Investing in Energy Transition

Over the coming years, the South-West has the potential of over £30bn in inward investment into energy transition across the likes of Floating Offshore Wind, Carbon Capture, Battery Storage, Hydrogen and Tidal.

We have, therefore, a critical role to play in energy security for the UK and also a huge opportunity to create long-term, well-paid, sustainable jobs.

It will take education and industry to work in lock-step to realise this potential, and government will have a key role not just in helping to fund or pump-prime some of these opportunities but in appropriate barrier-busting too.

Our conference will discuss these projects and the role of the supply-chain, government and funders.

We are delighted to announce that our keynote speaker will be Dan McGrail, Great British Energy interim CEO. Dan McGrail has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer of Great British Energy to help drive forward the government’s Plan for Change and clean energy superpower mission.

Great British Energy is owned by the British people, for the British people, and will own and invest in clean energy projects across the UK to create good, skilled jobs and growth.

Dan McGrail is currently the Chief Executive of RenewableUK, the trade association for businesses developing wind, wave, tidal, storage and green hydrogen projects in the UK, and their supply chain companies. He currently sits on the board for WindEurope and was also previously CEO of Siemens Engines and Managing Director of Siemens Power Generation.

The conference will be compered by SWBC Board Member, Justin Olosunde, Senior Funding & Investment Manager at West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

Conference Details:

Date: Tuesday, 23rd September 2025

Location: The Rolle Marquee, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA.

Time: 08:30 - 14:00

Logistics:

Rolle Plaza Marquee is in the centre of the campus. The University campus is a 10-minute walk from Plymouth Train Station. There is no parking onsite, except for blue badge holders (please notify us in advance). There are various pay-and-display options within a 5-10 minute walk, including Drake Circus and Regent Street car parks.

Agenda:

08:30 - 09:00 - Registration and arrival refreshments.

09:00 - 09:05 - Welcome address by SWBC CEO, Paul Coles.

09:05 - 09:15 - "Welcome to the University of Plymouth", VC Richard Davies.

09:15 - 09:40 - "The role of GB Energy", Dan McGrail, CEO of GB Energy.

09:40 - 10:05 - " Capturing the growth and job opportunities of the Clean Energy Superpower Mission", Hugo Jones, Deputy Director, Industrial Strategy & Office for Clean Energy Jobs.

10:05 - 10:45 - Panel Session 1: "Energy Transition: the opportunities for UK Plc". Chaired by VC Davies. Panellists to include: Tim Stiven, The Crown Estate, Claire Pearce, Real Growth, Rich Oldfield, NCC. Additional panellists to be announced shortly.

10:45 - 11:05 - Refreshment Break.

11:05 - 11:30 - "More well-being with less energy", Dr Souran Chatterjee, Lecturer in Energy Transitions, University of Plymouth.

11:30 - 12:10 - Panel Session 2: " What is the investment looking for when it comes to scale infrastructure projects?" Chaired by Dr. Christine Allison, Rebecca Jarrett, National Wealth Fund, Nick Dixon, Avon Pension Fund, Mark Gayler, Devon County Council.

12:10 - 12:30 - Conference summary and close, Paul Coles, SWBC and Jon Shaw, University of Plymouth.

12:30 - 14:00 Networking Lunch.

Paul Coles, CEO, South West Business Council

Paul is a strategic leader and thinker, who over the last few years has built a portfolio career covering the commercial world; public and third sectors. He has a passion for innovation and for digital which he brings to bear when seeking to advance the South-West economy.

Prof. Richard Davies, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, University of Plymouth

Richard Davies is a British geologist, academic and the current Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Plymouth. With a career spanning industry and academia, he has published over 100 academic papers and is internationally recognized for his expertise in gas hydrates and climate change and fracking.

Davies earned his BSc from the University of Reading in 1990 and a PhD from the University of Edinburgh in 1995. After beginning his career in the oil and gas sector, he shifted focus to climate-related research in 2003. He has held leadership roles including Director of the Durham Energy Institute and Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Newcastle University.

His work on the Lusi mud volcano and methane hydrate emissions has had significant scientific and societal impact. In 2024, he became Vice-Chancellor at Plymouth, pledging to prioritize students and drive the university forward with optimism and purpose.

Keynote Speaker: Dan McGrail, Interim CEO, Great British Energy

Dan McGrail was seconded to Great British Energy to act as Interim CEO in March 2025, having taken up his post of Chief Executive at RenewableUK in May 2021. Previously, he was the CEO of Siemens Engines, having joined Siemens UK in 2004 and worked in a variety of roles across the energy industry.

Between 2010 and 2014, he led Siemens' plans to develop and invest in offshore wind turbine manufacturing in the UK, securing the world-class offshore wind turbine blade factory and port facility in Hull, negotiating with the UK Government and overseeing one of the company’s most significant factory investments in its recent history.

The Final Investment Decision of £160m was announced in 2014, alongside a £150m investment by Associated British Ports to revitalise Hull’s Alexandra Dock. As Managing Director of Siemens Power Generation from 2014 to 2017, Dan expanded Siemens UK’s activities in the thermal power market. He became CEO of Siemens Engines in November 2017, leading the rebranding of the company and helping to secure significant growth.

Hugo Jones, Deputy Director, Industrial Strategy & Office for Clean Energy Jobs

Hugo Jones is Deputy Director for Growth in the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. He is responsible for industrial strategy, growth policy, and the Office for Clean Energy Jobs. His team led the development of the Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan as part of the Industrial Strategy and is finalising the UK’s first Clean Energy Workforce Strategy. Hugo was previously head of net zero at HM Treasury and has held senior roles across investment, economic development, and multilateral policy.

Hugo's presentation is entitled, ‘Capturing the growth and job opportunities of the Clean Energy Superpower Mission’. He will set out prioritisation and public investment offer in the Government’s Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan, and how we will work in partnership with industry, trade unions, and investors to deliver good jobs and growth across the country.

Tim Stiven, Director of Energy Systems, The Crown Estate

Tim is the Director, Energy Systems at The Crown Estate, with a focus on delivering an offshore energy system that supports the nation's needs for economic growth, prosperity and a thriving natural environment.

He is a Naval Architect by training, and started his career in the Royal Navy, which set him on a path focussed on advanced marine technologies, commercialisation, and how to unlock growth in complex and dynamic markets.

In 2009, Tim was awarded a Panasonic Trust Fellowship by the Royal Academy of Engineering. Taking the opportunity to study a Masters in Sustainable Energy Systems at Edinburgh University, focussing his studies on offshore renewables, policy and markets.

Prior to joining The Crown Estate, Tim was a member of the interim executive team that established the Energy Systems Catapult - which helps him bring a 'system wide' perspective to challenge of building an offshore energy system to meet the country's needs.

Tim joined The Crown Estate in 2020. prior to taking up his current role, he led the design of TCE’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5 to bring up to 4.5GW of Floating Wind to the Celtic Sea.

Claire Pearce, Founder & Executive Director, Real Growth Ltd

Institute of Economic Development (IED) Leader of the Year in 2024

The Planner RTPI Women of Influence 2025

Claire has over thirty years’ experience working across the public and private sectors in a diverse range of development roles, all with a key focus on place transformation, performance and delivery. With a demonstrable track record in nationally significant and complex regeneration projects, Claire has been able to create the conditions to attract investment, transform places and uplift opportunities for communities. Known for a pro-growth, pro-business approach, Claire has led and delivered considerable economic restructuring both in Reading and more recently in Bridgwater and has left a legacy that evidences track record and celebrates sustained economic growth.

Formally Chief Planning Officer for Sedgemoor District Council, Claire led the public sector response to Hinkley Point C from strategy through negotiation, consenting to implementation. Claire has provided strategic advice on Sizewell C and has operated as the Director of Planning for the Salamanca Group for 5 years, re-imaging the planning and regeneration strategy to create the Gravity project, securing the Tata/ Agratas gigafactory into the UK.

Claire has now established Real Growth Ltd in 2024 providing independent advisory services to unlock transformational projects from concept to delivery. Currently engaged in Dorset with a brief to shape and energise a programme of emerging NSIPs which will establish a new destination for international investment and launch a clean energy super cluster – aligned to accelerate and deliver the Governments Modern Industrial Strategy.

Claire has provided support to constituency offices to attract investment and improve economic prospects and has recently contributed to the Women of Influence panel, a NIPA community benefits panel and a Bristol Festival of Economics debate. Claire is also a Governor of Bridgwater and Taunton College.

Awarded the IED Director Bev Hurley CBE said: “Our judges praised Claire for her dedication, pioneering spirit… transformational leadership…clear vision, strategic implementation, and the delivery of measurable outcomes.”

Rich Oldfield, Chief Executive, (NCC)

Rich has been the Chief Executive at NCC since 2018. In this role, he leads NCC as a commercial subsidiary of the University of Bristol and sits on the management board of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. Rich is passionate about the role technology and innovation can play in anchoring product leadership. Before joining NCC, he spent 25 years in the aerospace industry in a variety of technical, product and business leadership positions. Rich holds a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Dr. Souran Chatterjee, Lecturer in Energy Transitions, University of Plymouth

Dr Souran Chatterjee is a Lecturer in Energy Transitions in the School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, at the University of Plymouth. His research focuses on demand-side mitigation pathways for net-zero transitions and how these can support human well-being across different global contexts. With over a dozen publications in high-impact journals—including Joule, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, and Springer Nature—he brings deep expertise to the intersection of energy policy, climate action, and sustainable development.

Dr Chatterjee was part of the core research team that developed the first global report on climate and Sustainable Development Goal synergies for the United Nations. His professional journey spans roles as an academic and economist, applying research across diverse regions through appointments and collaborations in Europe, Asia, and the Global South. He has secured major funding from the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme, the Ministry of Japan, and other international agencies. Currently, he leads a project funded by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, focusing on energy transitions and well-being.

In this talk, Dr Souran Chatterjee will explore the complex relationship between energy systems and human well-being, drawing on his interdisciplinary research and global experience. Discover how demand-side strategies, such as energy-efficient buildings and smart energy policy can reduce energy consumption while enhancing human well-being. Case studies from both the Global North and South illustrate how energy transitions can uphold living standards without increasing the energy footprint. Dr Chatterjee will also discuss practical frameworks for policy innovation and global collaboration, highlighting his recent work within the UN research community.

Dr Christine Allison

Dr Christine Allison, an economist, holds a portfolio of positions including Chair, South West Investment Group (SWIG) Ltd, and Governor of Plymouth University as well as her position with SWBC (Statutory Board and Finance Committee). Her work revolves around finance for SMEs and business ventures.

Rebecca Jarrett, South West Representative, National Wealth Fund

Rebecca is the Wales and South-West representative of the National Wealth Fund (NWF) and is based in Cardiff. Her role covers NWF’s activities across both the public and private sectors. The NWF has £27.8bn to drive investment and growth across the UK. Before joining NWF, Rebecca was a Structured Finance Director at NatWest, where she was responsible for structuring and executing debt financings for sponsors and corporates across the UK South and is a qualified lawyer, having spent 12 years at Clifford Chance LLP where she advised international corporates and infrastructure businesses on bank and bond financings.

Mark Gayler, Head of Pensions and Investments, Devon County Council

Mark Gayler is Head of Pensions and Investments at Devon County Council. Mark heads up the investment team responsible for overseeing the £6 billion Devon Pension Fund, as well as undertaking treasury management for the council. He also oversees Peninsula Pensions who provide pension administration services for both the Devon and Somerset funds. Mark is a CIMA qualified accountant and has the CFA Certificate in Investment Management. Mark is also the Chair of the Brunel Client Group.

Mark has over 35 years of experience within local government, working firstly for Essex County Council in an accountancy role until 2008 and subsequently for Devon County Council. Mark moved to the Investment Team in 2010, became Head of Investments in 2013, and Head of Pensions and Investments in 2024.

Nick Dixon, Head of Pensions, Avon Pension Fund

Since 2022, Nick has led the £6.5 billion Avon Pension Fund, which serves c.140,000 members in the public sector across Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas.

Before joining Avon Pension Fund, Nick advised private sector wealth platforms on their pensions & investment proposition. He was CIO of Aegon UK from 2013-2021, focusing on DC workplace pensions. From 2001-2013 Nick was Marketing Director for wealth & pensions platform Quilter.

Nick is passionate about responsible investment and champions local investment across the South West region.

Nick read Economics at Oxford University and gained an MBA from Columbia Business School, New York.

Compere: Justin Olosunde, Senior Funding & Investment Manager, West of England Combined Authority

Justin also acts as the finance lead for the Department of Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) Local Net Zero Accelerator Pilots supporting Greater Manchester, West Midlands and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authorities.

Justin has an extensive background in investment banking (capital markets and hedging infrastructure finance), education management, curriculum development, consultancy, social enterprise, and sector specialisms in renewable energy and environmental goods & services.

Prof. Jon Shaw, Head of the School of Geography, University of Plymouth

Jon is Professor of Transport Geography and Head of the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Plymouth. His research focuses mainly on transport and mobility governance, policy and strategy. He has served on the editorial boards of several academic journals, including as the Associate editor of the Journal of Transport Geography, and has been a Specialist Adviser to the UK House of Commons’ Transport Select Committee. He is a member of the Great Western Railway Stakeholder Advisory Board and Chair of the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership.

About SWBC

The South West is an amazing region, where a prosperous business landscape with significant economic opportunities meets the breathtaking backdrop of sea, coast and land.

Convene, Inform, Connect

As a Community Interest Company, we are determined to play a role in how our region and its environment prosper by helping to create the very best economic circumstances for people and businesses to thrive.

Our team brings a wealth of experience from the worlds of finance, law, education, communications, digital, social enterprise, and the environment, and we run a Policy Advisory Board to help shape our future thinking and the support we provide to members.

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