Now is the time for action on environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibilities. The ambition is to build trust in the climate transition and to help business leaders to create sustainable value while meeting their ESG goals.

In this session will explore the key outcomes from COP26, what net zero means for local businesses and communities and what next in the lead up to COP27 in Egypt. We will hear from local businesses leading the charge in this area, sharing their net zero journey and also provide an opportunity for you to discuss amongst peers the successes and challenges.

On the panel we will be joined by:

● Nick Baker, the Deputy Director of Engagement at the COP Unit

Nick Baker is Deputy Director for Business and Engagement in the COP26 Unit, part of Cabinet Office, who leads on business, civil society, youth, cities and regions as well as sponsorship for the summit. Nick has held various posts within the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, both at home and abroad. Nick was the British Consul General in Montreal, where he led on promoting UK exports and inward investment, before working on the Caribbean and South Asia Region in London.

● Steve Szalay, Operations Director, Southampton Airport

Previous roles in Aviation include Managing Director of Aberdeen Airport and VP of Ground Handling at dnata Heathrow.

Steve entered aviation as a second career, following 21 years in the Army. In 2010 he served in Afghanistan working for General Petraeus as a strategist based in the HQ and Karzai’s Presidential Palace. He left the Army in 2012 as a Lt Col and commanding officer of a REME Battalion in Tidworth.

Settling in Salisbury, Southampton has been his local airport for the last 12 years.

One of his biggest challenges has been securing approval for the runway extension at SOU.

● Gemma Lacey, Sustainability & Communications Director, Southern Co-op

A senior leader with over 20 years' experience in sustainability and a passion for championing responsible business, Gemma leads sustainability for the Southern Co-op, a regional independent co-op, which runs over 300 community food stores, funeral homes and coffee shops across southern England and has driven the development of their climate ambition and pathway for delivery.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, she is also responsible for the Communications, Brand, Press and Customer Engagement functions. Prior to this she led sustainability for leading organisations, including John Lewis Partnership, KPMG and The Body Shop.

We hope you will be able to join us to hear the views of major stakeholders in the region and how we can collectively help to make a difference to the planet. Please share this event with your colleagues who may be interested in attending.

This event is supported and powered by Vissensa. Small business IT Support through to Enterprise IT infrastructure design, Vissensa take care of the present and future of your IT.