Business and sustainability leaders from across the Channel Islands and beyond gathered in Guernsey on 14 October and Jersey on 15 October for the 2025 Sustainable Business Conference, a landmark event tackling urgent environmental and social challenges and sharing practical strategies for business transformation.

The programme featured thought leaders including Munish Datta, Fellow, University of Cambridge; Lucy Siegle, Climate Journalist and Broadcaster; Melissa Chester, Co-founder of 80Twenty; Andrew Mitchell, Founder & CEO, Equilibrium Futures; Erinch Sahan, Business and Enterprise Lead at Doughnut Economics Action Lab (interim); and Estelle Levin-Nally, CEO and Founder of Levin Sources. Local panellists included Simon Matthews, Chief Property and Sustainability Officer, Channel Islands Co-operative Society; Tracy Pellett, Global Sustainability and Business Transformation Director, Specsavers; and Michaela Wright, Group Head of Sustainability, Skipton Group.

Hosting duties were shared by Guernsey Deputy Sally Rochester and Michelle Ryan, JASP, with lunchtime sessions led by Jock Pettitt, The Soil Farm and The Farm Shop; Liam Doherty, Apollo; Jess McGovern, Hypha; and Carla Martini, La Mare Wine Estate.

Speakers explored how innovative frameworks such as Doughnut Economics and the Inner Development Goals can drive sustainable transformation in business. Key messages included the need to connect global systems, empower individuals, and embed accountability across organisations.

Delegates were also treated to a vegetarian lunch and mini doughnuts—a playful nod to the conference’s Doughnut Economics theme—courtesy of Hand Picked Hotels. Each attendee received a complimentary copy of Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics, gifted by Skipton International.

Headline sponsor Mourant enabled sixth-form students to attend the event and arranged for Lucy Siegle to speak in local schools, reinforcing the importance of youth engagement in sustainability. Supporting sponsors included Hand Picked Hotels, Specsavers, Skipton International, TPA, and The International Stock Exchange. Partners supporting the conference include IoD Guernsey and Jersey, the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, the Jersey Association of Sustainability Practitioners (JASP) and Ryde.

https://sustainablebusinessconference.com