Join LSBU for an expert-led workshop on sustainable supply chains and the opportunity to empower your business, reduce your carbon footprint, and position yourself for future success. 

With increasing policy support for business decarbonisation, Croydon Council, Minority Business Matters, and LSBU are joining forces to support SMEs in transitioning to sustainable business practices. This event will provide SMEs with the tools, knowledge, and strategies to capitalise on Scope 3 emissions reduction commitments by large organisations and public sector bodies.

The workshop will offer a mix of expert-led discussions, interactive breakout sessions, and hands-on support to help businesses position themselves as green, sustainable suppliers. Attendees will gain practical insights to reduce their carbon footprint, align with supply chain sustainability goals, and access financial incentives.

Following registration, businesses will be contacted to confirm their needs for the optional 1-to-1 clinics.

Key Takeaways

• Practical strategies to reduce carbon emissions and operate more sustainably.
• Insights on aligning with large organisations’ sustainability and Net Zero commitments.
• Tools for measuring and reporting your business’s carbon impact effectively.
• Actionable advice on energy efficiency improvements to cut costs and emissions.
• Information on financial incentives, grants, and resources to support sustainability efforts.
• Access to personalised support through 1-to-1 clinics.

Agenda:

09:30 – 10:00  Arrival and Refreshments – Networking opportunity and introduction to event facilitators and attendees.

10:00 – 10:05  Welcome from MBM, Croydon Council and LSBU

10:05 – 10:30  Introduction to Guest Speaker and Welcome from Keynote Speaker – Deborah Bowen, LSBU Croydon Campus Director and Kate Neal, Climate Action Programme Director, City of London Corporation

An inspirational talk setting the stage for the day, highlighting the urgency of decarbonisation and the opportunities it creates for SMEs.

Topics include:

• Introduction to City of London Corporation
• Corporation’s climate action strategy
• Role of SMEs in economy & national emissions
• Role of SMEs in both value chain and City targets
• What we need from SMEs – conflicting demands?
• Support provided and opportunities.

10:30 – 11:00  Fireside Chat – Hugo, Founder of ORNA Group, Dave Culley, SME Carbon Specialist and Kate Neal, Climate Action Programme Director, City of London Corporation as facilitator.

Topic: Sustainability Strategies for SMEs

This expert panel will explore how SMEs can leverage the increasing focus on supply chain emissions to their advantage by addressing both regulatory requirements and market opportunities. The session will provide actionable strategies and practical solutions to help SMEs meet these requirements while positioning themselves as sustainable, preferred suppliers.

11:10 – 11:40  Breakout Sessions Round 1 – attendees will pick 1 session to attend when registering

• Circular Economy – Deborah Andrews, Professor of Sustainability and Circularity: Explore the principles of the circular economy and learn how to implement sustainable business models that minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency.
• Carbon 101 – Dave Culley, SME Carbon Specialist: This session offers an engaging introduction to carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, covering key concepts, regulations, measurement techniques, and practical tools for carbon management.
• My SMEs Net Zero Journey – One Point Consulting: Hear firsthand from SMEs that have successfully embarked on their Net Zero journey, including their challenges, achievements, and practical tips for reducing emissions and driving sustainability.
• Net Zero in the Creative Sectors – Lizzie, Fashion Meet Music and Marcus Harris: Understand the unique challenges and opportunities for achieving carbon reduction within the creative industries.

11:50 – 12:20  Breakout Sessions Round 2 – attendees will pick another session from Round 1 topics to attend when registering

12:30 – 13:00 Event summary – Including key insights, co-designing future sessions for SMEs and introduction to Croydon Council’s Net Zero survey

13:00 – 14:00 Networking Lunch – Informal networking with attendees, speakers and organisers over lunch.

14:00 Optional 1:1 Clinics – SMEs can pre-book individual support sessions to explore tailored advice on:

• Circular Economy
• Carbon 101
• Green Finance

Secure your spot