The Channel Islands are set to host a landmark event this October as The Sustainable Business Conference returns with a powerful new agenda designed to empower businesses to lead in sustainability, innovation, and responsible leadership.

The conference will take place in Guernsey on Tuesday, 14 October and Jersey on Wednesday, 15 October, bringing together global experts, changemakers and leaders from a diverse range of local organisations together under one roof.

“This conference is about practical inspiration,”

said Sally Rochester, Guernsey conference host and newly elected Guernsey Deputy.

“It’s not just ideas—we’re giving people the tools, frameworks, and connections they need to embed sustainability into their business DNA.”

“We’re seeing growing momentum in the islands to take meaningful climate and social action,”

said Michelle Ryan, Jersey conference host and Chair of the Jersey Association of Sustainability Practitioners (JASP).

“This event helps unify that movement across sectors.”

Presented with headline sponsor Mourant, and supporting sponsors Hand Picked Hotels, TPA, Specsavers, Skipton International, and The International Stock Exchange (TISE), the event will deliver a full day of engaging keynote talks, immersive workshops, and networking opportunities.

A World-Class Line-up of Experts

Attendees can expect thought-provoking keynotes and hands-on workshops from leading voices in global sustainability, including:

  • Forces Shaping Our World with Munish Datta, Fellow at the University of Cambridge and Director of Sustainability at Specsavers, exploring global trends and actionable responses aligned with the UN SDGs and circular economy principles.
  • Doughnut Economics for Business (virtual) with Erinch Sahan, from the Doughnut Economics Action Lab, offering businesses a cutting-edge framework for reimagining their purpose and design.
  • Ethical Consumerism Unplugged with Lucy Siegle, renowned climate journalist and broadcaster, examining how activism, startups, and nature-first innovation are reshaping consumer behavior and corporate responsibility.
  • Inner Development for Sustainable Leadership, a reflective and hands-on workshop led by Melissa Chester of 80Twenty, highlighting the importance of mindset and leadership skills in today’s complex world.
  • Fireside Chat with Andrew Mitchell, Founder of Equilibrium Futures and co-founder of the TNFD, who brings decades of conservation finance expertise to a compelling discussion on nature, finance, and business responsibility.
  • Human Rights and Business Value, with Estelle Levin-Nally, a global minerals value chains and human rights expert, demonstrating how integrating human rights drives long-term business success.
  • The day concludes with a Panel on Practical Sustainable Leadership, hosted by Lucy Siegle, with local sustainabiity leaders sharing case studies and lessons from their own sustainability journeys. The panel features Michaela Wright, Group Head of Sustainability, Skipton Group, Tracy Pellett, Sustainability and Business Transformation Director, Specsavers and Simon Matthews, Chief Property and Sustainability Officer, The Channel Islands Co-operative Society.

All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Doughnut Economics (courtesy of Skipton International), along with a buffet lunch, refreshments, and access to a closing drinks reception for informal networking.

Jonathan Rigby, CEO of Mourant, the conference’s headline sponsor, said:

“We are delighted to sponsor the Sustainable Business Conference for the second year in a row. The inaugural events in 2024 were a tremendous success, attracting true pioneers in the sustainability field and sparking a host of insightful discussions on the actions we can take to foster innovation and best practices in sustainable business. As business leaders, we are responsible for the impact of business operations on our people and planet and have a crucial role to play in promoting sustainability. By fostering collaboration, and sharing cutting-edge solutions, we can drive meaningful change and ensure a sustainable legacy for future generations. I am proud that our firm is once again lending its support to these important events and look forward to hearing from this year’s line-up of inspirational speakers.”

Partners supporting the conference include the Institute of Directors (IoD) Guernsey and Jersey, the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, the Jersey Association of Sustainability Practitioners (JASP) and Ryde, who are offering delegates a 15% discount on electric taxi bookings via the Ryde app.

To book or learn more, visit: www.sustainablebusinessconference.com

Tickets & Booking

  • Individual Ticket: £95
  • Table of 10: £950
  • Spaces are limited – early booking is strongly encouraged.

For media or event enquiries, contact:
Claire@theripple.gg |  +44 (0)7781 136 328