We are delighted to very soon announce our incredible 2025 speaker programme lineup.
Until we are ready to publish, why not take a look at the lineup we hosted in 2024.
We are absolutely delighted to be working with Utilita Energy, as our sponsor for the 2024 speaker platform. Allow us to introduce them…
Utilita Energy was founded to challenge the Big 6 energy suppliers by empowering everyone with a fair and flexible service that’s good for the pocket and planet. It’s our mission to put fairness first – supporting those who need it most and by listening to what our customers and staff need. As the first supplier to kick start Britain’s smart meter revolution, our belief in smart technology means that we’re always evolving and looking for ways to improve our services through innovation. Utilita are also striving for sustainability, committing to an ambitious target to become a Net Zero business by 2030.
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: 14.45 pm Topic: The Corporate Conundrum…Challenge of making every job a green job!
Description: Sustainability has moved up the corporate agenda rapidly in recent years with many companies investing in dedicated teams of professionals who are responsible for environment and sustainability issues, from net zero and decarbonisation, to scope 3 supply chain management and biodiversity. With this responsibility, however, also comes the expectation that the rest of the business can rest on its laurels knowing that “it’s the sustainability team’s job”. The IEMA and Deloitte report A Blueprint for a Green Workforce Transformation paints a different picture, one that identifies that by 2050 every job will be a green job! Two years on from its publication, how are organisations responding to these challenges?
About Alan: Alan Darby is Corporate Partnerships Manager for IEMA. Alan leads on IEMA’s relationships with our range of organisational partnerships – from both the public and private sector, along with national and international enterprise partners from a broad spectrum of industry sectors including environmental consultancy, food & drink, retail, manufacturing and the built environment. Alan has a background in marketing and communications and combined with extensive experience of managing effective partnerships is focussed on supporting IEMA’s growing number of corporate partners. Alan regularly talks to partner organisations about the need to build green skills capability across their organisations, supporting their strategic ambitions to deliver training, learning and upskilling across a broad spectrum of job families. Outside of supporting IEMA’s corporate partners, Alan also represents IEMA as an associate member of the City of London Corporation’s, Skills for a sustainable Skyline Taskforce.
Time 11.15 am Topic: Championing Local Sustainability
About Sarah: Sarah became SUEZ recycling and recovery UK’s Sustainability and Social Value Lead in 2019, after 12 years delivering various programmes related to service enhancement, innovation and behaviour change in SUEZ’s public sector operations. In 2018 and 2019, Sarah was included in the Lets Recycle 35 under 35 “young guns” due to her efforts having a notable impact in the resources sector. Sarah is currently responsible for developing the sustainability of SUEZ’s services and leading the continual improvement of its social value impact, while utilising her experiences to support SUEZ’s policy and circular economy activities.
Time: 10.45 am Topic: Carbon Footprint – Why it should be measured and how it can be used to develop Net Zero strategy, Science Based Targets. And, Exploring Challenges of Scope 3 Emissions reporting.
About Peter: Peter specialises in Carbon Footprinting and Reporting, expertly handling Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions assessments and familiarity with key standards like the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064. As a trusted technical advisor, he provides Carbon Footprint Verification and advises on carbon reporting and supply chain decarbonisation. Peter is knowledgeable about UK’s Net Zero Carbon policies and leads in developing Net Zero Carbon strategies, including Science Based Targets. He advises on decarbonisation and carbon neutralisation tactics, such as Carbon Offsetting, and designs engaging tools and presentations for a wide audience range, ensuring effective communication at all organizational levels.
Time: 11.45 am Topic: Navigating a complex sustainability landscape
Description: Richard will explore environmental and social responsibility, which have become paramount concerns for individuals and organisations alike. The increasing complexity of the sustainability landscape has brought about a shift in mindset, especially fuelled by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. As we reflect on our sense of purpose and values, it becomes crucial to understand the various dimensions of sustainability and how they impact our lives. He will explore anacronyms, initialisations and jargon to make sense of this rapidly evolving space.
From SDG to ESG, Net zero to CSRD he hopes to provide clarity and a clear vision of what lies ahead. Demonstrating planning social responsibility as a business strategy involves identifying stakeholders, building capacity, and making sustainability everyone’s responsibility—from the bottom up and top down. Embracing environmental and social responsibility is not just a choice but a necessity for future-proofing your business. As sustainability transitions from voluntary to mandatory, taking proactive steps now ensures that your organisation remains ahead of the curve. CSR Accreditation provides a framework and the guidance needed to navigate this complex landscape, offering a roadmap for success in building a better world for future generations.
Time: 12.15 pm Topic: Reframe your net zero journey to get more customers
Description: The climate crisis is a challenge to every business, but some haven’t cottoned on that this is a trillion-dollar opportunity.
This session will help you capitalise on that opportunity by reframing the way you communicate your environmental performance.
You’ll walk away with practical steps to get the right message to the right audience at the right time. Learn how to change your mindset, overcome your anxiety and empower your team. And find the right language, tone and stories to prove you offer solutions to your customers’ climate concerns.
About Philip: Philip has over 35 years’ experience building not just bigger brands, but better ones. 360 Integrated PR –ESG communications without the greenwash.
Time: 14.15 pm Topic: Electrification of Fleets and EV transition
Description: Jarrad will share FleetEV’s experience of working with and supporting our public and private sectors customer’ transition, as they move to meet net zero targets.
About Jarrad: Jarrad Morris is the CEO and Founder of FleetEV, a pioneering company specialising in electric vehicle (EV) solutions for commercial fleets. Under Jarrad’s leadership, FleetEV has emerged as a significant player in the transition to sustainable transportation, emphasising innovation and efficiency in fleet operations. Before founding FleetEV, Jarrad held various leadership roles in the automotive, finance, and technology sectors, where he gained extensive experience in product development and strategic planning. His expertise in merging technology with user-centric design principles has been a cornerstone of FleetEV’s approach to business.
Jarrad’s achievements include securing strategic partnerships with leading automotive manufacturers and tech companies, which have been crucial for FleetEV’s growth. Under his direction, the company has also received multiple awards for sustainability and innovation. Furthermore, Jarrad has been an influential advocate for EV policies, contributing to legislative discussions aimed at promoting green energy and reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector. Jarrad’s vision extends beyond business, focusing on community and environmental impact, making him a respected leader in both the industry and among sustainability advocates.
Time: 3.15 pm. Topic: Make a positive contribution to your community through climate action in education
Description The Climate Ambassadors scheme exists to help education settings in England take action to become more environmentally sustainable and climate resilient. The scheme enables employers to engage directly with education settings, helping and inspiring them to tackle the challenges of our changing climate. Find out more about the programme, how it can support your community engagement and social value goals and provide employees with opportunities to ‘give back’, further their own positive sustainability impacts and enhance their climate skills and knowledge.
About Gemma Gemma Bailey is the Climate Ambassador Regional Hub Manager for Southeast England and is a passionate advocate for sustainability and community engagement. Based in Kent and working at the University of Reading, Gemma’s journey has been shaped by her deep-rooted love for wildlife and the environment. In her current role, Gemma leverages her diverse background and expertise to empower schools and communities in Southeast England to take climate action. She recognizes the unique strengths of each region and emphasizes the importance of tailoring approaches to meet specific needs. Gemma envisions a future where communities in Southeast England are actively engaged in climate action, working together to create a more sustainable and resilient region. She believes that education and collaboration are key to achieving this vision.
Topic: Developing a Business Energy Strategy fit for a Net Zero Future
Description; Transition amid a changing industry, understanding how best to navigate it can be complex and uncertain. During this session, an expert from Bryt Energy will discuss what to expect from these changes, and what businesses will need to consider within their energy strategies to thrive in a net zero.
About Kerry: Kerry has over 17 years 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 3.8TWh contracted portfolio with their zero carbon, 100% renewable product and are leaders in the sustainable energy marketplace.
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.
The Southern Sustainability Partnership strives to help businesses become more energy-efficient and sustainable. We do this through various community activities, including the Big Sustainability Expo and Awards.
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