Key Figures Meet in York to Advance Sustainable Business Innovation

York Event Aims to Propel Sustainable Business Innovation with Industry Leaders

A unique event is planned at the University of York on October 30 which will unite leaders, innovators, investors, academics, and business owners from York and beyond to explore advanced approaches to sustainability and social responsibility. This event will feature a series of panel discussions aimed at building a prosperous and healthy society for all. Organized by the University’s School for Business and Society in collaboration with several research councils and the Good Business Charter, the event will include prominent figures such as representatives from AVIVA, Richer Sounds, NextEnergy Capital, TSB, RePLANET, Tetra Tec, Jet2, RBC Capital Markets, NatPower UK, Bio-D, and TechBuyer, who will participate as panelists.

The event will commence with a welcome speech from the Lord Mayor of York. Keynote speakers will include Julian Richer, founder of the Good Business Charter; James Farrar, Chief Executive of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority; and Professor Bob Doherty, Dean of the School for Business and Society and Principal Investigator of the FixOurFood programme.

Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships, and Engagement at the University of York, emphasized the university's strong commitment to a sustainable future. He noted that the upcoming events represent a unique opportunity to strengthen collaborations with esteemed partners who share the same vision for improving environmental conditions locally and globally.

Achieving sustainable development involves navigating numerous challenges, making it essential for leaders, academics, investors, and entrepreneurs to take collective action. By sharing insights and exchanging knowledge, they can drive impactful change in policy and practice. Panel discussions at the Sustainable Futures Forum: Building for Good will cover several key topics. The Responsible Business panel will explore the social aspects of responsible business practices, emphasizing the importance of engaging stakeholders to foster resilience and sustainable development. Participants will discuss how businesses can navigate challenges and leverage opportunities to benefit employees, communities, and the broader economy.

The Sustainable Supply Chains panel will focus on integrating sustainability and the circular economy into supply chains. The discussion will address how businesses can minimize environmental impacts, conserve natural resources, and uphold ethical labor practices while remaining economically viable. Lastly, the Business and Nature panel will examine the interdependence of businesses and natural ecosystems. The conversation will address both the negative impacts of business activities, such as pollution, and the positive contributions, such as ecological restoration and nature-positive investments.

The event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2024, supported by funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), a division of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Additionally, the University will launch a Meaningful Business podcast on October 22 as part of the Festival. This podcast will feature episodes that celebrate businesses in York and North Yorkshire, showcasing how they blend profit and purpose to foster a fairer economy and promote decent work.

Editor's Note:

The University of York is preparing to host a significant event on October 30, uniting a diverse group of leaders, innovators, investors, and academics to address critical issues in sustainability and social responsibility. The focus will be on driving meaningful change in communities by integrating sustainability into business practices and public policy. Experts will discuss strategies for minimizing environmental impacts, conserving natural resources, and maintaining ethical labor practices while ensuring economic viability. 

Skoobuzz hopes that the event will foster collaboration and inspire actionable solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future for all.