Session Overview: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have firmly taken root in the UK, with the Sustainability Disclosure Requirements introduced in 2023 and the first reports due in 2025. As the landscape evolves, the government plans to release the first two UK-endorsed Sustainability Reporting Standards (SRS) in Q1 2025, aligning with international benchmarks to facilitate investor comparisons.
Why Attend? Last year, a fantastic group of manufacturers explored what ESG is and shared their insights on ESG integration. With an increasing number of businesses gearing up to report or being asked for ESG information, now is the perfect time to exchange knowledge within our manufacturing community.
What to Expect: This year’s ESG session will feature a diverse panel of manufacturers at various stages of their ESG journey. They will share practical experiences and strategies for embedding ESG into their operations. The session will include:
Join us to gain valuable insights, share your experiences, and contribute to the collective knowledge of our manufacturing community. Let’s navigate the evolving ESG landscape together!
Check out the Breakout session from 2024 using the following link – Make UK Conf 24 Breakout ESG (youtube.com)
Waleed Montasser, Senior Learning & Development Consultant – Sustainability, Make UK
Waleed provides consultancy and training services in several environmental areas, including waste and resource efficiency audits, net zero gap analysis, environmental management systems, and advice on waste treatment technologies. He has over 20 years’s national and international experience working in academia, government and consultancy on various sustainability projects.
Louise O’Brien, Managing Director, Greyhound Box
With over 22 years in the corrugated packaging industry, Louise has combined organisational, leadership, and structural expertise to build an efficient, scalable business. Her leadership philosophy emphasises investing in people, fostering engagement, and creating a supportive learning environment.
Louise has developed a business model centred on five key pillars: Sales & Marketing, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Accounts, and Transport & Warehousing. This structured approach ensures operational excellence while integrating sustainable practices and innovative packaging solutions.
A passionate advocate for progress, Louise has witnessed the manufacturing industry’s evolution from manual processes to automation and has worked with academics to explore efficiency and productivity dynamics. Her insights continue to drive impactful improvements and industry-leading results.
Mike Smee, QHSE Manager, SMC
Mike is currently QHSE Manager for SMC Corporation (UK) Ltd for last 3 ½ years, based in Milton Keynes at their UK Sales HQ, distribution, and production facility.
Company has been certified to ISO14001 since 2000, Carbon Neutral for last 4 years, ESOS report submitted last year with action plans and currently developing local and EU wide processes to report to the new CSRD directive.
Previously driven Quality improvements across the supply chain and improved customer experience for Hewlett-Packard Enterprise/HP Inc. in Networking and Storage equipment.
Richard Cooke, Keepler
Richard Cooke leads UK Business Development for Keepler Data Tech, a leading AI and Data consultancy that empowers clients to achieve rapid, scalable business value. He partners with a diverse range of organizations, guiding them in leveraging cutting-edge technology for enhanced agility, innovation, and efficiency. For the past three years, Richard has collaborated closely with numerous manufacturers navigating the complexities of rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and evolving regulatory landscapes. His work focuses on how AI and data solutions can directly support manufacturers in achieving their ESG objectives and driving sustainable growth.
Dr Tony Bannan OBE, CEng FIMechE, Board Chairman, Longworth Technologies and Longworth Engineering Ltd
Tony is an internationally experienced technology director, managing director and chief executive with expertise in precision engineering, process engineering and machine tools technologies. He co-founded the UK’s Advanced Machinery & Productivity Institute in 2018 and is a lifelong advocate for the promotion of skills development in manufacturing and advanced engineering.
Starting as an apprentice in the UK Ministry of Defence, Tony worked from shop floor through various technical and manufacturing roles in industry while studying part-time, and joined the Longworth team in 1990 to undertake research in sustainable polymer filtration and reclamation of advanced materials.
Awarded an OBE for services to the UK economy in 2016, Tony studied at Lancaster and Manchester Universities, and lives in Lancashire.