Green Transformation Conference 2024 – Agenda

Our Green Transformation Conference is supported by sponsors Kao Data, Appleyard Lees and Bruntwood SciTech, and partnered with Bee Net Zero & Growth Company.

We will explore how public and private sector organisations across Greater Manchester are leading the charge in developing low carbon solutions for us all and how we, collectively, are going to reach the 2038 target.

Please take a look at agenda below:

09.00 – 09.30
Registration, Breakfast & Networking

09.30 – 09.50
Welcome/keynote
Steve Connor – Creative Concern

09.50 – 10.20
Incubators & Accelerators: Is Manchester doing everything it can to cultivate a Green Economy?

A Growth Company panel: Discussions will assess the effectiveness of current strategies, including support programs and incentives, and explore potential areas for improvement to ensure Manchester maximizes its potential as a hub for green innovation and entrepreneurship.

John Robb – The Green Britain Academy
Dan Dickinson – Energy Innovation Agency
Amy House – Green Economy
Keith Rimmer – Thermocill
Kelly Baily – The Growth Company

10.20 – 10.40
Green Innovation: A Global Perspective

David Walsh – Appleyard Lees

10.40 – 11.10
Driving a Greener Future: Navigating the Landscape of Carbon Solutions and Accountability

Discussing the evolving strategies and technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Topics will include innovative carbon capture and storage solutions, as well as mechanisms for corporate accountability such as carbon pricing and emissions trading.

David Brayne – RTC North
Simon Turek – PNZ Carbon
Rachael Shah – Swiscot
Victor Sellwood – Siemens
Elizabeth Elliot – Growth Company

11.10 – 11.30
Coffee break

11.30 – 12.00
Breaking Barriers: How tech is making it easier for businesses to be greener

Delving into the innovative ways technology is facilitating sustainable practices within businesses. Discussions will explore how emerging technologies are fostering collaboration among industries to tackle environmental challenges effectively.

Niamh Allen – IOT Horizon
Adam Nethersole – Kao Data
Jordan Blunsom – Slalom
Brian Devlin – NatWest
Hannah Drake – Enerlytic

12.00 – 12.20
Data Centres: The Inconvenient Truth, and how we Safeguard Sustainability

Adam Nethersole – Kao Data

12:20 – 12.50
Bridging the Green Divide: How is Manchester tackling the green skills divide

A session to discuss the solutions such as vocational training programs and partnerships between educational institutions and industry stakeholders that is needed to fill the gap between newcomers and experts in the sector.

Sam Booth – pro-manchester
Luke Rowson – Perfect Sense Energy
Joe Crolla – GMCA
Desré Hancocks – Accenture
Andy Lovatt – Box Project

Lunch

13.30 – 14.00
Inviting Mother Nature into the boardroom

Exploring the recent mandate in England requiring developers to achieve a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG) on new projects. Discussions will centre on strategies for businesses to integrate nature-centric principles into decision-making processes, corporate strategies and development projects.

Rachael Shah – Swiscot
Bev Taylor – Bruntwood SciTech
Rachel Morrison – GMCA
Graham Hansen – Better Business Network

14.00 – 14.20
Green Transformation in Manchester and the North West – the size of the prize! 

Victor Sellwood – Siemens

14.20 – 14.50
Sustainable Horizons: The pioneers of the future

The panel session will illuminate the pioneers shaping a sustainable future through cutting-edge technologies, examining advancements such as carbon capture innovations and next-generation renewable energy sources.

Mark Hammond – Net Zero UK
Niamh Allen – IOT Horizon
Nathan Feddy – Vector Homes
Victor Sellwood – Siemens

14.50 – 15.00
Wrap up by host

Steve Connor – Creative Concern