New expert speakers added to net zero conference line-up

The line-up of the Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference has been strengthened with the addition of three more expert speakers and panellists.

The event, which takes place on Wednesday 26 June at Ribby Hall Village, will help businesses of all sizes to get the tools, advice and inspiration they need to meet their green goals.

The half-day programme includes panels, interviews, masterclasses and an exhibition featuring expert contributors from a wide range of disciplines, each sharing insider insight, first-hand experiences and actionable advice.

The newly-announced speakers are:

Jacob Lane, material research & knowledge manager, Silentnight

Jacob Lane has a PhD in chemistry and over four years of experience at Silentnight, Jacob plays a pivotal role in driving the company's sustainability initiatives. Jacob's expertise focuses on reducing scope 3 emissions by analysing the environmental impact of materials and components throughout their lifecycle.

Mick Ramsden, founder and procureneur, Essential Sourcing

Mick founded his business more than two decades ago to help businesses not just procure effectively for business success, but also to help "procureners" make a meaningful impact while doing so. He will be talking about bringing ESG principles into your procurement strategies, ensuring that procurement decisions contribute to a sustainable and ethical future.

David Stanley, owner, ELE Advanced Technologies

David will share insight into the many off-the-shelf and bespoke solutions the Nelson-based manufacturer employs to minimise its carbon emissions and to achieve its sustainability goals.

Professor John Whitton, co-director, UCLan Centre for Sustainable Transitions

Prof John will share work undertaken by the university’s engineers, social scientists, architects and psychologists to address the challenges of climate change and to explain how businesses can benefit from this.

They join the full list of speakers:

• Lucy Boulton, solar manager, Thompsons Solar
• Miranda Barker, CEO, Chamber Low Carbon
• Noel Ferguson, head of net zero and energy solutions, Trident Utilities
• Jane Gaston, board member, Net Zero North West
• Paul O’Brien, head of sustainability, The Senator Group
• David Rothwell, deputy principal finance and resources, Nelson and Colne College
• Ian Steel, owner, Atkinsons Coffee Roasters
• Graham Wilkinson, senior manager finance & IT, Ribby Hall Village

Topics covered by the full event will include how to make a start or take your next steps, buying locally, waste, new anti-greenwashing rules, bid writing, procurement plus quick wins and actionable takeaways you can easily implement. 

They will also discuss how a robust sustainability strategy can have a positive effect on your business through recruitment and retention, cost savings, reputation and being ahead of the game.

The event is backed by headline sponsors, University of Central Lancashire and Trident Utilities, who will also be running a masterclass providing a clear step-by-step guide to developing a sustainability strategy for your business.

Exhibiting at the event, and available for one-to-one conversations, will be Blackpool & The Fylde College, Chamber Low Carbon, LinerlessUK, Nelson and Colne College and Thompsons Solar.

The event is also supported by Vantage Motor and the venue partner is Ribby Hall Village, which will also be discussing its own path to net zero.

Stephen Bolton, managing director of Lancashire Business View, said: “Sustainability is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today. But they don’t have to tackle it alone - our event brings together some of the smartest minds in the sector who will share a wealth of information to help the business community set and reach their own green goals.”

Click here for further details and to purchase tickets

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.