Green Transformation Conference 2024

Steve is co-founder and CEO of Creative Concern. An experienced strategist, writer and communications consultant, Steve specialises in ethical and sustainability issues, integrated campaigns, city strategies, brand development and creating strange installations out of trees, lights and beautiful type.

Recent projects include work with C40 cities, World Green Building Council, World Resources Institute, Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, Newcastle City Council, Plymouth City Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Steve’s spent the last few years also helping to create a European network of partner agencies, called Do Not Smile – www.donotsmile.com

He is currently a board member of the Greater Manchester LEP, and was recently the interim chair of the Community Forest Trust and has previously chaired Manchester’s Climate Change Partnership. A long time ago he was Communications Director at Sustainability Northwest and Head of Campaigns at the Vegetarian Society of the UK.

Specialties: Particular areas of expertise include climate change, place making, city strategies, culture, sustainable transport, food issues and the natural environment.

Adam heads up marketing and communications for Kao Data, a leading UK and European developer and operator of industrial scale data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing. Kao Data provides its customers with a secure, scalable and sustainable home for their compute and Adam is responsible for managing the company’s brand-building activities, B2B marketing, public relations and corporate communications. Having worked for more than 20 years across sales, business development, marketing and public relations within technology and sustainability environments Adam has a long track record in creating engaging content and shaping relevant stories to successfully position the products and services he is marketing. Story telling is a key aspect to help communicate the human benefits of industrial scale architecture and underpin the crucial role data centres play in our modern, digital lives

Amy is a chartered environmentalist with two decades experience working with the businesses at the heart of the net zero transition. She has an MSc in Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and has developed a deep understanding of the technologies and drivers that are shaping the business and skills agenda.

Amy has a unique understanding of the supply chain and advocates for the sector with buyers, local decision makers and national policy makers. Amy and her team have established Green Economy to improve the competitiveness of the supply chain, to overcome the market failures that prevent uptake of low carbon technology and to promote the businesses playing a key role in delivering the UK’s net zero ambition

Roosevelt Alexander has worked in Education and over two decades in roles that range for a Tutor in construction through to Director.  He currently works for the Growth Company as the Director of Technical Skills for the Green Skills Academy.  Since the Green Skills Academy inception on January 19^th 2023, Roosevelt has been keen to work with a vast array of partners to showcase the centre and to support the GMCA’s drive to become carbon neutral by 2038.  He is responsible for delivering a range of courses that help upskill the current generation of workers, but he is keen to work with the next generation of low carbon workers who will make the difference.

Jordan sits in Slalom’s Strategy and Operations practice, where he leads end-to-end value chain decarbonisation initiatives for his clients. Jordan helps organisations to unpack their complex processes and data landscapes to identify opportunities for emissions reduction.

He has recently led and supported engagements to: improve the accuracy and speed of lifecycle assessment in the building materials industry, enable more efficient logistics operations to reduce emission through implementation of a new transport management system, and supported a client in the definition and scoping of a B2B SAAS digital product passport and supply chain visibility solution.

Jordan is passionate about helping his clients to understand the real value of decarbonisation across their value chains, and the role of data and technology in achieving this.

With ten years of professional experience, and as member of Accenture’s Sustainable Value Chains team, Desré is passionate about transforming procurement and supply chains through technology-driven sustainability strategies, facilitating a Just Transition to a global-zero-carbon economy. With a people centred approach Desré has designed and led client workshops on how to create a psychological safe environment for leading sustainable procurement transformation programs.

Joe is one of the Principal Skills Managers at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. As a part of the Education, Work, and Skills Directorate, his role covers engagement with key employers, sector bodies, and organisations across the city region, with the aim of building the evidence base and insights that GMCA has access to for devolved policy. With an increasing focus on skills for the Green Economy, his aim is to ensure local government supports businesses and organisations across Greater Manchester to access the skills they need to work towards Net Zero.

Daniel is the Business Development Lead at the Energy Innovation Agency, an organisation founded by partners dedicated to bringing the latest and greatest energy solutions to Greater Manchester; accelerating their commercialisation and deployment. He specialises in market positioning, service development and partnership facilitation across the low carbon sector, with a focus on renewables, energy storage and smart grids. He is experienced in supporting innovators to bring their products and services to domestic and international markets, and in the project management of renewable site developments. Daniel has previously worked as a business advisor to the Green Technologies and Services sector within Greater Manchester, and for a renewable energy developer.

With a 25+ career spanning a range of industries tackling energy, water, waste and resource issues, addressing compliance, reducing emissions and encouraging innovation at both corporate and SME scales, I have expertise in the field and broad appreciation of the challenges and opportunities we face. My early career spanned a number of roles in United Utilities latterly addressing biosolids recycling and carbon management. The last 10 years have been spent exploring roles in recycling, waste management, resource efficiency and eco-innovation.

Currently I deliver support services as a Senior Innovation & Growth Specialist for Innovate UK Business Growth, it’s my role to encourage and facilitate responsible innovation and growth, addressing current and future needs and capabilities of the UK’s ambitious SME’s.  Greentech has a role to fulfil, however the biggest challenges exist in the appropriate deployment of these solutions, limited by awareness, short-sighted opportunities, financing and legislation among many other non-technical barriers.

Elizabeth is an Eco Innovation specialist at the GM Business Growth Hub, working with Greater Manchester businesses to grow through development of new greener products, services, and technologies.

She supports new developments from idea generation to commercialisation as well as increasing understanding of the circular economy and developing new circular business concepts. This is through 1-to-1 support, collaboration with academic expertise, and connecting people and networks.

She has worked on product development and innovation for a range of companies from cutting edge research & development to large manufacturing sites. She has a technical background in textiles and materials science, with a 1^st Class BSc Hons from the University of Manchester.

Nathan Feddy is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Vector Homes. He previously worked as the Research And Development Engineer at Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, Composites International Business Development at Graphene Flagship, and former Nanotechnology Consultant at BREC Solutions. Nathan attended the University of Birmingham.

As a young entrepreneur, Hannah has a 15-year background in the energy industry and has worked closely with large international clients designing and managing complex energy strategies. Starting her career as an Analyst, Hannah worked her way up to board level at a green-tech company before founding Enerlytic in 2020. She has previously been involved in the design and implementation of an automated energy billing system, as well as a Blockchain solution aimed at incentivising energy efficient behaviour which was featured in The Times and Forbes.  Hannah is a regular speaker at industry events and has also featured in industry media. In 2020, Hannah became a regional champion for the Female Founders Forum, is a council member of the CBI and utilises the support from the Innovate UK funded Women in Innovation.

Luke Rowson, serves as the Head of Sustainability and Strategy at Perfect Sense Energy. Luke’s expertise lies in the renewable and low-carbon technology and energy sectors. He has extensive experience across SME, Commercial and Public sector organisations, Luke has is  a dynamic professional, specializing in Industrial and Commercial (I&C) Corporate  and Asset Management/Facilities Management clients

Luke’s focus areas are strategic thinking, hands-on energy management and sustainability action, and a commitment to delivering sustainable solutions. One of his key drivers is delivering the company’s ambitious scope 3 emissions reduction initiatives to add value not just to Perfect Sense but their clients, as well as delivering solar rollouts across asset portfolios support ESG teams.

Having headed up Bruntwood’s energy business for nine years, Bev now focuses on Bruntwood’s environmental efforts as the business aims for long-term sustainable growth and continues its drive to become net zero carbon by 2030 (in areas under its operational control). As an expert in sustainability in the built environment, Bev is a regular speaker on a range of topics, including:

• Achieving net zero
• Energy
• Biodiversity and green spaces
• Sustainable materials
• Sustainable transport
• Water
• Waste and recycling
• Environmental, social and governance (ESG) in the built environment
• The challenges of integrating ESG in construction

Brian has worked with Mid Market and SME businesses across Greater Manchester for the last 15 years giving him an insight into the challenges and opportunities companies face in transitioning to a greener, more sustainable economy. As a regional climate champion Brian helps train and support colleagues to deliver meaningful, informed and supportive climate conversations, with the aim of helping our clients invest and grow while reducing their impact on the environment. Brian has degrees from the Universities of Manchester and Strathclyde, and holds a Certificate in Green and Sustainable Finance from the Chartered Banker Institute.

Victor Sellwood is a Chartered Engineer who has worked in the energy sector for over 30 years, most recently with Siemens and EA Technology. He has developed energy strategies for the North West and South East of England, the Humber industrialised cluster, and conducted strategic work with Welsh Government and the UK:100 network for Net Zero in Local Authorities. He has also delivered Smart City technologies, business models and decarbonisation pathways for London, Birmingham, Manchester and Keele University. Victor holds an MBA with Merit from the Manchester Business School, and juggles time between a teenage family and regular attempts to play golf, ski and play badminton, though not simultaneously.

Niamh Allen is the Managing Director of Sustainable Smart Technologies, a technology solutions company specialising in smart buildings. She leads the overall business strategy and operations, focusing on driving growth and market expansion. Formerly Sales & Marketing Director, Niamh has a proven track record of driving initiatives that deliver impactful business results. She prioritises innovation and strategic leadership and is passionate about advancing women in tech. Niamh is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of female entrepreneurs by sharing her experiences and championing their success in the tech industry.

Keith is a founder of several companies, he is a mechanical engineer and inventor of energy saving sustainable  products -he is experienced in all aspects of business start ups in the energy sector, both domestic and commercial applications, he is a focused HVCA consultant with 40 years’ experience in his field. He is the winner of several awards including: Northwest innovator award, Northwest Business Matters Award, Ernest & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year For Green Tech And Energy, Housing Innovation Award For Most Innovation Use Of Renewable Technology, H&V Project Of The Year & H&V Environmental Initiative Of The Year to name a few.

Keith’s latest venture is Thermocill he is the founder and CEO of the company, Thermocill  is a  passive energy saving device, manufactured in the UK from recycled nylon and one of the first energy saving products to be manufactured from carbon neutral hemp, it is engineered to be a modular device to fit any internal window sill, it’s a fit and forget device with a longevity of 40 years plus, the product is very affordable and reduces the U- value of glazing when installed, lowering the  heat-loss via the window  www.thermocill.com.

Keith and the team at Thermocill have been working for years on testing of the product via the world class energy house 2.0 based at Salford University, together with its exceptional on site team – Keith brought collaboration between Salford University and the University of Manchester via its amazing professional CFD & MACE department, together with the  Henry Royce Institute – The test results are now with the BRE Group for the product to be included with RDSAP, the product is trademarked and holds a full UK patent, with soon to be within 38 European member states also. The product was again recently tested with window covering showing excellent results, with both Salford and Manchester Universities deciding to write a joint academic paper regarding their research and findings, to be published in one of the scientific  journals.

The product is to combat fuel poverty and is linked to the Thermocill trust which will build energy efficient modular homes for the homeless, while supporting up and coming entrepreneurs with energy efficient products and ideas, the only stipulation will be they are manufactured in the UK, creating wealth in communities.

Rachael Shah is an award-winning leader with 12 years of experience across commercial and non-profit, sector, including impactful roles at The British Red Cross & Co-op Group. In March 2023, she pivoted towards sustainability, applying her expertise in change management, delivery, and innovation to guide Swiscot Textiles on their environmental efforts.

Committed to driving positive change, Rachael leverages her skills to support the wider SME community to achieve their sustainability goals, fostering innovation, and setting new standards for environmental responsibility. Her vision for a sustainable future emphasises the crucial role businesses play in addressing environmental challenges, aiming to inspire and empower organisations towards greater ecological stewardship.

In 2021 Rachael completer her MBA from Manchester Metropolitan University with a dissertation that looked at consumer perceptions of B-Corporations within consumer retail. Rachael is also a member of the Pro-Manchester Green Committee.

Mark is founder and managing director at NetZero.co.uk, a Manchester based Climate technology business. Following a twenty-year career in the digital automotive sector, Mark returned to university and was awarded an MBA from Manchester business school before launching the business in 2019.

Proud to be a B Corp, the business uses a hybrid model of carbon consulting and technology to streamline carbon reporting, analysis and reduction whilst engaging employees and customers with the Engage Carbon Portal within Net Zero’s proprietary software NetScope.  The NetZero.co.uk team, work with local SME’s and corporates such as Santander, VW and QBE in addition to sports partners such as MCC Lords, SRO Motorsport and World Netball where technology is used to leverage engagement and awareness amongst fans.

David is a UK and European Patent Attorney specialising in the fields of polymers, pharmaceuticals, catalysis, process technology, sealing technology and industrial biotechnology. David has a PhD in surface chemistry from UCL. He advises multinationals, SMEs and university spin offs and is currently responsible for the patent portfolio management of several national and multinational companies.

Graham Hansen is a director and owner of an alternative legal services provider, Lawbox Legal, who focus on supporting innovative, creative and sustainable businesses.  He specialises in supporting high growth SMEs in the green tech, health tech and purpose led spaces. Lawbox also employ design led principles to make legal services more accessible, flexible and focused on the end user/client experience.

Alongside this, Graham is Director for Nature of the Better Business Network and Better Not Stop, and has assisted them in taking a progressive approach in enshrining the rights of nature within the businesses, as well as ensuring it has a voice on the Board.

Graham is also a director of green/humanitarian tech business Mat Zero Heat Ltd, and retrofitting business Qwala Ltd.