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.
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.
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.
Time: 10.30 am
Topic:
Chief Executive, David Mann from Utilita Bowl talks to George Walters from Utilita Energy about the process of installing more than 1000 solar panels at the bowl.
About David Mann
David Mann is an experienced finance and executive leader, who has fulfilled senior roles at Hampshire Cricket for almost 20 years. Since 2012, as Chief Executive, he has overseen a period of rapid growth, guiding strategic investment to significantly upgrade facilities and establish Utilita Bowl, the club’s stadium, as a year-round sport, leisure, and music destination. His leadership is defined by a commitment to innovation, which has consistently set new standards within the sport and is exemplified by his commitment to achieving ambitious sustainability goals.
Time: 3.00 pm
Description: To follow
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.
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
Time: 11.00 am
Time: 12.00 pm
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.
Time: 12.30 pm
Time: 11.30 am
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
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.
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.
We are inviting submissions that include:
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.
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.
