Welcome back listeners to the tenth episode of the Sustainably Speaking Podcast!

Today we have Michael Abbott, now the Executive Chair of Sustainable Energy First, back one year on from our last podcast discussion, where we hear how far the business has come and what the plans are for the future.

With a wider conversation and very topical points about the current energy market, our host Ben asks questions to get some fantastic advice for businesses when it comes to their energy and sustainability plans.

We also are once again taking Sustainably Speaking on the road, this time to London - where on Wednesday the 22nd April we'll be celebrating Earth Day with clients and colleagues at our latest event, Earth Day Action: Target Zero. For more information on this visit our website here - Sustainably Speaking Event - Earth Day Action Target Zero

To find out more about Sustainable Energy First, or any of the topics we cover, you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or visit our website sefirst.com or alternatively you can visit the Energy Advice Hub at energyadvicehub.org, our free information resource that breaks down complex policy and empowers UK organisations to raise their climate ambitions.

In this episode, we are focussing on of our Partnerships in the education sector the Association of Colleges, and their annual awards called the Beacon Awards. The Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK further education (FE) colleges. The aim of the awards programme is to demonstrate and promote the far-reaching impact of colleges on their students and the communities they serve.

We feature inspiring conversations with two outstanding finalists: Nina Hart, Head of Sustainability at the Eastern Education Group, and Debra Gray, Principal and CEO of Hull College. They share their journeys, challenges, and successes in embedding sustainability into education.

Adding a unique perspective from the energy and carbon sector, our guest speaker Alex Wilson, Senior Commodities & Carbon Consultant at Sustainable Energy First, joins us to explore how colleges can lead the way in creating a greener future.

Tune in for insights on sustainability leadership, practical strategies, and why collaboration matters in shaping tomorrow’s education landscape.

For more information on the Eastern Education Group sustainability efforts CLICK HERE.

And for more information on Hull College and all about their journey CLICK HERE.

To find out more about Sustainable Energy First, or any of the topics we cover, you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or visit our website sefirst.com or alternatively you can visit the Energy Advice Hub at energyadvicehub.org, our free information resource that breaks down complex policy and empowers UK organisations to raise their climate ambitions.

This is the second of our Spotlight💡episodes of the Sustainably Speaking Podcasts! In this series, we’ll be shining the light on Sustainable Energy First clients, partners, and green tech collaborators to highlight real-world sustainability success stories, case studies, and industry insights.

Whether we're speaking to a business that is making great strides in their sustainability efforts or one of our tech partners that does amazing work with us to help us inspire and empower others to raise their climate ambitions.

In this episode, we discuss the future of sustainability in Manchester with three brilliant guests. Joining us are Lucy Mulligan, Marketing Director at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC), Chris Fletcher, Policy Director at the GMCC, and business consultant Wayne Jones. From shaping policy to driving change across Manchester, our guests share fresh perspectives on how the city can balance growth with greener, more sustainable practices.

Our partnership with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) enables us to work together to help businesses accelerate their journey to net zero. Through this collaboration, GMCC members will gain access to expert energy advice, practical net-zero strategies, and sustainability workshops, supporting the region’s ambition to become the UK’s first net-zero business hub by 2038.

If you want to continue the conversation in person, we’re hosting a sustainability event in Manchester in collaboration with the Chamber on Friday 26th September which will be a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and share ideas for a greener future.

Register here: https://www.gmchamber.co.uk/events/sustainably-speaking-pathway-to-target-zero/

To find out more about Sustainable Energy First, or any of the topics we cover, you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or visit our website sefirst.com or alternatively you can visit the Energy Advice Hub at energyadvicehub.org, our free information resource that breaks down complex policy and empowers UK organisations to raise their climate ambitions.