ESG – the importance of ethical and sustainable business operations

The concept of focusing on Environmental, Social, and Governance issues when running a business has been around for some time now. We have also seen the growth of the B Corp movement.

But are we getting it right? Please do join us for a debate on what is working, what is not and what best practice examples are out there.

The keynote speaker is Jonathan Porritt CBE.

Jonathon Porritt is an eminent writer and campaigner on sustainable development.
Since stepping down from Forum for the Future in May 2023, Jonathon has “returned to his campaigning roots”, supporting the Green Party and radical climate campaigns such as Just Stop Oil and Defend our Juries.
In 1996, he co-founded Forum for the Future, a leading international sustainable development charity, working with business and civil society to accelerate the shift toward a sustainable future. He was also a co-founder of the Prince of Wales Business and Sustainability Programme.
Throughout that time, Jonathon provided strategic advice to leading UK and international companies to deepen their understanding of today’s converging environmental and climate crises.
He is now much more focused on intergenerational justice, supporting young people in their activities around sustainable development issues as they face a future defined by the twin crises of the Climate Emergency and Biodiversity Emergency.
He is President of The Conservation Volunteers and Population Matters, and is involved in the work of many other NGOs and groups.

In due course, the full agenda and details of additional speakers will be added.

Date: Thursday 20th February 2025

Location: The Great Hall, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4PY.

Time: 11:00 - 17:15, registration from 10:30 refreshments on arrival and a buffet lunch will be served.

By car

The M4/M5 links Exeter directly to London, the Midlands, South Wales and the North including Scotland. The average journey time from either London or the Midlands is 3 hours. Download the detailed directions to Streatham Campus by car.

Please note that on the Streatham Campus is very limited.

The Streatham Campus is served by the UNI route. The UNI bus route includes St Luke’s Campus, the City Centre and Streatham Campus.

Download the UNI Bus Timetable (PDF)

National Express coaches (08705 808080) call at Exeter Coach Station. The Coach Station is a short walk to the High Street where you can catch the local D bus which will take you to the Streatham Campus.

Exeter has two railway stations - Exeter St David's (main station) and Central. Exeter St David's Station is approximately 10 minutes walk from the Streatham Campus and taxis are available. The average journey time from London Paddington is 2 hours 30 minutes to Exeter. See Streatham Campus map for the walking route.

Use National Rail Enquiries to plan your route. For passenger information telephone 08457 484950.

Apple Taxis Exeter (01392 666666) have a dedicated taxi rank on campus. Apple Taxis have offices at both Exeter St David's rail station and Exeter International Airport

The University is within easy walking distance of Exeter city centre. The city centre map shows the location of the Streatham Campus and the St Luke's Campus, plus routes between the campuses and Exeter St David's and Exeter Central train stations, all within walking distance.

This event is for both members and non-members of SWBC. Ticket numbers are limited and early booking to secure your seat is recommended.

Refund Policy - no refunds within 7 days of the event.

The South West is an amazing region, where a prosperous business landscape with significant economic opportunities meets the breathtaking backdrop of sea, coast and land.

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