Sustainable and Ethical Business

10:15 - 4:00 on 11th March 2026 - Sustainable and Ethical Business Venue

Sustainable and Ethical Business explores how organisations can operate responsibly while remaining resilient and competitive. This session brings together practical insight and real experience across four key areas: Social value – getting involved, focusing on meaningful local action; Climate and sustainability – moving forward, with realistic steps businesses can take now on energy, transport and resource use; Start-ups, SMEs and CICs (Community Interest Companies), sharing what works in practice; and Employment without walls, exploring flexible and inclusive approaches to work. The common thread is action that makes commercial sense while delivering lasting benefit for people, place and business.

Info: Social value is most effective when it’s practical, local and achievable. This session explores how businesses of all sizes can get involved in their communities in ways that create genuine social, environmental and economic benefit. We’ll look at simple actions, partnerships and decisions that support local people, strengthen supply chains and build trust, without adding unnecessary complexity. The focus is on what organisations can realistically do now to deliver positive impact alongside commercial success.

Info: Progress on climate and sustainability comes from action that also makes commercial sense. This session focuses on practical steps businesses can take now to reduce environmental impact while improving efficiency, resilience and long-term value.


We’ll explore realistic actions around energy, waste, supply chains and day-to-day operations, cutting through complexity and focusing on what delivers results. The emphasis is on decisions that support both environmental responsibility and commercial performance.

Info: Carbon Accounting and Green Grants

Info: Employment without walls focuses on how businesses can unlock talent, flexibility and commercial advantage by rethinking traditional employment models. This session explores practical approaches to accessing skills beyond fixed locations, including flexible roles, remote working and inclusive pathways into employment. Featuring insight from Mark Hodge and the YCG Trust, it highlights how innovative employment approaches can improve productivity, retention and growth while widening access to opportunity.