The Centre for Climate Engagement and IoD East of England are collaborating on an event series throughout 2022, with regular events for non-executive directors, board members and business leaders in the East of England to accelerate business climate action in the region. This next event will focus on Green Technology and how this sector plays an important role in the net-zero transition, as well as the opportunities available to businesses in this sector.
Event Agenda
This in an online event, which will be a panel discussion followed by Q&A with audience.
| 12.00 | IoD and CCE Introduction |
| 12.05 | Scene Setter, Elizabeth Warham – Lead, Agri-tech, Department for international trade Why is green tech and agritech important, both generally and in the region? What change do we need to see happen in the area and what is currently happening? The opportunities for businesses in the area arising through the government’s net-zero transition plans, e.g. research at the plant sciences institute in Norwich, and how this fits into the national context. |
| 12.15 | Presentations from the 3 green tech business and research institute case studies from East of England region, including a range of small to large businesses and across different green tech areas (agritech, envirotech, biotech, IT, and advanced manufacturing) |
| 12.25 | Moderated Panel Discussion |
| 12.45 | Q&A Session |
| 13.00 | Event Close from Moderator |
Speakers
Dr Elizabeth Warham FRSB, Lead, Agri-Tech Sector, Department for International Trade
Elizabeth has expertise and experience in plant sciences, and technology development more broadly across the agri-food sector. She has held a number of senior posts across UK Government related to innovation and agricultural technologies; including managing research programmes for agricultural production systems in low- and middle-income countries. She has provided support to the Government Chief Scientific Adviser to ensure that science and engineering in food, water and environment issues is applied effectively and appropriately within Government. Her career began at the International Centre for Wheat and Maize Improvement in Mexico, in the maize breeding, wheat pathology and seed health programmes.
Francis Field, Co-Founder and Managing Director of SoluBlue
Solublue is a sustainability focused material technology company developing new alternatives to single-use plastic. Based in Cambridge, UK, SoluBlue is advancing a range of natural biopolymer materials made from seaweed with far-reaching applications in the food, fashion, textiles and cosmetics industries. Trained as an architect, Francis’ approach to technology is framed by his deep expertise in ecology, innovation and design-thinking.
Andrew Stronach, Head of External Relations, Quadram Institute.
Andrew leads the team responsible for building the reputation of the Quadram Institute on the Norwich Research Park and for supporting public engagement for the institute. After graduating from the University of Aberdeen with an MA (Hons) in English, his first career was as a news journalist on daily newspapers before moving into public relations more than 20 years ago. He started his public relations career with Aviva and then Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Money. After five years in financial services, he went on to spend 10 years heading up an award-winning communications team at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. He joined the Quadram Institute in late 2019 from his previous role as Head of Corporate Communications at the University of East Anglia (UEA). He is a Chartered Public Relations Practitioner and a full member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
Dr Thomas Fudge, CEO, Wase
Moderated by:
Emily Farnworth, Co-Director, Centre for Climate Engagement, Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge
Emily Farnworth has over 25 years of experience working with businesses, governments and non-profit organizations to support the transition to a low-carbon economy and has worked across multi-stakeholder groups and within specific industry sectors to collaborate on solutions to tackle climate change. She was previously the Head of Climate Initiatives at the World Economic Forum where she was involved in setting up the Climate Governance Initiative (now hosted at the Centre for Climate Engagement), the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, the Mission Possible Partnership and the Natural Climate Solutions Alliance. She is chair of the RE100 Advisory Committee, and a member of the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition Advisory Group and. She is also a member of the University of Cambridge Sustainability Committee. Emily holds a Masters in Environmental Science, Management and Law from Brunel University, London.
Slingshot