2024 Confirmed Speakers
Day 1 - Net Zero five years on… Are we on track?
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.
Michael Pollitt
Professor of Business Economics, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
Michael Pollitt
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 a Fellow in Economics and Management at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. Michael was external economic advisor to Ofgem from 2007 to 2011. He has published 13 books and over 100 refereed journal articles on efficiency analysis, energy policy and business ethics. He was Vice President of the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE) for 2020-23.
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. Michael has three 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.
Nick Molden
Chief Executive Officer, Emissions Analytics Ltd
Nick Molden
Chief Executive Officer, Emissions Analytics Ltd
Nick founded Emissions Analytics in 2011 to understand real-world emissions and fuel economy and emissions from vehicles, which 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 lso 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
Head of Carbon, UNDO
Simon Manley
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
Chief Economic Adviser and board member, The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR)
Vicky Pryce
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 after senior economic positions in banking and the energy sector. 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.
Alexandra Hammond
Head of Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain, NHS England
Alexandra Hammond
Head of Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain, NHS England
Alexandra is Head of Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain at NHS England, where she leads the team responsible for delivering a net zero Carbon Footprint Plus for the NHS. In 2020, the NHS became the world’s first national health system to commit to become ‘carbon net zero’. Carbon Footprint Plus includes the NHS’ wider supply chain, aiming for an 80% reduction in emissions by 2036-2039 and Net Zero by 2045.
Following the release of the ‘Delivering a Net Zero Report’, Alexandra has led the development and implementation of the NHS’ world-leading programme. She was instrumental in the publication of the Net Zero Supplier Roadmap for the NHS and works across the diverse and complex NHS supply chain to deliver net zero carbon, drive social value and eradicate modern slavery across the supply chain.
Before joining NHSE, Alexandra led on the strategic and operational implementation of green plans for NHS organisations across the country, as well as some of the largest decarbonising infrastructure projects in the health sector, enabled by procurement frameworks.
Alexandra holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Policy from Edinburgh University, she graduated with honours from Boston College in the USA, and has previously led the award-winning sustainability programme at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
Anna Dowson
Chartered Engineer, CBRE
Anna Dowson
Chartered Engineer, CBRE
Anna is a Chartered Engineer with an Engineering Doctorate (EngD) focussed on the gap between the design and operational energy performance of buildings. She recently joined CBRE as the Global ESG Director for their Data Centre Solutions business. Prior to that she worked for Tesco Plc, where she led the global retailer’s efforts to cost-effectively reduce their energy consumption whilst leading their transition to renewable electricity.
Dr Bahareh Salehi
Chartered Building Physics Engineer/Consultant, Mott MacDonald
Dr Bahareh Salehi
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, due to her knowledge and experience, she also 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
Chief Procurement Officer, 888 William Hill
David Medori
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 has 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
Head of Sustainability, JPA Workspaces
Fiona Edwards
Head of Sustainability, JPA Workspaces
I have spent my adult career at our family business JPA Workspaces, learning on-the-job and moving across roles to meet changing company requirements. ISO14001 environmental focus evolved into the creation of my role as Head of Sustainability in 2015 and the beginning of our triple bottom line operation. I finally found the role for me! My extensive practical experience is underpinned by MIEMA membership and Chartered Environmental registration enabling more strategic and purposeful business development. In 2023 JPA Workspaces were proud recipients of a King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, one of only 15 awarded UK wide and helping us celebrate our 50th year anniversary in style.
Matteo Deidda
Senior Sustainability Manager, Lloyds Banking Group
Matteo Deidda
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, and 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
Head of sustainability, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Ola Bankole
Head of sustainability, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Ola started my 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 my decision to study environmental management in Germany and Canada. I have spent the last 20+ years working in different capacities on sustainability issues for environmental charities, local authorities and higher education institutions. I am currently head of sustainability for the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and two other institutions in the London Bloomsbury area. I also have 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
Head of Supplier Relationship Management, Coventry Building Society
Rebecca Howard
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
Head of Energy and Carbon, Virgin Media O2
Vijay Chouhan
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 are responsible for Energy Purchasing (Electricity-Forward Hedging)/Water/Gas) for over c60k 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.
Day 2 – ‘Net Zero: Your Future Workplace
Ashley Webber
Director, Balanced Energy
Ashley Webber
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 with 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.
Dr Benjamin Silverstone
Director, WMG Skills Centre
Dr Benjamin Silverstone
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.
Jen Johnson
Managing Director, Thermatic Energy Services
Jen Johnson
Managing Director, Thermatic Energy Services
Jen Johnson is the Managing Director of Thermatic Energy, a national provider for BEMS, smart technology and Energy management solutions. With over 15 years experience within this industry, Jen is as passionate as ever about educating companies as to how they can improve their handle on their energy consumption, delivering end user energy management training through their Salford based training academy opened in 2018 by Andy Burnham.
Jen has previously worked within a number of different sectors, including education, retail and corporate buildings, focusing on breaking down the barriers between her clients and technology
Kuram Gwakyaa
Head of Sustainability, Mitie (DWP Account)
Kuram Gwakyaa
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
Head of Net Zero & Energy Solutions, Trident Utilities
Noel Ferguson
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
Managing Director, Wayvie
Peter Starr
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
Sustainability Consultant, Be Your Best Version
Sophie Wragg
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
Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Energise
Simon Alsbury
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
CEO, Positive Planet
Stephen Henry
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
Head of Net Zero and Energy, Utility Aid
Ruaire Glackin
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
Head of Policy, Energy Saving Trust
Stew Horne
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.