Our 2025 Speakers

We will very soon announce our full and incredible 2025 speaker programme.

A key part of this event and our cause is education so this will always be an important part of what you will be able to take advantage of on the day.

Big Sustainability Expo 3
Keynote Host

Astrid Davies

We are thrilled to welcome back Astrid Davies as the host of our Keynote Speaker Theatre. Astrid’s profound knowledge and expertise mean you’re in exceptional hands!

Her business, Astrid Davies Consulting, brings together a team of professionals committed to enhancing workplace happiness, productivity, and sustainability. As the lead consultant, Astrid unites experts to tailor their skills to meet specific needs. A longstanding advocate for sustainability in both her professional and personal life, Astrid has contributed significantly to environmental initiatives, including efforts to green the Isle of Wight. Her involvement in projects aimed at reducing the environmental impact of organisations underscores her passion for sustainability, making her an ideal host for our Keynote Speaker Theatre.

SPEAKER

George Walters, Chief Home Services Officer, Utilita Energy

Time: 10.30 am 

Topic:

George Walters is to host a discussion with Chief Executive, David Mann from Utilita Bowl, as they take a deep dive into the large solar panel project carried out at Hampshire’s prestigious Cricket Ground. Creating an insight from the perspective of the customer and supplier, this project has culminated in the installation of more than 1000 solar panels generating energy for the site in Eastleigh. 

Bio:

George Walters has spent his entire career in the energy industry. Joining Utilita as Head of New Business in 2019, George’s strategic acumen led to his promotion to the Executive Leadership Team in June 2022, where he now serves as Chief Home Services Officer. Prior to his tenure at Utilita, George spent more than a decade in senior roles, including eight years with EDF. At Utilita, his leadership extends across the smart metering and renewables divisions, underscoring his commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Passionate about the future of energy, George plays a pivotal role in scaling Utilita’s solar offerings for both domestic and commercial markets. His portfolio includes overseeing the installation of behind-the-meter (BTM) systems such as smart meters, solar panels, battery energy storage, electric vehicle charging equipment (EVCE), and heat pumps. George also steers key industry initiatives, including GBIS and ECO4, while championing Utilita’s ambitious goal of achieving operational net zero by 2030. His forward-thinking approach and hands-on involvement in product development ensure customers receive tailored solutions for their energy needs.

SPEAKER

Time: 3.00 pm

Description:  To follow

Jason Light - ISEP Global (ISEP Formerly IMEA)
Institute of Sustainability & Environmental Professionals

SPEAKER

Ella O’Toole - Notpla (Earthshot Prize Winner)

Time: 2.30 pm

Topic:

Seaweed – Natures Regenerative Miracle Crop

Bio:  

Ella is the Category Owner at Notpla and an enthusiast for sustainable innovation. Currently managing the Coatings and Paperboard category at Notpla, a pioneering company in the sustainable packaging industry. With a robust team of chemists, biologists, and engineers, Notpla is transforming the packaging landscape by leveraging the unique properties of seaweed. Ella’s expertise spans scale-up to industrial scale production, new product development, manufacturing, and distribution. Notpla is passionate about using nature as their North Star to guide them in making a positive impact on our planet.

SPEAKER

George Pearce - Commercial Leader, Environmental Solutions Sector at Suez

Time: 1.30 pm

Bio: 
George Pearce, SUEZ recycling and recovery UK’s Regional Head of Sales, has 25+ years of industry experience with an extensive background in B2B waste diversion strategy and UK waste innovation for commercial markets.

Topic:  

Applying waste hierarchy to businesses.

Case study for discussion – Utilita Bowl 

SPEAKER

Piers Wilson, CTO at Silverlake Automotive Recycling

Time: 11.00 am 

Piers is Chief Technology Officer – CTO at Silverlake Automotive Recycling
 
”From Scrap to Sustainability: How Silverlake Evolved from a Local Yard to a Market-Leading Automotive Recycling Facility”
 
SPEAKER

Richard Collins– CSR-Accreditation

Time: 12.00 pm

Bio

Richard Collins – CEO

Richards’ aim is to help improve the world for future generations, by reducing the negative impact we have on the environment and by building a better and cohesive society.

As an experienced brand strategist Richard has pursued a passion for helping companies in the public, private and third sector to promote their CSR and Sustainability efforts. Richard founded and launched CSR-A in 2019, which provides a global Environmental and Social Responsibility Accreditation Scheme. Since then CSR-A has developed a global Sustainability  Training course and Workshops, Social Impact Reporting and a CSR programme for primary and secondary schools. CSR Accreditation now operates on an international stage with partners and offices being established throughout the globe. Richard is an international key- note speaker on sustainability. To compliment this he also co-runs the International CSR Excellence Awards. He is president for the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce ‘Bucks’ Council, a member of the Society of Leadership Fellows, a Trustee for the Wycombe Arts Centre, a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability and is a senior advisor to the UK Government Policy Liaison Group (PLG) for ESG.

Topic
Enabling Environmental and Social Responsibility to build ethical and caring organisations
SPEAKER

Mike Salmon – Senior Account Manager at Agilico

Time: 12.30 pm

Bio
Mike is Senior Account Manager for Agilico Workplace Technology and has worked for the company for eight years. At 35 he is married with a young baby girl and his interests include Rugby, Cricket, Golf with a handicap of 10, a film enthusiast and amateur critic.  
 
Topic
How we are making a big difference with fully-refurbished multifunctional printers, reducing our carbon impact, and helping extend the life of office machinery.
SPEAKER

Conrad Young – Project Delivery Manager at QFactorial

Time: 11.30 am

About
QFactorial helps organisations weave quality and sustainability into the fabric of their strategy. We work with ambitious SMEs to design systems and deliver standards that strengthen performance, build stakeholder trust, and unlock growth. From ISO certifications and integrated systems to tailored sustainability strategies, our focus is on practical solutions that work in the real world. Based in Hampshire and active across the UK, we combine expertise with a collaborative, plain-speaking style. At the Big Sustainability Show, we’re here to share how aligning quality and sustainability creates stronger, greener, more resilient businesses ready for the future.
 
Topic
Sustainability, Quality & Growth for SMEs and Start-ups. 
 
 
SPEAKER

Peter Schofield – Director, Climate & Carbon at Arthian Ltd

Time:  2.00 pm

Pete Schofield – Director, Climate & Carbon at Arthian Ltd

About Arthian:

At Arthian, we’re more than consultants, engineers and scientists – we’re collaborators, problem-solvers, and passionate professionals.

Our team includes planners, landscape architects, designers, environmental and sustainability consultants, and engineers united by a shared commitment to delivering client-focused solutions that make a difference. Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to offer strategic insights and sustainable solutions across energy, industry, infrastructure, and the built environment.

Pete Schofield is a Chartered Environmentalist and Senior Director at Arthian Ltd, with 15+ years’ experience leading Net Zero Carbon strategies and decarbonisation programmes across public and private sectors. A recognised expert in carbon footprinting, reporting and ESG frameworks, he combines technical expertise with strong commercial insight to deliver measurable carbon and cost savings. Peter is a trusted board-level advisor, project leader, and speaker on sustainability and climate change.

Topic:

Staying Ahead of Change: Carbon Emissions Reporting for a Shifting Climate

Apply To Be a Speaker in 2026

Founded in 2015, The Big Sustainability Expo is dedicated to aiding organisations in their sustainability, environmental management, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. Our comprehensive and inclusive exhibition floor is curated to present the most effective advice and solutions currently available in the market, featuring a broad array of products, services, technologies, innovations, and expertise from leading associations, institutes, and media, as well as showcasing impactful projects.

Enhancing the Experience

The Expo is enriched by a keynote speaker theatre and a series of workshops, meticulously designed to complement the exhibition floor. These elements aim to highlight the significant achievements of organisations in sustainability, providing attendees with valuable insights and inspiration. Additionally, our programming keeps delegates informed about the latest changes in legislation and policy.

Submission Guidelines for 2026

We are inviting submissions that include:

  • Projects that offer relevant and achievable insights for our delegates, aiming to inspire and educate.
  • Updates on current legislation and notifications of new legislation.
  • Updates on current policies and notifications of new policies.
  • Contributions from industry-leading associations, institutes, or governing bodies on topical updates.
 

How to Apply

If you have worked on a notable project, have updates on legislation or policy, or represent an organisation with relevant insights to share, we encourage you to apply for a slot in our keynote speaker theatre. Please email your details and a summary of your topic to info@southernsustainability.co.uk.

Important Considerations:

No Sales Pitches: Please note that the keynote speaker theatre is not a platform for sales presentations.

Focus on Feasible Projects: While we are keen to explore the vast research, development, and projects supporting climate change initiatives nationwide or globally, our current resources limit our capacity to cover these comprehensively. If you’re interested in presenting such content on our behalf, please contact us first at info@southernsustainability.co.uk to discuss possibilities.