
Environment Analyst
UK Business Summit 2022
Leading Together for Net Zero Success
22 June 2022 I Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London
The environmental and sustainability consulting sector is experiencing a surge in demand for ESG and net zero advisory services, as clients look for the best partners to aid their transition to net zero.
In order to achieve ambitious climate goals, we need to unite as a sector and lead together for net zero success.
Environment Analyst's 8th annual UK Business Summit will provide critical market intelligence on ESG and other opportunities, as well as key transitions needed to move towards a net zero economy, so you can develop your leadership position, benchmark yourself against your competitors and be better informed on how and where to invest and grow your business.
Learn how best to collaborate to identify stakeholder needs, and deliver real economic and environmental change.
Join other business leaders, senior executives, clients and stakeholders, committed to achieving real environmental progress on 22 June at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London.
Event partners:
Event supporters:
What are the speakers looking forward to discussing at the event?

Great opportunity to get industry executives in the room and discuss our most pressing issues.
Partner,
Arcadis
Very interesting debates and opportunities to discuss business with people across the industry
Managing Director
SWT Ecology Services
A great opportunity to bring key industry players together to address key environmental issues
Natural Capital Coordinator,
GMCA
What did previous attendees say about the event?
Event agenda
08.30 Registration and Networking
09.00 Welcome from Environment Analyst
09.05 Opening Remarks from the Chair
Linden Edgell, Global Sustainability Director, ERM
Session One: UK Environmental & Sustainability Services Market Outlook, Drivers & Disrupters
09.10 Reviewing the UK Environmental & Sustainability Consulting Market: Current Status & Outlook
Environment Analyst shares our latest research findings on the UK environmental & sustainability consultancy sector, including:
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Update on the industry structure, including recent M&A activity, industry rankings, and future forecast
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Reviewing net zero journey leaders and the progress and success of different initiatives
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Assessing key business drivers and disruptors, and how companies and business models are evolving in response:
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pinpointing exactly where key business opportunities lie
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managing disruptors and emerging challenges / risks
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Finding the ESG “sweet spot” and where the sector can deliver the most added-value
Ross Griffiths, Operations Director, Environment Analyst
09.30 Presenting the Key Findings of the Recent Early Careers Survey
The UK E&S consulting sector is experiencing unprecedented demand for services to support ESG requirements, infrastructure delivery, net zero ambition and biodiversity recovery. But this demand is stretching resources, highlighting an urgent need to attract the next generation of professionals into the sector.
To understand how the E&S consultancy sector will attract and retain the next generation of talent, Environment Analyst’s Sustainability Delivery Group Early Career Advisory Board launched a survey aimed at professionals who have worked in the sector for up to 7 years and asked them questions such as why they chose their career, if they are satisfied with their role and what motivates them on a daily basis.
This presentation will share the key findings of this survey, focusing on topics including diversity, entry routes into the sector, sector awareness, personal drivers, staff retention, and job satisfaction. The findings will be used by business leaders within the industry to plan outreach activities and improve recruitment and retention initiatives.
09.55 Industry & Audience Panel Discussion
Industry panellists will offer insight into how their companies are responding to market trends and the threats and opportunities these present, as well as how as a sector we need to adapt to meet growing demand for ESG-related services and reporting. Short presentations will lead into an audience and panel discussion where attendees are encouraged to contribute by sharing their own experiences and perspectives.
Panellists:
Diane Emerson, Climate and Sustainability - UKIMEA Leader, Arup
Lucy Thomas, Managing Director, Centre for Sustainability Excellence & Group Chief Scientist, RSK
Dr Adrian Williams, CEO, APEM Group
10.45 Industry Poll followed by Morning Refreshments & Networking
Session Two: UK Environmental Policy Priorities & Strategies
11.15 Update on Environmental and Climate Change Policy and Adaptation Strategies
Tony Grayling, Director of Sustainable Business and Development, Environment Agency
11.35 Exploring Key Environmental Policy Drivers & Priorities
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Exploring key obligations of the Environment Bill and the opportunities they create for the environmental and sustainability services industry in the UK:
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status update on the 25 YEP - where are we at, what’s worked, what hasn't
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Update on the strategy, objectives and enforcement policy of the Office of Environmental Protection:
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priorities for the delivery of sustained environmental improvements
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how the Office will interact and work alongside other public and regulatory bodies
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detailing the nature and scope of the Office’s enforcement powers
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Exploring the demands of the levelling-up agenda and how the sector can support the different objectives
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Assessing progress achieved since COP26 and priority objectives for COP27 in delivering net zero ambitions:
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exploring how the definition of net zero is evolving
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clarifying the SBTi criteria for recognising net zero target achievement
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what commitments are most effectively being translated into action?
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Matthew Farrow, Chief Operating Officer, Broadway Initiative
11.55 Q&A
Session Three: Roundtable Discussion
12.10 Interactive Roundtable Discussion - One
An opportunity to discuss a specific topic of interest to you in a more informal, participative format. Delegates choose a roundtable to attend, and each table will be hosted by a facilitator to lead discussion, encourage optimum debate and exchange of ideas
A. Managing Organisational Challenges & the Impact of the “New Normal” on Business Structure & Practices
Evaluating what the post-Covid organisation looks like and solutions to address the challenge and long-term impact of remote working on internal & external relationships, including:
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employee and client engagement & connection
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future talent pipeline development
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the culture of the organisation
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the optimum workplace strategy
Dr Vicky Hutchinson, Practice Director, Environment UK & Europe, Atkins
B. Natural Capital Accounting in Practice: Leveraging Tools Available to Value Environmental Impacts & Benefits and Facilitate the NbS Business Case
Exploring how the tools available to effectively measure environmental impacts and the benefits of nature-based solutions can be used to facilitate the business case and enable better decision-making.
Justine Saunders, Senior Manager, Capitals Coalition
C. Addressing the Skills Challenge and Improving Diversity and Inclusion in the Sector
With a legacy skills shortage heightened by the pandemic impacting business growth, and a considerable lack of diversity and inclusion in the sector, particularly at a senior level, this discussion explores solutions for improving staff retention, engagement & progression, and how best to future-proof your skills capability.
Marc Davies, Managing Director, Environment, Tetra Tech Europe
D. Exploring Evolving Business Models and Organisational Structures to Truly Achieve an ESG-Focused Strategy Mind-Set
Discussing how to embed sustainability and net zero principles into the organisation, secure the support of senior leadership, manage the impact on company culture, and align organisational purpose and values with ESG metrics to genuinely make it an “all-business mission”.
Jo Jeffreys, Principal Social Value Consultant, Office of Global Climate Response and ESG, Jacobs
E. Using Effective Partnerships & Collaborative Strategies To Maximise Your Value Proposition
Most national and big infrastructure projects are being delivered through collaborative relationships and framework agreements. What lessons are being learnt about these partnership approaches and how can they be leveraged to deliver optimum value and innovation?
F. Making Sense of the Noise: Guiding Clients through Investor Climate Action Plans (ICAPs) and Climate-Related Reporting
Exploring the current requirements in climate reporting, ICAP and how investors are managing environmental considerations across their portfolios, and the implications for environmental consultants in ensuring both they and their clients are effectively dealing with climate change as a systemic risk.
Stephen Metcalf, Head of Sustainable Investing, British Isles & Asia, RBC Wealth Management
G. Exploring the Role of the Insurance Sector in Responding to Climate Change & Environmental Risk
The insurance industry is uniquely placed to help manage climate-related risk, and influence future drivers through their underwriting portfolios. This discussion will explore how insurance investment can respond to increasingly complex regulatory and environmental risks and play a key role in the transition to a low carbon economy.
H. Developing Resilient Cities: Integrating Adaptation and Mitigation Measures into Sustainable Urban Development to Deliver Climate Objectives
Exploring what climate resilient urban development means and the key challenges to delivering sustainable cities. Discussing where and what progress is being made and how to align stakeholder priorities to deliver results.
Christine Wissink, Technical Director of Climate Resilience and Adaptation, Wood
I. Achieving an Innovative, Sustainable Approach to the Supply Chain & Procurement
Exploring how ESG and sustainability pressures are changing behaviours and expectations, including those of environmental consultants who are part of the supply chain. The discussion will also consider opportunities for innovation and embedding sustainability into contracts and supplier agreements to deliver real change and added value.
Torsten Glaeser, Director, CEPROSO - Circular Economy Procurement Solutions
12.45 Lunch and Networking
13.30 Welcome Back from the Afternoon Chair:
Peter Skinner, Chief Operating Officer, SLR Consulting
Session Four: Nature Positive: The New Net Zero
13.35 Opportunities in delivering a Nature Positive Future: How Natural and Social Capital-Based Approaches are Transforming the Delivery of Environmental Goals
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Pinpointing key transitions needed to move towards a nature-positive economy and developing a roadmap for action
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Successfully embedding biodiversity and social considerations throughout the project lifecycle
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Integrating a nature-positive approach to infrastructure development to leverage nature and improve resilience
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Proving the monetary business case for nature-based solutions - quantifying natural capital for the balance sheet and financial decision-making
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Examining Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), the implications and next steps
Panellists:
Julia Baker, Technical Director of Biodiversity, Wood Environment & Infrastructure
Dr Sally Fraser, Associate Director, Biodiversity, Jacobs
Session Five: Decarbonisation and the Energy Transition
14.35 Energy Transition & Decarbonisation: Exploring Opportunities to Help Establish Decarbonisation Priorities & Support a Just Transition
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Determining the likely pace of the transition, and the support energy companies need to restructure their operations and adopt new business models:
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financing options and attracting investment
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pivoting existing skills and infrastructure in the provision of new energy sources
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Evaluating the evolution of heavy-emitting industries such as oil & gas, mining and construction; how can they achieve deep decarbonisation goals?
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Assessing what needs to be done to enable the transport sector to progress towards a zero-carbon future
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Examining the evolving roadmap for renewable and alternative fuels, and the implications of the growing hydrogen and CCS economy
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Exploring the role the professional advisory and management consultants play in this and how partnerships and collaborative strategies can further drive the transition
Panellists:
Jeff Woodward, Global Market Sector Leader - Next Generation Energy, AECOM
Sean Sargent, Chief Executive Officer, Green Lithium
Session Six: Getting the Most From Digital Innovation
15.45 Exploring How Digital Innovation can Effectively Transform Future Environmental Projects & Data Management to Accelerate the Net Zero Transition
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Exploring how digital adoption can be best exploited to drive the sector forward:
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enabling the energy transition
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facilitating the development of smart cities and infrastructure
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increasing innovation in the supply chain
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assisting with the recruiting challenge
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Evaluating Regulatory acceptance of digital tools and processes
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Assessing the impact of adopting digital technology on working practices, staff and resources; how do businesses need to adapt to accommodate innovation?
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Considering how to tackle “data-blindness” resulting from the plethora of information available: best practice for data-based decision-making and client support
Panellists:
Viral Desai, Associate Director, Atkins
Dr. Thomas D. Krom, Segment Director, Environment, Seequent
Session Seven: Roundtable Discussions
16.25 Interactive Roundtable Discussion - Two
Another opportunity to discuss a topic of interest to you in a more informal, participative format. Delegates choose a roundtable to attend, and each table will be hosted by a facilitator to lead discussion, encourage optimum debate and exchange of ideas
The following roundtable topics are the same as those listed above at 12.15.
A. Managing Organisational Challenges & the Impact of the “New Normal” on Business Structure & Practices
B. Natural Capital Accounting in Practice: Leveraging Tools Available to Value Environmental Impacts & Benefits and Facilitate the NbS Business Case
C. Addressing the Skills Challenge and Improving Diversity and Inclusion in the Sector
D. Exploring Evolving Business Models and Organisational Structures to Truly Achieve an ESG-Focused Strategy Mind-Set
E. Using Effective Partnerships & Collaborative Strategies To Maximise Your Value Proposition
F. Making Sense of the Noise: Guiding Clients through Investor Climate Action Plans (ICAPs) and Climate-Related Reporting
G. Exploring the Role of the Insurance Sector in Responding to Climate Change & Environmental Risk
H. Developing Resilient Cities: Integrating Adaptation and Mitigation Measures into Sustainable Urban Development to Deliver Climate Objectives
I. Achieving an Innovative, Sustainable Approach to the Supply Chain & Procurement
16.55 Afternoon Refreshments & Networking
17.20 Roundtable Feedback
Each roundtable facilitator will share the key learning points from their table discussions with the audience
Session Eight: The Financial Perspective
17.50 Closing Keynote - Financial Investor Perspective on ESG and Green Finance
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Detailing investors’ priorities when analysing ESG performance and evidence of a company’s progress towards net zero targets:
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comparing reporting metrics
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achieving increased confidence in reporting and seeing-through potential green-washing
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the impact of new Science Based Targets
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the role of B-Corp in SME performance
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Outlining the key drivers behind investment and the implications of these for clients’ disclosure requirements - where do investors see the greatest value for their lending and investment portfolios?
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Evaluating the increasing impact of ESG in M&A transactions and financial partnerships
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Exploring collaborative activity that can deliver real economic and environmental impact
18.15 Chair’s Closing Remarks & Close of Summit followed by a Networking Drinks Reception
Previous attendees include:


Who should attend?
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Senior environmental and sustainability consulting executives (CEOs, MDs, E&S Leads/Directors)
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Those from other environmental and sustainability management and service firms
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Business leaders and investors in the wider green economy
Why attend?
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Explore key ESG and net zero opportunities so you can develop your leadership position
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Benchmark yourself against your competitors and inform your strategy
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Understand how the financial sector view ESG to support future business growth and investment
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Develop new partnerships and collaborative relationships with peers and stakeholders
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Better understand stakeholder needs and expectations to deliver real economic and environmental change


Location
Millennium Gloucester Hotel London Kensington
4-18 Harrington Gardens
South Kensington
London
SW7 4LH