Wednesday 18 June 2025 | Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
Wednesday 18 June 2025 | Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
If you are interested in joining the speaker panel, please contact:
Bhavya Singh
020 3953 2442
Bhavya.Singh@emap.com
08:30 – 09:00
Registration & Networking
09:00 – 09:05
Chair’s Opening Remarks
Chair: Sarah Calkin , editor, Local Government Chronicle
09:05 – 09:30
Opening keynote: Great British Energy
Discover the vision behind Great British Energy and its role in driving the UK’s transition to sustainable energy. This keynote addresses strategy, impact, and the future of Britain’s energy landscape.
Chair: Sarah Calkin , editor, Local Government Chronicle
09:30 – 10:15
Panel discussion: Green growth: myth or reality?
This panel explores the financial realities, policy impact, and whether investments are truly driving change or just greenwashing the status quo.
Speakers confirmed:
Victoria Jeffrey , Head of Climate Action & Sustainability, Sutton LBC
Cllr Julian Dean , Green Party: Senior Local Government Political Adviser, Shropshire Council
Lorna Pimlott , Managing Director, Local Authority Advisory and Lending, National Wealth Fund
Sam Kennedy , Director: Environment & Climate Action, Essex County Council
Chair: Sarah Calkin , editor, Local Government Chronicle
10:15-10:45
Morning refreshments and networking break
11:15 – 12:00
Panel discussion: Confronting the inevitable EV transformations in the near future
With this panel will address the need and challenges for into a future of EV travel and transport planning, and the role of devolution Combined Authorities in EV adoption, while assessing the feasibility of hydrogen as a potential alternative fuel.
Speakers confirmed:
Mark Fletcher , EV Lead, London Councils
Cllr Jules Crossley , Portfolio Holder Policy, Climate and Sustainability, Rushmoor Borough Council
Miltyanna Antone , Parking policy officer, Lewisham LBC
Chair: Sarah Calkin , editor, Local Government Chronicle
Panel discussion: Time to LAEP-making localised energy plans a reality
This session will discuss what is the value of developing a local area energy plan (LAEP) to deliver net zero targets more effectively at the regional level while providing answers to the following action areas:
Speakers confirmed:
Fiona Brazill, Head of Proposition for Sustainability and Net Zero, Capita Public Services
Debbie Cadwell , Climate Commissioner, Belfast City Council
George Lee, Project Manager, North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub
Chair: Martin George , deputy editor, Local Government Chronicle
12:00 - 12:20
Sponsor showcase
Chair: Sarah Calkin , editor, Local Government Chronicle
Sponsor showcase
Chair: Martin George , deputy editor, Local Government Chronicle
12:25 - 12:45
Sponsor showcase
Chair: Sarah Calkin , editor, Local Government Chronicle
Sponsor showcase
Chair: Martin George , deputy editor, Local Government Chronicle
12:45 - 14:00
Networking lunch
14:00 - 14:45
Panel discussion: Enabling Net Zero-friendly procurement practises
In this session we will inspect sustainable purchasing strategies, policy innovation, and how councils can leverage the Procurement Act 2023 to overcome barriers and embed Net Zero into decision-making.
Speakers confirmed:
Trevor Nicoll , Director of Operations, St Helens Council
Annie Pickering , Operations Director, Climate Emergency UK
Shanika Mahendran , Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, Milton Keynes City Council
Natalie Evans , Head of Responsible Procurement and Supplier Relationship Management, Westminster City Council
Chair: Martin George , deputy editor, Local Government Chronicle
Panel discussion: Greening the housing stock amidst housing crisis
With panel discussion we will learn to strive the balance between affordability and sustainability, innovative retrofitting solutions, and the importance of place-based approaches to meet local needs.
Speakers confirmed:
Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive, UK100
Cllr Scott Patient , Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Climate Action and Housing, Calderdale MBC
Helen Burridge , HCCSP manager, Herts Climate Change & Sustainability Partnership
Victor Equere , Climate Programme Manager, Pendle BC
Chair: Caitlin Webb , head of content, Local Government Chronicle
14:45 – 15:10
Sponsor showcase
Chair: Martin George , deputy editor, Local Government Chronicle
Sponsor showcase
Chair: Caitlin Webb , head of content, Local Government Chronicle
15:10 - 15:25
Networking-refreshment break
15:25 - 16:00
Information Xchange – Find your Tribe!
Reality check for Net Zero targets and various areas of focus:
Speakers confirmed:
Ella Sanders , Engagement Lead – Heat Networks, North West Net Zero Hub
Alex Rathmell , Local Net Zero Accelerator Programme Lead, Greater South East Net Zero Hub
Chair: Sarah Calkin , editor, Local Government Chronicle
16:00 - 16:25
Case study
Speaker confirmed:
Diane Neville, Principal Planning Policy Officer, Lancaster City Council
Chair: Martin George , deputy editor, Local Government Chronicle
16:25- 16:55
Closing keynote: Local Government - Playing a Leading Role on Net Zero
This closing keynote explores the leadership and delivery roles for LAs on-climate change.
Speaker confirmed:
Tom Stannard , Chief Executive, Manchester City Council
Chair: Martin George , deputy editor, Local Government Chronicle
16:55
Chair’s closing remarks. End of conference.
Chair: Martin George , deputy editor, Local Government Chronicle