More speakers announced for Lancashire net zero conference

The Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference, a new event taking place on June 28, which is designed to inspire and support businesses in achieving their environmental goals, has confirmed a host of additional guest speakers.

The conference, organised by Lancashire Business View, will take place at The Wellbeing Farm, a B Corp-certified venue in Edgworth.

It will feature hand-picked speakers, panellists and case studies who will share knowledge, exchange ideas and explore solutions that can be implemented on a small or large scale to help the business community reduce their carbon footprint and boost the bottom line.

Newly added to the line-up are:

Zowi Whittaker, group sustainability and environmental director, Fox Group

Zowi holds responsibility for sustainability and environmental at the growing Fox Group. The Blackpool-based firm specialises in the supply and haulage of aggregates, recycled materials, muck shift and earthworks, operating more than 350 vehicles and 5000 plant machines.

Prof. Melissa Conlon, commercial director, AMRC North West

Melissa holds various influential roles within Lancashire, including leading the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre which is tasked with harnessing the power of future technology to drive business forward. AMRC North West is driving Lancashire’s low-carbon by helping manufacturers slash their emissions by retrofitting digital technologies onto legacy shop floors.

Vicky Paley, lead project manager, Protium

Protium specialises in utilising hydrogen as an environmentally-friendly energy source, designing green hydrogen infrastructure that integrates with a company’s existing operations and helps lead them towards a more sustainable future. Vicky has joined forces with Budwiser Brewing Group, to develop a green hydrogen energy project for Lancashire’s biggest brewery in Samlesbury.

Noel Ferguson, head of net zero and energy solutions, Trident Utilities

Trident is an energy cost reduction specialist, offering a wholistic service which encompasses optimising all areas of an organisation’s expenditure and usage.

Ged Ennis, managing director, The Low Carbon Energy Company

For more than 15 years, The Low Carbon Energy Company has been helping businesses to meet their environmental responsibilities while reducing their bills. The company counts Boeing, NHS, Network Rail, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and United Utilities among its customers.

Marc McLoughlin, managing director, Greenarc Vehicles

Marc established KeyFleet in 2007 and in recent years has been instrumental in helping businesses across the UK to transition their fleets to electric vehicles. In 2022, the company was acquired by national fuel and green energy supplier Greenarc, allowing it to further expand its reach.

David Lord, head of construction and lead of low carbon and sustainability hub, Burnley College

With 20 years of experience in the sector, David has played a vital role in the development of Burnley College’s highly-regarded construction division. He is also lead of the college’s low carbon and sustainability hub, and has recently been appointed chairman of the British Association of Construction Heads, an influential group that represents colleges across the UK which offer construction courses.

The new speakers join four who have already been confirmed:

• Miranda Barker, chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce who has taken Lancashire’s green innovations overseas to meet with the UN.
• Celia Gaze, founder and CEO of The Wellbeing Farm which is the only B Corp-certified venue of its kind in the UK.
• Lucy Arthurs, estate manager at Leighton Hall, which was crowned winner of the ESG Award at this year’s Red Rose Awards.
• Becky Toal, founder of Crowberry Consulting, an environmental and sustainability professional with over 20 years’ industry experience of delivering sustainable solutions to business.

Attendees will learn about the wider benefits of net zero ambition and innovation - such as future-proofing your business, winning new contracts and tenders and using ESG credentials as a way to recruit and retain the best employees.

There will be information about supply chain opportunities, the chance to meet and network with the speakers, sponsors and attendees, and an exhibition made up of sector experts to explore.

The conference will also feature a special showcase of Lancashire businesses whose net zero products and services are making a major impact on both a local and global level.

The event is being held in association with AMRC North West, Crowberry Consulting and Trident Utilities, as well as Fox Group, which has recently confirmed its support as a headline partner. Three exhibitors have also confirmed, Burnley College, Greenarc Vehicles and Bretherton Group.

Richard Slater, chairman of Lancashire Business View, says: “We know that there is a real hunger for information on how to reduce energy consumption and to operate businesses in a way that is kinder to the environment.

“Not only does this help address rising energy costs, but it’s also the right thing to do, and that has never been more important to customers, employees and business owners themselves.

Richard added: “The appetite to discuss these topics and to share information is reflected in the calibre of speakers we have confirmed for this event. The line-up features vastly experienced industry professionals - both at the heart of the green sector as well as businesses from other sectors who take ESG seriously.

“This event promises a deep and wide-ranging wealth of information that gives all who attend plenty to take back to their own organisations to further their ESG journey, whatever stage they’re at.” 

Tickets are £50 +VAT, or £90 +VAT for two, and include light breakfast, refreshments and lunch with full access to the event including exhibition, networking and conference. Click here to book now

If you work in the sector, and want to discuss sponsor, speaker and exhibitor opportunities, please get in touch with Joanne Hindley on [email protected] or Stephen Bolton on [email protected].

The event will be reviewed in full in Lancashire Business View’s Net Zero Carbon Report in our July/Aug edition and shared with our 50,000 readers in print and online.