John Keen: New sustainability consultant at the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy

The Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy have announced the appointment of John Keen as their newest sustainability consultant.

Bringing extensive experience to the role, he will be helping Blackpool businesses cut costs and improve energy efficiency.

Through the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy, John is helping local organisations see both the financial and environmental benefits of sustainability.

With fully funded energy audits, tailored decarbonisation plans, and practical support, the Academy helps companies reduce emissions, save money, and futureproof their operations.

Alongside his work with the Academy, John is managing director of RKMS.

Under his leadership, RKMS became the first business in Blackpool to achieve a third-party carbon neutral certification.

John said: “I’m incredibly proud of this achievement.

“It shows that you don’t have to compromise strong business performance to adopt greener practices, in fact, they can often drive each other. That’s what inspires me to help other businesses do the same.”

Commitment underpins his role at the Academy, where John supports local businesses on their own journey to net zero.

He said: “My role is to work alongside business leaders to help them make sense of their data.

“Many companies struggle to understand what the numbers are telling them, so I help identify opportunities and put steps in place to reduce energy use, cut costs, and improve efficiency.”

John’s career began far from executive leadership, with early roles ranging from a Pontins holiday camp to a footwear factory.

Rising to Production Manager, he discovered a passion for quality and efficiency, later completing a master’s degree in Total Quality Management at the age of 29.

That grounding, he says, shaped a career dedicated to helping businesses achieve more sustainable practices.

John’s professional achievements are matched by a long record of community involvement. A former British Karate Championships silver medallist, he has coached a junior football team and supports local charities.

The Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy are encouraging Blackpool businesses, to get in contact with John and their team of sustainability specialists for readily available fully funded practical advice.