November 12, 2024 | Courthouse Hotel, Shoreditch, London
Sustainability Debate Agenda
11:00AM – 12:00PM | REGISTRATION, BRUNCH & NETWORKING
12:00 – 12:05PM | WELCOME FROM RETAIL GAZETTE
Delivered by Gemma Goldfingle, editor, Retail Gazette
12:05 – 12:15PM | SUSTAINABILITY CONNECT
12:15 – 12:50PM | FIRESIDE CHAT
Accelerating sustainability ambitions: where are we aiming to get to, and how are we going to get there?
With macro challenges and legislative uncertainty affecting optimism that 2030 carbon targets can be met, how do you remain focused on your sustainability ambitions, and drive them forward? Join us as we explore Decathlon’s unrelenting focus on building sustainability into the business and discuss how, by working collaboratively, the industry can continue to build momentum and shape an ecosystem of action.
In conversation with: Anna Turrell, chief sustainability officer, Decathlon
12:50 – 1:30PM | PANEL DEBATE
A circular retail landscape: raising the level of ambition around wider system change
– How can retail gain buy-in for longer-term circular investments without any immediate business benefit?
– What solid data can help to make the connection between circular business models and long-term strategies?
– Exploring how partnerships can help to shape and scale the transition to circularity; meet targets; and drive long-term growth
Panellists include:
Harriet Lamb, CEO, WRAP
Dan Rubel, brand and marketing director, Currys
Ella Gould, head of innovation and sustainability, Selfridges
1:30 – 1:55PM | DEBATE
Can ESG add value or is it simply expected by retail consumers and investors?
Two retail leaders will each share their take on this topic. Listen in to gain fresh perspectives and spark new ideas!
PERSPECTIVE 1: Adds value – hear from: Amy Whidburn, ESG director, Pets At Home
PERSPECTIVE 2: Expected – hear from: Katie Dolby, managing director, Cubitts
1:55 – 2PM | LIVE AUDIENCE VOTE
We take the pulse of the room: do you think ESG is valued or expected by consumers and investors?
2:00 – 2:30PM | NETWORKING & REFRESHMENTS
2:30 – 3:20PM | SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATION THINK TANKS: Choose your focus:
THINK TANK 1: Exploring the business drivers for social sustainability: doing right and doing well
From surplus food to community engagement, we explore ways that retail can engage in ESG activities that meet both social shortfalls and business needs. Join us to understand how the concept of community trust can build brand advocacy – and footfall.
Steve Butterworth, CEO, Neighbourly
Jo Curtis, Community Manager, B&Q
THINK TANK 2: Futureproofing through regulation
The complexity of CSRD regulation can be overwhelming. Join us as we explore requirements from materiality assessments to ESG data collection and beyond.
Steph Schlipper, associate director, sustainable business, Bioregional
THINK TANK 3: Supplier upskilling on the journey to Net Zero
Exploring how to work with – and support – your suppliers in calculating their carbon footprint, from data to expectations.
Check back for updates shortly
3:20 – 3:50PM | NETWORKING & REFRESHMENTS
3:50 – 4:20PM | SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT: Driving change for the long term
4:20 – 4:45PM | FIRESIDE TALKING POINT
Takeaway learnings from a career in sustainability: driving change and cutting through the noise
Join us for a candid journey into lessons learnt across a career in sustainability. From exploring how the sustainability remit has changed to unpicking the challenge of gaining business-wide and board-level buy-in, join us to dive into take away learnings and insight.
In conversation with: Dorothée D’Herde, director of responsible business, Kingfisher
4:45 – 5:30PM | PANEL DEBATE
Transformative partnerships: driving collaboration to overcome sustainability challenges and accelerate positive progress
– How can we standardise industry approaches to sustainability-related data, language and targets to develop a consistent approach to emissions reduction?
– Where can we learn from collaboration projects – in terms of successes, complexities, standards, tech – and gain inspiration to accelerate retail’s journey?
– How can we create a framework or call to action to accelerate industry change; what proposals and plans can we close the day with?
Panellists include:
Chris Tyas OBE, non-executive director, DEFRA
Simon Finch, supply chain director, Harrods
Ed Austin, director, sales and marketing, Segura
5:30PM | CLOSING REMARKS, DRINKS & NETWORKING
Delivered by Gemma Goldfingle, editor, Retail Gazette