Bizclik’s latest event, Sustainability Live London, wrapped up last week, bringing together forward-thinking organisations to discuss the future of sustainable business. Companies such as Lloyds Banking Group, VIRTUS Data Centres, and the London Stock Exchange shared their insights.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what we heard and what it means for sustainability:
The Global Impact Forum
Panel at Sustainability Live
The opening panel featured Sophie Graham (Chief Sustainability Officer, IFS AB), Nicholas Mazzaei (Vice President, Sustainability Europe, DP World), and Victoria Moorhouse (Group Climate & Nature Lead, Kingfisher). Moderated by Eirini Etoimou (Global Advisor in Sustainability, ESG & Supply Chain, Independent), the discussion explored the connection between leadership, innovation, and accountability in tackling the climate crisis.
The panel began by acknowledging the progress already made but emphasised the danger of complacency. Nicholas Mazzaei noted: “We allowed ourselves to believe we won [changing the narrative of sustainability]. We need to continue to campaign.” This served as a powerful reminder that sustainability is an ongoing effort.
Victoria Moorhouse highlighted that “where there is a business case [for sustainability], there’s a way forward.” Framing sustainability as an enabler of resilience and long-term growth ensures it stays high on the business agenda while still driving progress towards net zero. Sophie Graham added that ongoing discussion is crucial, and with the help of ‘sustainability architects’—those embedding these principles into strategy, operations, and culture—we can move towards meaningful integration.
Sophie Graham at Sustainability Live Panel
Another theme was the scale of collaboration required to embed sustainability into digital ecosystems. As complexity grows, partnerships across industries and deeper integration into business models will be key. But measuring the impact of sustainability efforts remains a challenge. The panel called for new frameworks to ensure accountability and tangible outcomes for sustainable development.
The Route to Net Zero
Panel at Sustainability Live
In the “Route to Net Zero” session, Moderator Neil Perry was joined by Annelie Selander (Chief Sustainability Officer, WSH), Aimie Keeler (Global Head of Climate and Nature, BAT), and Annette Giardina (Chief Innovation & Sustainability Officer, Avanade UK&I).
Collaboration emerged as the strongest theme. When different parts of the value chain unite, momentum builds and progress scales across the sector. Aimie Keeler put it simply: “If we don’t move towards net zero, it’s a business risk. We need to drive companies to do the right thing.”
The panel also highlighted the role of technology. Much of what’s needed already exists—digital tools, renewable energy systems—but adoption and scaling remain hurdles. As Aimie reminded us: “If we use the technology that is already out there, we can thrive.”
While not all businesses have mapped out every step of the transition, the message was clear: progress depends on committing to the vision and moving forward with confidence, even amidst uncertainty.
The CSO Strategy Summit
Panel at Sustainability Live
This executive-level panel featured Davide Stronati (Nuclear Decommissioning Authority), Hilary Tam (Amazon Web Services), Olivia Ruggles-Brise (BCD Travel), and Tom Salisbury (GKN Automotive).
The conversation centred on strategy and leadership: collaboration, authenticity, stakeholder engagement, and credible impact measurement. As Tom Salisbury explained: “To deliver on the sustainability strategy, we rely on different aspects of the business to take accountability and move forward.” The panel reinforced that sustainability is a growth engine, and securing a collaborative, authentic strategy is vital to embedding it in business foundations.
Tom Salisbury and Neil Perry at Sustainability Live
Being part of the C-suite means balancing short-term goals with long-term missions, while turning regulatory and customer pressures into opportunities. As Hilary Tam observed: “Sustainability can act as the door opener to business growth.”
The biggest takeaway? Sustainability leadership is evolving rapidly. Today, it is focused on transformation, resilience, and redefining success. By prioritising authenticity and clear communication, leaders can drive sustainability as a central force for growth in the digital era.
As the event closed, three key lessons stood out:
- The narrative around sustainability must evolve to drive effective strategies.
- Businesses have a unique opportunity to lead on sustainability in the supply chain.
- Collaboration—among partners, customers, and internal teams—is essential for meaningful impact.
This year, Spa Communications was proud to support Sustainability Live in amplifying these vital conversations across the industry.
“Sustainability Live has been recognised as the foundation conference to learn and share insights on all things sustainability. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Bizclik Media to expand its reach among influential leaders in the sector,” said Charlotte Wood, Account Director, Spa Communications.
Next event: DCD Connect London 2025!
