generate verifiable carbon removal credits of the highest integrity, quality and durability.
Vicky Pryce – The Centre for Economics and Business Research
Chief Economic Adviser and board member, The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR)
Vicky Pryce – The Centre for Economics and Business Research
Chief Economic Adviser and board member, The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR)
Vicky Pryce is Chief Economic Adviser and a board member at the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) and a Visiting Professor at BCU and King’s College, London.
She was previously Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting , Director General for Economics at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and Joint Head of the UK Government Economic Service.
Before that she was partner at the accounting and consulting firm KPMG.
She is a Fellow and Council member of the UK Academy of Social Sciences, a Fellow of the Society of Professional Economists, a Companion of the British Academy of Management and on the Advisory Group of the Better Statistics CIC.
She is co-founder of GoodCorporation, a company set up to advise on corporate social responsibly, a patron of the charities Pro Bono Economics and Working Chance, a member of the Advisory Board of the central banking think-tank OMFIF and Chair of the Economic Advisory Council of the British Chambers of Commerce.
Her books include: “Green Business, Green Values and Sustainability” (co-ed); Greekonomics: The Euro crisis and Why Politicians Don't Get It”; “It's the Economy, Stupid- Economics for Voters”, with Ross and Urwin; “Redesigning Manufacturing”, with Nielsen and Beverland”; “Women vs Capitalism”; and “How to be a Successful Economist”, with Ross, Birdi and Harwood.
Will Russell – Innova
Development Manager, Innova
Will Russell – Innova
Development Manager, Innova
Will is an experienced development manager with a demonstrative history of driving successful PPA projects forward, as well as acquiring on- and off-market development land for renewable projects. Will leads on the origination and negotiation of sell-side PPAs, whilst maintaining relationships with business supply customers.
Jamie Elliott – West Midlands Combined Authority
Delivery Manager - Business Programmes, West Midlands Combined Authority
Jamie Elliott – West Midlands Combined Authority
Delivery Manager - Business Programmes, West Midlands Combined Authority
Jamie Elliott has over fifteen years of experience as an Open Innovation strategist and consultant. Prior to joining the West Midlands Combined Authority as their Innovation Lead in 2019, Jamie played an instrumental role in implementing the IXC Consultancy service in 2006 which supported high tech innovation in companies.
Jamie has worked in companies ranging from micro SME’s to multinationals, operating across diverse industry sectors such as food and drink, automotive, defence and FMCG. Jamie’s passion for innovation and seeing ideas grow into successful products and services was born from his experience at the University of Birmingham where he set up and developed the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre.
His scientific background is in microbiology: he holds a BSc (Hons) in Microbiology from Aberdeen University, an MSc in Biotechnology from Nottingham Trent University, and a PhD in Molecular Biology from Napier University. Reflecting and enhancing his commercial experience, he also holds an MBA from the University of Birmingham.
Jamie is currently the Delivery Manager-Business Programmes for the West Midlands Combined Authority overseeing the delivery of business support programmes including the DESNZ funded Pilot Business Energy Efficiency programme.
Dr Bahareh Salehi – Mott MacDonald
Chartered Building Physics Engineer/Consultant, Mott MacDonald
Dr Bahareh Salehi – Mott MacDonald
Chartered Building Physics Engineer/Consultant, Mott MacDonald
Dr Bahareh Salehi is a Chartered Building Physics Engineer/Consultant at Mott MacDonald, a global engineering, management and development consultancy company.
After completing her PhD in this subject and due to her knowledge and experience, she was invited to occupy a few hours a week as an Industry Lecturer at London South Bank University.
In addition to her occupations, she is an active member of the CIBSE Building Simulation Group with the aim of highlighting best practices in using computer simulation codes for building-related applications and a member of the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC)’s commercial retrofit task group to gain clarity on the most effective retrofit interventions for common office buildings found in the UK.
David Medori – 888 William Hill
Chief Procurement Officer, 888 William Hill
David Medori – 888 William Hill
Chief Procurement Officer, 888 William Hill
David Medori is Chief Procurement Officer at 888 William Hill, a global sports betting and gaming company with an extensive Retail footprint in the UK and dotcom businesses both internationally and in the UK.
David leads a globally based Procurement team and is responsible for the Group’s Environmental strategy and execution. Having already successfully achieved Carbon Neutrality for William Hill, his next target is to reach Net Zero.
A procurement expert, prior to 888 William Hill, David worked across the field in various organisations including Sainsbury’s and CitiBank. David is bilingual (English/Italian) and holds a first-class BEng Honours Degree and PhD in Supply Chain Management. As well as a passion for sustainability, David is an avid boxing and MMA fan and a keen snowboarder.
Fiona Edwards – JPA Workspaces
Head of Sustainability, JPA Workspaces
Fiona Edwards – JPA Workspaces
Head of Sustainability, JPA Workspaces
Fiona has devoted her professional career to her family business, JPA Workspaces, where she has gained valuable on-the-job experience and adapted to evolving company needs by transitioning across various roles.
Her commitment to ISO14001 environmental standards led to the establishment of her role as Head of Sustainability in 2015, marking the beginning of the company's triple bottom line operation. This position represented a perfect fit for Fiona, reflecting her long-held career aspirations.
Fiona's extensive practical expertise is supported by her membership in MIEMA (Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) and Chartered Environmental registration, enabling her to drive more strategic and purposeful business development initiatives.
In 2023, JPA Workspaces achieved a significant milestone when they were honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, one of only 15 awarded UK wide.
Matteo Deidda – Lloyds Banking Group
Senior Sustainability Manager, Lloyds Banking Group
Matteo Deidda – Lloyds Banking Group
Senior Sustainability Manager, Lloyds Banking Group
Matteo is a passionate Sustainability professional, with an Engineering background, an MSc in Renewable Energy and over 10 years’ experience in Energy and Sustainability Management across the retail, technology and financial services sector.
Matteo currently works as a Senior Sustainability Manager for Lloyds Banking Group, supporting the group journey to achieve the operational climate pledges on carbon, energy, water, waste, travel and biodiversity.
Prior to this, Matteo worked five years for Sainsbury’s, developing and delivering the energy management strategy of the retail and office estate and playing a key role in the achievement of the 2020 carbon reduction targets. He also worked for Vodafone UK, where he supported the business in setting the roadmap to deliver the 2025 sustainability targets, whilst reducing the company energy cost base.
Ola Bankole – London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Head of sustainability, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Ola Bankole – London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Head of sustainability, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Ola started his career in international development working for the Carter Foundation’s Global 2000 in some of the most remote parts of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad. Effects of climate changes was just as visible back then.
This experience contributed to his decision to study environmental management in Germany and Canada. He has spent the last 20+ years working in different capacities on sustainability issues for environmental charities, local authorities and higher education institutions.
He is currently head of sustainability for the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and two other institutions in the London Bloomsbury area.
He also has operational responsibility for the Sustainable Climate Impact Fund (SCIF), a subsidiary of LSHTM which provides interventions that mitigates the effects of climate change and deliver benefits to communities in low-income countries.
Rebecca Howard – Coventry Building Society
Head of Supplier Relationship Management, Coventry Building Society
Rebecca Howard – Coventry Building Society
Head of Supplier Relationship Management, Coventry Building Society
Rebecca Howard is Head of Supplier Relationship Management at Coventry Building Society. Her team is responsible for supplier performance management, contract management and supply chain sustainability.
Rebecca designed and delivered the Society’s sustainable procurement program achieving a corporate sustainable procurement policy, supplier code of conduct, CIPS Ethics accreditation and the ISO20400 sustainable procurement standard in 2023.
Rebecca speaks externally on sustainability, diversity, procure to pay best practice, supplier payment performance and small business advocacy. As part of the CBS leadership team, Rebecca champions inclusivity and is a co-chair of the Black Network.
Vijay Chouhan – Virgin Media O2
Head of Energy and Carbon, Virgin Media O2
Vijay Chouhan – Virgin Media O2
Head of Energy and Carbon, Virgin Media O2
Vijay has over 20 experience in Energy and has worked in the Telco Sector since 2008.
His team is responsible for Energy Purchasing (Electricity-Forward Hedging/Water/Gas) for over 60k sites & assets (across Fixed and Mobile Networks) including Retail and Corporate sites (and associated metering), Utility Bill Validation, Budgets and Accruals, Environmental Compliance and Internal/Shareholder end to end carbon reporting.
Vijay also supports decarbonisation under the Net Zero Programme - VirginMediaO2 aims to be Net Zero across operations, products and supply chain by 2040.
Julia Hailes
Sustainability Pioneer
Julia Hailes
Sustainability Pioneer
Julia describes herself as a sustainability pioneer, campaigner, consultant, writer and speaker, as well as being pro-wilding, a climate activist, e-bike enthusiast, a promoter of renewable energy and an expert in waste-related issues.
She is a director of Rubbish Ideas, which provides consultancy and design services supporting the circular economy.
In 1987 she co-founded the UK’s first environmental consultancy and think tank - SustainAbility. She has written or co-written nine books including the million-selling Green Consumer Guide, published in 1988.
Julia has started the UK’s first annual Wilding Weekend in 2022 at her home in Dorset and regularly speaks on this and other issues.
In 1992 Julia was elected to the UN Global 500 Roll of Honour for her outstanding environmental achievement and in 1999 received an MBE for her environmental work.
Fitzroy Hutchinson – The Celtic Collection
Energy & Sustainability Manager, The Celtic Collection
Fitzroy Hutchinson – The Celtic Collection
Energy & Sustainability Manager, The Celtic Collection
Fitzroy Hutchinson is a seasoned professional with 15.5 years of experience in the NHS and an additional 2 years in the hospitality sector. With a passion for uniting people and technology, he thrives on educating and empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential. As the enthusiastic driver of the sustainability bus, he champions eco-friendly initiatives, proudly ushering everyone aboard towards a greener future. In his role as Energy & Sustainability Manager at The Celtic Collection, Fitzroy utilizes his expertise to steer the organization towards sustainable practices, ensuring they tread lightly on the planet, all while embracing the latest advancements in electric transportation.
Morgan Roberts – Sustainability West Midlands
Project Officer, Sustainability West Midlands
Morgan Roberts – Sustainability West Midlands
Project Officer, Sustainability West Midlands
Morgan Roberts is a Project Officer at Sustainability West Midlands, the independent advisor on sustainability for the West Midlands and beyond. Morgan’s work ranges from producing climate change adaptation support for organisations including the NHS, to running the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge, a free West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) initiative involving organisations committed to reducing carbon emissions and supporting them on this journey.
Haydn Young – Rutland Forums
CEO & Founder, Rutland Forums
Haydn Young – Rutland Forums
CEO & Founder, Rutland Forums
A former Energy Manager in the retail sector, I founded of Rutland Forums a collaboration network for energy and sustainability leaders within the UK and USA. My network of 70 companies collaborates by sector in retail, finance, tech, logistics, airports and USA retail. All forums meet regularly to collaborate, support initiatives, share best practice, and work closely with national governments to develop low carbon policies. I also fund and support The Energy Club, a free online forum for sustainability/energy people in SMEs.
George Richards – JRP Solutions
Director, JRP Solutions
George Richards – JRP Solutions
Director, JRP Solutions
George has over 35 years’ experience of working with industrial and commercial clients across a range of sectors throughout the UK and Ireland delivering sustainable solutions to improve business performance. He is a passionate believer in the need for immediate action to address climate change and is actively engaging and assisting a wide range of organisations in all sectors to develop and implement Net Zero strategies.
George is a degree qualified sustainability expert who, having started his career as a HVAC engineer, has a practical insight into many of the fundamental, grass roots challenges facing organisations irrespective of their size or complexity.
Since joining JRP in 2011, George has been determined that both he and JRP play an active role in helping organisations to minimise their environmental impacts and to recognise that environmental sustainability will be at heart of long-term organisational resilience and true sustainability.
Tom Maidment – Hilton Foods
Group Product Sustainability Senior Manager, Hilton Foods
Tom Maidment – Hilton Foods
Group Product Sustainability Senior Manager, Hilton Foods
Tom Maidment is currently Group Product Sustainability Senior Manager at Hilton Foods, leading the development of the company’s supply chain decarbonisation strategy and providing LCA expertise across the company. Before that he worked for Jaguar Land Rover, where he developed the company’s net zero strategy. He is also an Associate at Oxford Net Zero.
Bret Willers – Coventry City Council
Head of Climate Change & Sustainability, Coventry City Council
Bret Willers – Coventry City Council
Head of Climate Change & Sustainability, Coventry City Council
Bret has a long history of managing change in relation to sustainable development and regeneration having worked at Director level in the public sector in Local Government and also for national charities.
Bret was one of the first Environmental Co-ordinators in the UK leading the City of Cardiff’s Environmental Strategy the first City to be awarded Recycling City and Energy City status and winning an International Council Local Environmental Initiatives Award during the Rio Earth Summit. Bret Set up the Welsh national Environmental Co-ordinators Forum and played an active role in Eurocities, he was a member of the EU’s Urban Environment Expert Group and was on the Team that drafted the European Commission’s Strategy for Sustainable Cities and Towns and the Aalborg Charter. Bret was also involved in the Development of the UN’s Habitat II Programme for Sustainable Human Settlements with the Prepcomm meetings in New York and the negotiating the agreement at the Summit in Istanbul.
A Former Constituency Director in Birmingham, a CEO of ‘Back on the Map NDC’ in Sunderland and Area Co-ordinator in Coventry Bret is well versed in the devolution debate and empowering communities and multi-agency partnerships for collaborative working for sustainable development and community regeneration. As Development Director of Garden Organic (The Henry Doubleday Research Association) he played a key role in developing the Eco-Attractions Group https://www.ecoattractions.com/ a collaboration of a number of national tourist attractions with an ecological focus such as Kew gardens, The Eden Project, The Deep, the Living Rainforest, Centre for Alternative Technology and others.
Now as Head of Sustainability and Climate Change in Coventry he has returned to his roots engaging with public, private and voluntary sector bodies across the City region in developing a sustainable development and climate change strategy to be collectively owned by the City as a whole.
Coventry with its long history with the automotive industry is leading on a number of initiatives in the UK it is to be the first Electric Bus City with a fleet of over 300 buses to be converted to electric and has the largest number of electric vehicle charging points per capita in the country. The City Council working in partnership with industry is developing the production of a lighter weight alternative to trams with its Very Light Rail (VLR) System alternative to funding from Innovate UK, Coventry City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority are working with a number of Universities, Direct Network Operators and energy companies in understanding how the city can maximise the development of zero carbon technologies for the supply of zero carbon energy and manage what is becoming an increasingly complex more localised form of energy provision with an increasing number of energy providers across the City. Coventry is partnered with Eon with one of the first Strategic Energy Partnerships in the UK.
Coventry has achieved an ‘A’ rating from CDP and is continually striving to meet its climate change targets 55 to 65% of 1990 levels by 2030 and 100% by the Government’s target of 2050. Scope 3 activities account for a considerable percentage of the Council’s carbon emissions which places greater emphasis on the importance of its influence over suppliers and the organisations it commissions to meet carbon reduction targets as a critical measure of performance. The City Council is currently working with over 50 voluntary, private and public sector organisations on a strategy to address the risks and consequences of extreme weather events caused by climate change where the City Council and its partners need to adapt to the changes we face and become more resilient in the face of adversity.
Tim Delport – Rendesco
Engineering Innovation Lead, Rendesco
Tim Delport – Rendesco
Engineering Innovation Lead, Rendesco
Dr Tim Delport is Engineering Innovation Lead at Rendesco, who are heat pump specialists and the UK’s number one provider of ground-source-based heat networks. Rendesco own the UK’s only large-scale portfolio of heat pump heat networks and continue to build this portfolio while also operating and managing the networks of others. They are the UK’s first and leading provider of funded heat networks – providing low-carbon, low-cost ground-source heat, as a service and for less than air-source heat pump alternatives.
Tim leads Rendesco’s innovation, charged with constantly improving the company’s current services, incorporating new services, and inventing new technology. He comes from a background in sustainable engineering technology start-ups and holds a Doctorate from Oxford University in the field of shallow geothermal systems. In 2017, he was recognised as one of Australia’s emerging young professionals and leaders, as a General Sir John Monash Scholar.
Jordan Rassas – Inenco
Head of New Business, Inenco
Jordan Rassas – Inenco
Head of New Business, Inenco
Jordan Rassas has over 10 years’ experience of helping leading organisations to define the most effective energy procurement strategy and how best to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs. He has held several senior roles with leading consultancies and is now leading Inenco’s new client acquisition. As well as coaching clients in how to think holistically around energy procurement, he is equally passionate about helping them to optimise consumption and chart a path to carbon net zero.
Wendy Cheeseman – NHS
Head of Estates Sustainability, NHS
Wendy Cheeseman – NHS
Head of Estates Sustainability, NHS
Wendy Cheeseman is an experienced energy and carbon manager and has worked in both the commercial and public sector for over 20 years on energy and carbon reduction strategies. Wendy has compiled GHG inventories for large and complex organisations as well as small public sector clients.
Wendy is one of only six energy conscious organisation (EnCO) practitioners globally driving energy reduction through people-led interventions and solutions.
Wendy's specialism is distilling complex technical guidance in relatable, simple ways to a non-technical audience, including for Government publications. She is a relentless advocate of obtaining quality, granular data to facilitate change.
Several of Wendy's energy reduction behaviour change projects have won awards such as the UK National Energy Efficiency Award and the prestigious Ashden awards. In addition to her work in December 2023 Wendy won the Net Zero Hero award for achievements over her career.
She is driven by a passion to do the right thing and infuses all that she does with enthusiasm inspiring others to do the same.
Anne Connor – Water Plus
Business Development Manager, Water Plus
Anne Connor – Water Plus
Business Development Manager, Water Plus
Water has been the driving force throughout Anne’s professional journey. Equipped with a BSc in Pure and Applied Chemistry, Anne started work, and spent 16 years, in the Water Treatment and Hygiene industry in chemist roles before transitioning to technical sales and account management. Since then, Anne has worked in the water retail industry for 8 years as a Key Account Manager and now Business Development Manager. In this role at Water Plus, Anne combines her exceptional technical expertise with a strategic vision to drive innovation, growth and sustainability for our customers and in the industry.
Kerry Locke – Bryt Energy
Head of Sales, Bryt Energy
Kerry Locke – Bryt Energy
Head of Sales, Bryt Energy
Kerry has over 17yrs experience in the energy industry with the early part of her career focused on driving energy procurement strategies, carbon reporting, and technology solutions for large industrial and commercial businesses.
7 years ago, Kerry pursued her passion for renewables and was brought on board to implement the sales team at the then B2B startup, Bryt Energy. Fast-forward to today, Bryt Energy now have a 4.8TWh contracted portfolio with their zero carbon, 100% renewable product and are leaders in the sustainable energy marketplace.
Rowland Harper – ENGIE
Head of Strategic Development - Business Energy & Services, ENGIE
Rowland Harper – ENGIE
Head of Strategic Development - Business Energy & Services, ENGIE
Rowland has almost 30 years of experience in the energy sector, supporting large organisations to find the right solution to their energy and sustainability strategies. This includes developing innovative solutions for corporate power purchase agreements, as well as strategic insight into how I&C organisations can transition to net zero.
Sean Langford – Smartest Energy
Strategic Development Manager, SmartestEnergy
Sean Langford – Smartest Energy
Strategic Development Manager, SmartestEnergy
Sean joined SmartestEnergy in 2017 and is responsible for relationship management for a number of our key customers, and the development of new business products and opportunities to meet customer needs.
He specialises in structuring and implementing flexible frameworks with TPIs and customers and hopes to continue to work on exciting framework opportunities, finding solutions for large end consumers in this challenging market.
Having joined the energy industry in 2003, Sean has over 20 years of experience in the energy sector, with 16 years in account manager roles, including at a Big-Six supplier and large end TPI.
Ollie Rosevear – Fuller, Smith and Turner
Director of Sustainability, Fuller, Smith and Turner
Ollie Rosevear – Fuller, Smith and Turner
Director of Sustainability, Fuller, Smith and Turner
Ollie Rosevear joined Pub & Hotel group Fuller Smith and Turner as Director of Sustainability in 2021. He is responsible for leading their journey towards Net Zero by 2040 and developing a wider ESG strategy. Prior to Fullers Ollie spent the previous 11 years as Head of Environment for Costa Coffee where he helped design their BREEAM Outstanding Roastery & was responsible for developing the award winning Zero Energy EcoPod concept.
James Murphy – Stark
Head of Policy & Regulation
James Murphy – Stark
Head of Policy & Regulation
From electricity settlement reform to non-domestic smart metering policy, James is passionate about industry change and always looking to secure positive outcomes for our customers.
James is an active member of: Elexon BSC Performance Assurance Board (PAB), MHHS System Integration Testing Advisory Group (SITAG), MHHS Fast Track Implementation Group (FTIG), Code Change & Development Group (CCDG)
Jo Robinson – Equity Energies
Director of Client Services
Jo Robinson – Equity Energies
Director of Client Services
Jo excels at empowering high-performing teams to deliver business impact for clients and has extensive experience in client services and energy accounting, with more than thirteen years in the industry.
She is passionate about client relationships and customer service, and the combination of her finance background, client-centric experience and industry knowledge ensures clients can capitalise on the environmental, commercial, and operational advantages of advancing their Net Zero pathway.
Prior to joining Equity Energies, Jo held several positions within industry leading organisations including Inspired PLC, Energy and Carbon Management Limited, Inprova Energy, Wales & West Utilities and Tesco PLC.
Ben Finnerty – ENGIE
Sales Director (PPA)
Ben Finnerty – ENGIE
Sales Director (PPA)
Ben Finnerty has over 17 years of experience in the energy sector, playing a key role in helping ENGIE clients realise their ambitions to become more sustainable and transition their operations to net zero through innovative PPA strategies.
Ben Reade – Cornwall Insight
Senior Business Development Manager, Cornwall Insight
Ben Reade – Cornwall Insight
Senior Business Development Manager, Cornwall Insight
Ben leads Cornwall Insight’s Corporate and Public Sector international workstreams, providing objective, independent market intelligence, to support informed financial analysis, critical investment, and decarbonisation decisions. Orchestrating Cornwall Insight’s unrivalled, full spectrum market insight, to translate how it impacts consumer energy strategy. Ben has twenty years’ experience working across technology and energy industry sectors, providing a broad and balanced perspective, to really understand a customer’s need and implement a solution that helps them realise their net zero goals.
Alex Avila – Mitie
Director, Head of Consulting and Energy Solutions
Alex Avila – Mitie
Director, Head of Consulting and Energy Solutions
Alex led the work behind Emissions Intelligence, Mitie’s carbon reporting service. As a qualified mechanical engineer with extensive experience in management consulting, he has supported customers on growth and deal strategy in energy, decarbonisation and transport electrification.
Alex Baggallay – Salesforce
UKI Growth Partnerships Lead
Alex Baggallay – Salesforce
UKI Growth Partnerships Lead
Alex leads Salesforce's Growth Partnerships channel. Within this role, he is responsible for forging go-to-market (GTM) partnerships with our top customers, working with a select group of innovative brands to design, build, launch and scale new digital products and services, powered by Salesforce. Prior to joining Salesforce, Alex spent over 8 years at PWC across Customer & Digital Consulting.
George Dale – Ecotricity
Account Manager, Merchant Wind
George Dale – Ecotricity
Account Manager, Merchant Wind
George worked in electrical manufacturing for 20 years, designing, manufacturing and marketing light fittings. George then joined the NHS where if spent a further 20 years, during this time he completed an MSc in ‘Renewable Energy and the Built Environment’ at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth which led to a move into PV Solar installation. In 2023 George joined Ecotricity managing their wind generation portfolio.
Dr Toby Ferenczi – Granular Energy
CEO
Dr Toby Ferenczi is CEO of Granular Energy, a software company that helps energy suppliers provide more transparency to their customers. Toby is an entrepreneur with 20 years’ experience in the energy sector, including a PhD in solar energy, 2 previous start-ups and has worked at General Electric, OVO Energy also is the founder of the non-profit EnergyTag.org
Angela Hepworth – Drax
Commercial Director
Angela Hepworth – Drax
Commercial Director
Angela Hepworth is Commercial Director at Drax where she leads on the development of carbon markets, and frameworks for delivering high integrity carbon removals. She is enabling Drax’s ambition to be the leading provider of carbon removals from bio-energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) from its power station in North Yorkshire and internationally. Prior to that she worked for EDF where she led the development of plans to build a new nuclear power station at Sizewell, before taking up the role of Policy and Regulation Director, providing strategic advice on the energy policy agenda, spanning retail and wholesale issues and the net zero policy framework. She started her career in the civil service in the Department for Trade and Industry, developing and implementing policies in a wide range of areas, including energy security and the development of electricity markets. She is a Powerful Women Ambassador, with a real commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion in the energy sector.
Mark Westwood – Brook Green Supply
Head of Solutions
Mark Westwood – Brook Green Supply
Head of Solutions
Mark Westwood brings over 20 years of expertise in the UK energy industry, with a significant track record in facilitating the transition to cleaner and greener energy solutions for businesses. Since joining Brook Green Supply in 2021, Mark has leveraged his extensive experience to drive innovative and sustainable energy strategies.
Before his current role, Mark held key positions at leading UK energy companies, including Orsted, Shell, Engie, nPower, and BP. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with major energy clients on a variety of projects, specialising in Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs), renewable commodity contracts, risk management, and comprehensive energy solutions.
Mark's passion lies in working collaboratively with clients to identify, develop, and implement bespoke energy solutions. His approach not only aims to achieve significant cost reductions but also focuses on reducing carbon emissions and reliance on traditional energy sources. By enhancing clients' CSR credentials and improving their bottom line, Mark ensures they can concentrate on their core business activities.
Simon Cubitt – VEV
Strategic Partnerships Director, VEV
Simon Cubitt – VEV
Strategic Partnerships Director, VEV
Simon Cubitt has thirteen years’ experience in the energy industry and joined VEV from bp Pulse, two years ago where he was a global commercial lead for strategic EV partnerships. Simon has spent the last five years helping fleets to electrify across the world from small cars to large buses and in his role as Strategic Partnerships Director he leads VEV’s Bus/Coach team in their mission to decarbonise Britain’s buses. When he’s not helping fleets to electrify Simon enjoys trail running, cycling, snowboarding and walking his dog with his wife in The Cotswolds countryside.
Alex Wilson – Inenco
Senior Consultant
Alex Wilson – Inenco
Senior Consultant
Alex Wilson is a senior consultant with Inenco and has worked in the energy sector for over 5-years. His focus is on helping his clients to land on the best procurement strategy that matches their strategic priorities, find opportunities to optimise energy consumption and chart a path to carbon net zero. His primary focus is the manufacturing and education sectors. He has also just concluded an MSc in sustainability with Cranfield University.
Day 2 – Net Zero: Your Future Workplace
Dr Benjamin Silverstone – WMG Skills Centre
Director, WMG Skills Centre
Dr Benjamin Silverstone – WMG Skills Centre
Director, WMG Skills Centre
Dr Benjamin Silverstone holds an MSc in Management and a PhD in Engineering as well as a professional teaching qualification.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Ben has worked in education for almost 20 years and has held various teaching and management positions in Colleges and Universities.
At present Ben is the Director of the WMG Skills Centre which oversees the development and delivery of courses that are not part of degree programmes.
His role places him as a thought leader in the space of future skills and he is regularly engaged with government bodies in establishing the evolution of skills in the UK.
Ben is a founder of and leads, the National Electrification Skills Framework as part of a coalition of leading UK institutions and industrial partners. As part of this work he also chairs the national forum on Electrification Skills.
In addition to his leadership roles Ben has also published in a wide range of media on the topics of skills and human interaction with technology. Early in his career Ben spent a total of 15 years with the Royal Navy and HM Coastguard earning several commendations.
Ashley Webber – Balanced Energy
Director, Balanced Energy
Ashley Webber – Balanced Energy
Director, Balanced Energy
Ashley Webber has been a dedicated professional in the energy industry since 2003, bringing years of valuable experience to the table. Starting his career in the commercial energy sector, Ashley spent a significant portion of his career at EDF Energy, where he honed his skills and knowledge for 13 years. In 2016, he decided to broaden his professional journey by stepping into a new role as Operations Director at a family-run Third-Party Intermediary (TPI), where he applied his expertise to further the company's success. This role marked a pivotal point in his career, setting the stage for his next venture. It was the global reshuffle caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that catalysed Ashley's entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the inception of Balanced Energy in November 2020.
Leading Balanced Energy, Ashley has a clear vision: to make businesses more sustainable. Providing Net Zero services that are accessible and impactful. His commitment to sustainability shines through the company's focus on B Corp principles, highlighting Ashley's belief in the positive impact businesses can have.
Ashley is also deeply passionate about creating a positive work environment. He actively promotes a culture where employees are treated equally, motivated and provided with the autonomy and equity to succeed and innovate.
When Ashley speaks about net zero jobs, he brings a mix of professional experience and a dedication to environmental and social responsibility. His presentations are not only informative but also reflect his journey in making sustainability a core part of business. Ashley Webber isn't just talking about change; he's actively working towards it, making him a genuine example of leadership in sustainability.
Kisha Couchman – Energy UK
Deputy Director of Policy, Energy UK
Kisha Couchman – Energy UK
Deputy Director of Policy, Energy UK
Kisha Couchman is a Deputy Director of Policy at Energy UK where she advocates for ways to accelerate the UK’s transition to Net Zero by enabling investment in low-carbon power generation. Kisha works with EUK members and wider stakeholders to develop policy positions and oversees a wide range of topics including security of supply, system operability, electricity market reform, carbon pricing, and planning and environmental standards. Before joining Energy UK, Kisha worked in public affairs and the legal field focusing on the development on energy policy.
Kuram Gwakyaa – Mitie
Head of Sustainability, Mitie (DWP Account)
Kuram Gwakyaa – Mitie
Head of Sustainability, Mitie (DWP Account)
Kuram is a passionate environmentalist and a chemical engineer, experienced in renewable energy, environmental management, and delivering Sustainability strategies. His role at Mitie involves leading and accelerating the delivery of the Sustainability and Net Zero agenda for one of the UK’s largest government departments. Kuram utilises his broad experience in conjunction with the Mitie Plan Zero Pathway to embed this client’s strategic Sustainability objectives within the contract delivery.
At Mitie we are committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon and Sustainability for our clients by using our industry renowned Plan Zero pathway. Our Plan Zero Pathway details how to achieve net zero targets using operational efficiency measures, low carbon ‘green technologies’, transport and e-mobility solutions, renewable energy procurement, waste reduction and biodiversity schemes.
Noel Ferguson – Trident Utilities
Head of Net Zero & Energy Solutions, Trident Utilities
Noel Ferguson – Trident Utilities
Head of Net Zero & Energy Solutions, Trident Utilities
Noel started his working life as a Marine Engineer in the Royal Navy, leading diverse teams to deliver everything from humanitarian assistance in Sierra Leonne to bringing Nuclear submarines out of the water for maintenance. The last 20 years has seen him working with organisations across all sectors to deliver cost and carbon reductions, from global PLCs to single site manufacturing companies and public sector organisations. With an ability to see Net Zero form the point of view of all stakeholders, his focus for the last 4-5 years has been partnering with businesses to make their Net Zero journey simple with a clear pathway to lower emissions.
Peter Starr – Wayvie
Managing Director, Wayvie
Peter Starr – Wayvie
Managing Director, Wayvie
Pete has 20 years of working within corporate sectors across a range of service, sales and leadership positions. He is an accredited trainer, coach and Strengthscope© practitioner, has written papers for the Business Expert Press and has worked with various Universities encouraging graduates into the Sales Profession.
Chilli & Wayvie work with organisations who recognise the link between how their employees behave when interacting with customers and each other, and the subsequent impact on business reputation and performance.
Sophie Wragg – Be Your Best Version
Sustainability Consultant, Be Your Best Version
Sophie Wragg – Be Your Best Version
Sustainability Consultant, Be Your Best Version
Sophie Wragg is a sustainability consultant and author who is on a mission to help businesses become more environmentally and socially responsible. She delivers decarbonisation training and services for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is the author of the Amazon best seller ‘Sustainable Business: Uncover the Benefits of Embracing Environmental and Social Responsibility.
Simon Alsbury – Energise
Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Energise
Simon Alsbury – Energise
Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Energise
Simon Alsbury is Co-CEO (and Co-Founder) at Energise; a purpose driven business on a mission to support organisations in being a force for good!
Since 2008, Energise has worked with over 800 organisations delivering a wide range of energy/carbon/net zero programmes with a now c.40 strong team.
With experience across all industries, Simon has overseen over £42 million of measured energy/resource savings, overseen audit programmes covering over 1% of the UK’s total energy usage and had oversight of over 600 compliance programmes (with a 100% compliance rate).
With a background in both sustainability and usability, Simon has a focus on how to address sustainability challenges, making solutions easy to use and technically precise. All of this is driven by a personal passion for the environment and the natural world.
Stephen Henry – Positive Planet
CEO, Positive Planet
Stephen Henry – Positive Planet
CEO, Positive Planet
Stephen is the CEO and co-founder of Positive Planet and has been involved in the sustainability sector for nine years. He set up Positive Planet in 2021, with the goal of helping reduce UK business emissions by 5% by 2030. Today Positive Planet is already working with over 500 companies, helping them to transition from intent to impact on their net zero pathway. They work with organisations of all sizes and sectors including well known brands such as Brewdog, Belfast Harbour, Aberdeen FC and Chester Zoo. Positive Planet is an approved Carbon Literacy Training provider and is one of a small number of organisations offering credible accreditation for sustainable companies. Stephen is passionate about the 'green economic revolution' and the opportunities it creates for companies to grow their business more sustainably.
Ruaire Glackin – Utility Aid
Head of Net Zero and Energy, Utility Aid
Ruaire Glackin – Utility Aid
Head of Net Zero and Energy, Utility Aid
Ruaire Glackin, Head of Net Zero and Energy Management at Utility Aid, has over 16 years’ experience in reducing energy spend. Ruaire has previously worked in the specification and installation of building improvements, and includes calculation on the potential impact projects can have on both energy and carbon in reports. Having worked for Utility Aid for over 5 years, Ruaire now consults Housing Associations, Nursing Homes, Schools, religious groups and community organisations on the journey to Net Zero, helping them avoid the pitfalls and maximise return on investments. His opinions on the Net Zero journey have featured in publications for the Charity Finance Group, Pawn Broker Magazine, as well as a podcast for Energy Live News. Ruaire is a qualified ESOS Lead Assessor, PAS2035 Retrofit Coordinator and Non-domestic energy assessor. His passion is for maximising energy efficiency in organisations through a Measure, Analyse, Report and Act process.
Stew Horne – Energy Saving Trust
Head of Policy, Energy Saving Trust
Stew Horne – Energy Saving Trust
Head of Policy, Energy Saving Trust
Stew is Head of Policy at Energy Saving Trust. Energy Saving Trust is a trusted, independent voice, with over 25 years’ experience of providing advice and support around home energy efficiency, low carbon transport and renewable energy generation.
Stew has worked in energy policy for over a decade. He previously led Citizens Advice’s energy infrastructure work, winning Charity Times “Campaigning Team of the Year” in 2018, and earlier delivered consumer policy at the energy regulator Ofgem. Before that he worked in central government across a wide range of consumer policy areas such as digital television switchover and nutritional labelling on food.
Ola Bankole – London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Head of sustainability, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Ola Bankole – London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Head of sustainability, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Ola started his career in international development working for the Carter Foundation’s Global 2000 in some of the most remote parts of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad. Effects of climate changes was just as visible back then.
This experience contributed to his decision to study environmental management in Germany and Canada. He has spent the last 20+ years working in different capacities on sustainability issues for environmental charities, local authorities and higher education institutions.
He is currently head of sustainability for the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and two other institutions in the London Bloomsbury area.
He also has operational responsibility for the Sustainable Climate Impact Fund (SCIF), a subsidiary of LSHTM which provides interventions that mitigates the effects of climate change and deliver benefits to communities in low-income countries.
Paula Owen – Eco Action Games
Founder, Eco Action Games
Paula Owen – Eco Action Games
Founder, Eco Action Games
Paula is a specialist in environmental sustainability, behavioural change and engagement, staff training, carbon measurement & reporting tools. She has three decades of professional expertise in the environmental sustainability sector. She has a PhD in climate change atmospheric science from the University of Oxford. She is also the author of numerous environmentally related publications including a book on the Brent Spar oil platform crisis of the 1990s – which is currently being turned into a TV drama; numerous energy and carbon research reports commissioned by the UK government; a book on gamification for the sustainability sector. In 2021, she published he first historical fiction – Little Brown Dog – which retells the true story of a controversial statue that caused riots and violent uprisings in Edwardian London. She has just completed her second historical fiction which explores the incredible, but little known, stories for the fight for British female suffrage.
Paula has worked for a range of leading environmental not-for-profit organisations, charities, government departments and academic institutions. She was Project Architect for the award-winning UK Government’s Act on CO2 carbon footprint calculator. She has also assisted other organisations to produce carbon footprinting tools: Google UK; BBC – the Albert Carbon Calculator; the Pew Center on Global Climate Change; Bank of America; Energy UK and the Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership.
In 2010 she established her own environmental consultancy, Green Gumption, providing advisory services, employee engagement training courses, research and authorship capacity and online educational and training tools to a wide range of well-known clients. The company specialises in creating and delivering education and behaviour change campaigns in areas as diverse as water saving, energy efficiency in schools, and air quality in cities. She is also the Founding Director and CEO of award-winning eco action games, a B Corp accredited, social purpose company that invents and produces innovative and educational, engagement & behaviour change resources disguised as games for all ages. She was awarded the position of London Leader for Sustainability in 2012/13, a position awarded by the Mayor of London’s Office to individuals who are contributing to making London a more sustainable city.
For the past decade Paula has been an Expert Evaluator for the Horizon 2020 EU Commission funding mechanism where she judges multi-million Euro energy potential projects on their eligibility for funding. She has been a judge for the Global Good Awards since its inception in 2015. From 2017 she has also been part of the International Jury that awards the Stockholm Junior Water Prize at World Water Week – a global competition for young adults from 16-19 - which takes place annually in Sweden.
Aden Johnson – Boxfish
Head of Business Development, Boxfish
Aden Johnson – Boxfish
Head of Business Development, Boxfish
I have recently joined Boxfish as their Head of Business Development trying to bridge the gap from outsourced utility management to partnering with our clients on the road to them achieving Net-Zero through their Utilities, before joining Boxfish I’ve spent 8 years across the water sector and in circular IT economy. I have headed up direct sales teams at the largest water retailer & led transformation programmes, to seeing first hand why making habitual changes and taking steps to becoming more sustainable is so important when running customer delivery teams at a water wholesaler.
In all my roles there has been a need to support and implement best practice on the road to a more sustainable future.
Amy Collins – BEAMA
Head of Net Zero and Clean Tech, BEAMA
Amy Collins – BEAMA
Head of Net Zero and Clean Tech, BEAMA
Amy is the Head of Net Zero and Clean Tech at BEAMA, championing members through the transition to Net Zero by navigating policy landscapes and fostering clean technology markets. With a background in heating and ventilation policy, Amy brings extensive expertise in decarbonization and compliance within the built environment.
Toby Costar
Marketing Director, Equity Energies
Toby Costar
Marketing Director, Equity Energies
With almost twenty years of marketing experience, Toby entered the industry three years ago with zero energy knowledge. Over the last three years, he has helped shape two award-winning energy brands that are at the forefront of the Net Zero Consultancy industry.
Lydia Malley – Energy Institute
Head of EI Academy, Energy Institute
Lydia Malley – Energy Institute
Head of EI Academy, Energy Institute
Lydia Malley is Head of EI Academy at the Energy Institute, the chartered professional membership body for people who work across the world of energy. She is working to attract, develop and equip the diverse future energy workforce with the skills they’ll need to accelerate a just global energy transition to net zero.
Her current role oversees the training courses that the Energy Institute offers across the breadth of the energy sector, but she has spent almost a decade at the Energy Institute, across various different roles and departments, enjoying a varied career. She is passionate about upskilling and empowering others.
Guy Bradbury – Imerys
Energy Category Manager, Imerys Minerals Ltd
Guy Bradbury – Imerys
Energy Category Manager, Imerys Minerals Ltd
Guy is Energy Category Manager for Imerys Minerals Ltd, a French multi-national company that specialises in the production and processing of industrial minerals. They offer high value-added solutions to many different industries, ranging from process manufacturing to consumer goods, serving industries such as construction materials, steel making, agri-food, automotive, cosmetics and mobile energy. Imerys has recently entered into a joint venture with British Lithium, running a lithium pilot plant in Cornwall to extract battery grade lithium from mica granite and also aims to start lithium mining by the end of the decade at its Beauvoir site in central France.
In his current role, Guy is responsible for the purchasing of all energy commodities in UK as well as other European countries. This includes the delivery of renewable projects across the energy intensive portfolio, focusing on key areas such as hydrogen, PV solutions, HVO and wind turbines. Over his 30 year career in energy, he has previously worked in senior roles for energy suppliers including E.ON and SEFE Ltd, and more recently as Procurement Lead for bp on the Central North Sea Electrification project.
Stephen Atkins – Consultus Group
Principal Consultant - Net Zero, Consultus Group
Stephen Atkins – Consultus Group
Principal Consultant - Net Zero, Consultus Group
Steve graduated from The University of Leicester in 1997 with a degree in German. Following employment in the engineering team at Transco, and in the service contract department of Otis Lifts, Steve joined Consultus in 2003, specifically to assist with the expansion of the company into the newly liberalised European utility markets.
Having worked in a number of key positions throughout the business, Steve now leads a team of Consultants and Data Analysts at Consultus Sustainability whose role is to create, monitor and deliver bespoke strategies for achieving Net Zero for clients ranging from SME’s to Industrial and Commercial enterprises.
Ola Bankole – London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Head of sustainability, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Ola Bankole – London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Head of sustainability, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Ola started his career in international development working for the Carter Foundation’s Global 2000 in some of the most remote parts of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad. Effects of climate changes was just as visible back then.
This experience contributed to his decision to study environmental management in Germany and Canada. He has spent the last 20+ years working in different capacities on sustainability issues for environmental charities, local authorities and higher education institutions.
He is currently head of sustainability for the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and two other institutions in the London Bloomsbury area.
He also has operational responsibility for the Sustainable Climate Impact Fund (SCIF), a subsidiary of LSHTM which provides interventions that mitigates the effects of climate change and deliver benefits to communities in low-income countries.
Rebecca McManus – Aurora Energy Research
Renewables Lead - European Markets, Aurora Energy Research
Rebecca McManus – Aurora Energy Research
Renewables Lead - European Markets, Aurora Energy Research
Rebecca manages Aurora’s renewables analysis for the European Power Markets team, specialising in research to advise on policy and regulatory risks, financing, and investment strategies for renewable technologies across various European markets. During her tenure at Aurora, she has led multiple influential studies and insight reports into a broad range of energy topics, spanning policy, market design and energy finance. Rebecca was instrumental in driving Aurora’s expansion into Ireland, developing our first Ireland Power Market Forecast. Rebecca holds a BSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Warwick.
Pamela Barbato – Action Net Zero CIC
Founder, Action Net Zero/Non-Executive Director, Transform ESG
Pamela Barbato – Action Net Zero CIC
Founder, Action Net Zero/Non-Executive Director, Transform ESG
Pamela is a commercial environmentalist, supporting and driving the green agenda by utilising over 25 years-experience as a brand, marketing and sustainability engagement specialist working across broad industry sectors, including private and public, for both SME’s and corporates up to board level.
Passionate about accelerating change through collaboration, behavioural science, engagement and technology, Pam set up Action Net Zero Community Interest Company in 2020, with a vision of demonstrating the positive impacts of embracing sustainability with top-down/bottom-up approach, while supporting communities to prosper.
Fe Bush – Drax
BECCS Business Development Lead, Drax
Fe Bush – Drax
BECCS Business Development Lead, Drax
Fe Bush grew up travelling the world, and was exposed to diverse cultures, climates and ways of living from a young age. Now, she finds creative and engaging ways to educate large footprint organisations on how they can harness engineered removals to help the planet. After spending a decade in the renewable energy sector, Fe is now the BECCS Business Development Lead at Drax, supporting the carbon removals team supply the market with high integrity CDRs from BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture & Storage).You’ll find Fe (pronounced ‘Fee’) at events around the world, sharing knowledge and tackling climate change by advocating for conversation to turn to action.
Eleanor Lawton – SSE Renewables
Graduate Renewables Engineer, YEP Forum
Eleanor Lawton – SSE Renewables
Graduate Renewables Engineer, YEP Forum
I am driven to assist the Net Zero transition and contribute to the development of renewables through my role as a civil engineer. Having nearly completed two years on SSE Renewables' graduate programme, I have a well-rounded appreciation of various renewable technologies, including onshore and offshore wind, hydropower, solar, and battery storage. Civil engineering is a fundamental discipline for the successful development of these projects.
Nebin Babu – British Gas
Net Zero Consultant
Nebin Babu – British Gas
Net Zero Consultant
Having started his career on Centrica’s Analyst Graduate Scheme, Nebin has several years of experience within the energy industry. His role at Centrica Business Solutions involves supporting large organisations to understand their path towards a sustainable future – wherever they may be on their journey. With a focus on decarbonisation and science-based targets, Nebin engages with both private and public sector clients to navigate complex investment decisions and develop data-driven pathways to net zero.
As well as providing net zero consultancy services, Centrica Business Solutions finances, builds, operates and maintains onsite, large-scale energy assets like Solar PV and Combined Heat and Power - to help organisations to decarbonise and save money. We’re proud to partner with 1,800+ organisations in the UK and Ireland, and 7,000+ businesses globally, to help solve their energy challenges and harness new opportunities.
Niki Kesharaju – National Grid
Senior Decarbonisation Strategy Manager, National Grid
Niki Kesharaju – National Grid
Senior Decarbonisation Strategy Manager, National Grid
Niki Kesharaju is a Senior Decarbonisation Strategy Manager at National Grid and leads on strategy development for the decarbonisation of key demand sectors such as heat, industry, transport and the role of hydrogen, and the resultant impact on networks. Niki's career has been centred on decarbonisation, strategy and technology innovation across the energy and automotive sectors. In her previous roles in National Grid, she has led thinking and delivery in startup technology for electric networks, and the decarbonisation of construction. Niki has an academic background in Material Science and Engineering and is a Chartered Engineer, advocating for the benefits STEM can bring to a green workforce. She is also an Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Champion, and has been actively involved in women's Employee Resource Groups to encourage an inclusive work environment for all. Niki is an energy geek who is passionate about new technologies changing the world we live in, and is motivated by creating a decarbonised and sustainable future for all.
Fiona Edwards – JPA Workspaces
Head of Sustainability, JPA Workspaces
Fiona Edwards – JPA Workspaces
Head of Sustainability, JPA Workspaces
Fiona has devoted her professional career to her family business, JPA Workspaces, where she has gained valuable on-the-job experience and adapted to evolving company needs by transitioning across various roles.
Her commitment to ISO14001 environmental standards led to the establishment of her role as Head of Sustainability in 2015, marking the beginning of the company's triple bottom line operation. This position represented a perfect fit for Fiona, reflecting her long-held career aspirations.
Fiona's extensive practical expertise is supported by her membership in MIEMA (Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) and Chartered Environmental registration, enabling her to drive more strategic and purposeful business development initiatives.
In 2023, JPA Workspaces achieved a significant milestone when they were honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, one of only 15 awarded UK wide.