New themes, speakers and masterclasses added to net zero conference

The organisers of the Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference, taking place on 26 June, have revealed more details about what’s in store for delegates - including a host of expert speakers ready to share their insight.

The event, returning for a second year after a hugely successful showing in 2023, has been designed to help businesses of all sizes and sectors to tackle the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities of decarbonisation.

Lancashire Business View, the team behind the Red Rose Awards, Lancashire Business Day and the Lancashire Festival of Business, has curated a line-up of net zero experts including veterans of the green sector as well as businesses that have successfully undertaken their own net zero effortd.

Among the newly announced are Jane Gaston, a board member of the North West Net Zero Cluster, Angela Moran, the ESG director of Silentnight, Noel Ferguson, head of net zero and energy solutions at Trident Utilities, Prof John Whitton of the University of Central Lancashire, and Ian Steel, owner of Atkinsons Coffee Roasters.

Through panels, interviews, masterclasses and exhibitions, delegates will learn about starting their net zero journey - or taking their next steps - as well as insight into topics such as how to buy locally, understand anti-greenwashing rules and user net zero credentials in bid writing.

The conference will also reveal 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.

Trident Utilities, a specialist Lancashire-based business which helps businesses go green, will be delivering a masterclass. Blackpool & The Fylde College will also be exhibiting and will be able to speak one-to-one with delegates about key topics.

And the five-star Ribby Hall Village, the host for the event, will also share first-hand experiences of its own net zero journey so far.

Trident Utilities and the University of Central Lancashire are the event's headline sponsors.

Stephen Bolton, managing director of Lancashire Business View, said: “Environmental responsibility is one of the most important topics today’s businesses must face. It affects everything from the calibre of staff a business is able to recruit and the tenders and contracts it can win, to the future of our planet.

“Whether you’ve not yet started your journey, or you’re already on your way but eager to find out what more you can do, this conference has something for you. Our speakers have decades of high-level experience between them and will be sharing what they know throughout the day. It’s promising to be an unmissable event.”

Newly-confirmed speakers

Graham Wilkinson, senior manager IT and finance, Ribby Hall

Our conference host Ribby Hall Village is heavily committed to its net zero journey, with Graham playing a key role in its transformation. Having worked at the resort for a decade, he has been integral in investment into new technology, changes in ways of working, engagement with guests and introducing solar to the village for the first time.

Angela Moran, ESG director, Silentnight

Silentnight is one of the county’s biggest and most high-profile manufacturers. Angela will share details of how the company has maintained its position at the forefront of a competitive industry while honouring its commitments to its staff, local community and the planet.

Jane Gaston, board member, North West Net Zero Cluster

Jane played a significant role in the development of the North West’s Energy Innovation District, a precursor to the Net Zero North West industrial cluster, and most recently led the development and launch of the Net Zero North West cluster plan. Her efforts have been crucial in setting up the region as a centre for innovation in clean energy and low-carbon inclusive growth, aligning with the government's target for a low-carbon industrial cluster by 2030.

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

Noel works with organisations across all sectors to deliver cost and carbon reductions, with a focus on making their net zero journey simple. He actively works to break down barriers and develop user-friendly frameworks that guide businesses through their sustainability transformation.

Prof John Whitton, Co-Director, Centre for Sustainable Transitions, University of Central Lancashire

Following a career in industry as an environmental social scientist, John joined the University in 2014. His work and research, for which he has partnered with universities on multiple continents, focuses on understanding the social aspects of sustainability and the human and community resilience required for the transition to a zero carbon society. He is a Chartered Scientist and a Member of the Institution of Environmental Sciences.

Ian Steel, owner, Atkinsons Coffee Roasters

Ian is the current head of the nearly 200-year-old family business, which recently earned B Corp status. He will share insight on how net zero commitments run throughout the businesses, from the harvesting of the beans through to transport, packaging and operating coffee shops.

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.