EVENTS

What does Sustainability in business mean for organisations in the region and what plans are being put in place to help support the climate emergency?

The team from SETsquared and the University of Bath Sustainable Business Support Programme and South Gloucestershire Council are hosting a panel discussion for what is expected to be an enlightening morning and an opportunity for like-minded people to network and discuss sustainability in South Gloucestershire.

Ask questions to the expert panel as they air their views on sustainability and hear from innovative organisations helping tackle climate change whilst learning about the support available for sustainable business growth in the region.

Come along to this free to attend event to help understand how it is possible for your company to start making some changes to reduce your carbon emissions and help create a healthier, happier, greener South Gloucestershire.

Agenda

10.00 Arrival, tea, coffee & networking

10.30 Welcome from Laurent Perge, Innovation Advisor, University of Bath/SETSquared and introduction to panel

10.35  Brief introduction from each of the panelists

10.40 Panel discussion on Sustainability in South Gloucestershire, knowledge exchange, and peer-to-peer support

11.10 Open the floor for a Q&A session

11.25 Closing remarks

11.30 Networking

12.00 Event closes

If you are an organisation or individual interested to learn more about what is happening in the locality of South Gloucestershire sign up and join us for this free to attend event.

(Laurent Perge, Innovation Advisor from the University of Bath will be available for the remainder of the day for anyone interested in undertaking a business diagnosis and discussing how the fully funded Sustainability Business Programme could support your organisation)

Meet the Panel:

Cllr Toby Savage, Leader South Gloucestershire Council. Toby was born and brought up in South Gloucestershire. In May 2015 he was elected as the South Gloucestershire Ward Councillor for Longwell Green. Toby became Leader of the Council in May 2018, and retained the leadership after the local elections in May 2019.  Since then he has led efforts to strengthen local communities to ensure residents, both existing and new, are proud to call South Gloucestershire home. Toby leads South Gloucestershire Council’s representation on the West of England Combined Authority and the Local Enterprise Partnership.  He is also a vice-chair on the Western Gateway Powerhouse, covering much of the South West and South Wales. Toby’s background is in communications and as a researcher in local government, planning and housing. He was a Special Constable with the Avon & Somerset Constabulary for 5 years.

Laurent Perge, Innovation Advisor, University of Bath/SETsquared. Supporting organisations in the area to develop new low carbon technologies and to commercialise proven ones. Stimulating growth and decarbonising the economy and providing opportunities for companies to work with the University of Bath.

Molly Allington,  Co-founder and CEO of a University of Bristol spin-out company, Albotherm. Albotherm is developing responsive shade paint for greenhouses as a low-carbon solution to sunscald, improving productivity and helping boost food supplies.

Edward Rowberry, Chief Exec, Bristol & Bath Regional Capital. As founding Chief Executive of Bristol & Bath Regional Capital (BBRC), a leading Place Based Impact Investor, Ed focuses on raising and placing investment for environmental and social good in the region. He seeks to ensure that BBRC remains committed to serving local communities while retaining a commercial focus that a social enterprise like BBRC requires.

Ed represents BBRC as a member of the Governing Board of City Funds www.bristolcityfunds.co.uk, and is co-opted to the Board of Black South West Network www.blacksouthwestnetwork.org.

Matt Landick, Project Manager, Low Carbon Business Support, West of England Combined Authority. Through Carbon Surveys and Green Business Grants, the West of England Combined Authority has helped over 350 small and medium businesses engage with the climate emergency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut utility costs. Our Low Carbon Business Support Programmes are supported with funding from the European Regional Development Fund, the West of England Recovery Fund and Green Recovery Fund.

The Sustainable Business Support Programme is a SETsquared and University of Bath business support programme funded until May 2023 offering support to organisations in the region who are looking for support to be more sustainable. This programme is funded through the European Regional Development Fund.  Visit the website to register your interest in being part of this programme.