Next Steps to Net Zero: Practical Tools, Reporting & Real-World Insights

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.

Ali joined the Agency with extensive experience in strategic partnerships and sustainable technology solutions across both public and private sectors. With a background in Manufacturing Engineering and Renewable Energy, he brings valuable technical and commercial expertise combined with a track record in driving decarbonisation initiatives and energy management solutions. His career spans roles at leading organisations, helping partners with complex energy needs identify decarbonisation opportunities and develop credible pathways to net zero. Ali specialises in building high-value partnerships, developing innovative sustainability strategies, and delivering impactful solutions that drive positive environmental change.

As a Carbon Literacy Certified Consultant and Head of Training at Positive Planet, I empower corporate organisations to embed sustainability into the heart of their operations. I lead the design and delivery of impactful, tailored training programmes that build internal capability, align teams with net-zero ambitions, and inspire meaningful climate action at every level of business.

With extensive experience delivering Carbon Literacy and sustainability training across diverse sectors—including manufacturing, construction, finance, sport, education, travel, events, and public services—I specialise in translating complex climate challenges into practical, people-first solutions that drive measurable progress.

Alongside my corporate work, I bring a strong educational foundation as a former Advanced Skills Teacher and Geography subject specialist. I’ve worked as a Lead Trainer for Pearson, Kagan (T2T UK), and as an Associate Tutor in Geography at Edge Hill University. I’ve developed PGCE and SKE courses, authored curriculum resources, and examined nationally for GCSE Geography (Edexcel Spec B). My work supports both learners and educators to deepen their understanding of the world and its changing systems.

Alasdair has been providing environmental advice, guidance and regulatory support to businesses for over 19 years. As well as having a Master’s degree in clean technology, Alasdair is an ESOS Lead Assessor, a member of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, an Associate Member of IEMA and an IEMA Associate Environmental Auditor. Currently Alasdair provides resource efficiency and net zero support to businesses, specialising in energy efficient technologies, renewables, waste minimisation and training.

Sam Hinchcliffe is the CTO and co-founder of Bioscore, a digital sustainability platform helping businesses monitor and reduce their website’s carbon emissions. With 10 years of development experience and 7 years running his own web development agency, Sam has helped over 200 UK businesses start monitoring their digital carbon footprint and implement sustainable web practices.