Breakthrough business event Blue Earth Summit has announced that the West of England Combined Authority will be a partner of this year’s expanded event.
Returning to Bristol from 11-13 October 2022 with a shared belief that business can be a force for good in protecting our planet and its people.
The expected 5,000 attendees include fledgling start-ups, established business leaders, representatives from FTSE 100 companies as well as inspiring individuals sharing fresh ideas.
The West of England Combined Authority provides tailored support to help businesses accelerate innovation, improve sustainability, and develop employees’ skills making them a perfect fit as partners for this year’s Summit.
Its West of England Growth Hub offers a free and impartial service open to all small to medium-sized businesses, from all sectors, throughout Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
On day one of the event the organisation will play host to a roundtable, featuring a number of South West based businesses to discuss what the future of the city holds, across topics such as transportation, housing and reaching carbon net zero.
Following this Stephen Bashford, Director of Business and Skills at the West of England Combined Authority, will join a panel discussion on stage to debate The Future of Transport for the City.
Stephen Bashford said: “The West of England Combined Authority is proud to partner the Blue Earth Summit and support our businesses and residents to become more environmentally friendly. From making companies’ premises and processes more energy efficient, to developing innovative carbon-neutral ways to travel, together we’re committed to helping the region meet its net zero ambitions by 2030.”
Will Hayler, co-founder of the Blue Earth Summit said:“Each year we bring together makers and mavericks, founders and futurists, adventurers and investors, for three days in one of the most radical cities in the world.”
Everyone who comes to the summit, whether they be speakers, attendees, brands, athletes, academics, or explorers are in the same business of conserving our precious home and communities.
Over 72 hours attendees have access to expert speakers and advice such as how to successfully get a B Corp certification, how to harness the science based power of the outdoors, how to super-charge your creativity and problem solving and top tips for eco-ethical supply chain sourcing.
More than 70 expert speakers are attending the event including Hugo Tagholm (Surfers Against Sewage), Jonathon Porritt CBE, former Shell safety consultant Caroline Dennett (CLOUT Ltd), Tim Smit KBW (Eden Project), Sal Montgomery (BBC Expedition Leader), Kate Larsen (SupplyESChange), David Lindo (The Urban Birder), Melissa Thorpe (SpaceForge) and Mike Barry (Sustainability Leader).
Kresse Wesling CBE, Entrepreneur and Founder of Elvis & Kresse, which handmakes designer accessories from reclaimed fire hoses, donating 50% of profits to The Fire Fighters Charity, is speaking at the event and said: “The Blue Earth Summit is a place to discover a modern way of working that is good for the planet and helps us retain and inspire staff.”
The first two days of the summit are focused on inspirational sessions, workshops and speakers at the dynamic central Bristol venue, Propyard, followed by a day of activity-led networking at The Wave, one of Europe’s premier sporting venues.
A business summit with a difference, day three includes Trail Runs, Cycling Trails, Free Diving Breathwork, Surfing, Cold Water Swimming, Gourmet Cooking Artisanal Food Production, outdoor industry product demos…as well as plenty of coffee, workshops and discussions!
There are eight themes covered across the event that are universal, interwoven and equally important across the whole event. These include: Purpose Led Business, Energy Transition, Responsible Investing, Health & Wellbeing, Regenerative Food Production, Ocean & River Conservation, Diversity, Youth & Inclusion, Outdoor Use & Participation.
Keynote speaker Richard Walker, Managing Director of Iceland says, “If you and your business are passionate about our planet and the people who work for you, Blue Earth Summit is for you.”
The Pitch Tent
During the summit entrepreneurs, founders and adventurers are given the chance to live pitch for £10m+ investment and sponsorship available at the Blue Earth Summit in Bristol in October.
The Pitch Tent sits at the heart of Blue Earth Summit, and organisers say that it is where deals get done and the impact of the Summit becomes measurable. Two new categories have been added to The Pitch Tent this year. Alongside the category ‘Businesses For Good’, there is also a call to fund and support ‘Pioneering Adventurers’ and ‘Impact Projects’.
Keir Carnie, founder of Nuud Plastic Free Gum was one of the successful finalists last year. She said: “Having pitched Nuud Gum on stage at the Blue Summit, we made some game-changing connections that continue to support our business growth. It was a great experience and for a business looking for funding and advice it is excellent, whether you are pitching or simply attending to mix with angels and investors. The UK has been crying out for an event like this.”
For tickets visit www.bluearthsummit.com
