Industry leaders set to speak at ESS Expo 2025

Environmental Services & Solutions (ESS) Expo 2025 is set to host the UK’s largest ever gathering of environmental professionals, with a powerful line up of keynote speakers, expert ambassadors, and world class suppliers ready to tackle the most pressing issues in sustainability, policy, and environmental innovation. 

The event, taking place from 17 to 18 September at the Birmingham NEC, promises to deliver actionable insights for businesses, exclusive access to operation improving products and services, the latest policy updates from government, unparalleled networking opportunities, and the opportunity to take part in critical conversations driving environmental progress across the UK and Europe.

Leading the discussions is renowned wildlife presenter and conservationist, Michaela Strachan. In her headline keynote, ‘Extreme Conservation Conversations: Uncovering Climate Change Case Studies’, she will share gripping, first hand accounts from the frontlines of climate change, spotlighting endangered species and the urgent need for global action. Michaela will take the stage at The Summit Theatre, offering a powerful perspective on environmental challenges.

Joining the line up is Rishi Jain, director of impact at Liverpool FC. In an insightful session titled ‘Great Presence Brings Great Responsibility: Delivering A Sporting Standard Towards Sustainability 'The Red Way'’, Rishi will reveal how the Premier League giant is embedding sustainability across its operations and fan engagement. His presentation will detail how the club is aligning with 16 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, proving that world class performance and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

They will be joined by a standout line up of headline speakers, including Alex Sobel MP, Mike Reader MP, and Margaret Bates of DEFRA, who will bring deep technical expertise to discussions on energy, policy, infrastructure, and the circular economy.

This year's ESS Expo is proud to introduce a team of three ambassadors, carefully selected for their in-depth sector knowledge and extensive experience. These experts will champion the show's core themes: innovation, sustainability, and attracting new talent to the industry.

Simon Little is the waste and recycling ambassador. Sitting as the associate director at Powerday, he is a leading voice in sustainable waste solutions. With nearly two decades of experience, he is a champion of the circular economy, focusing on the production of refuse derived fuel (RDF) and reducing the carbon footprint of the waste management cycle. Simon’s work helps businesses find low carbon alternatives to traditional landfill, driving efficiency and innovation in waste to energy operations.

Simon will join the RWM Construction & Demolition Theatre panel discussion, ‘Landfill Tax Consultation: Shaping Sustainable Waste Management’, on the first day of ESS Expo. Here, he will join leaders from Watts Legal, SLR Consulting, and the FCC to explore how tax reforms could influence disposal practices, drive innovation, and support the circular economy.

Claire Dickinson has been named land management ambassador. As a freelance ground risk management specialist and geotechnical engineer, and founder of Geo Environmental Matters with over 30 years of experience, she is advised on some of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects, including Crossrail and High Speed 2. Claire's expertise in ground risk for developments makes her a vital voice in land based sustainability.

Jim Mills is the air and emissions ambassador. A long standing specialist in air quality monitoring and managing director of Scotswolds, Jim has founded and led several key companies in the field, including ETI Ltd and Air Monitors Ltd. He now focuses on designing and deploying sensor networks to improve access to air quality information, and his work on the scientific committee of the UK’s largest air quality conference has helped shape the national agenda on air pollution.

Jim will be moderating a key discussion at the AQE Air Quality Theatre on the first day of ESS Expo. Titled ‘Air Quality & Climate Change: A Fireside Chat & Debate’, the session will delve into the interconnected nature of these two critical environmental issues. Jim will lead the conversation with spokespersons from the Environmental Industries Association and the University of Cambridge, exploring the need for integrated solutions to tackle climate change and improve air quality simultaneously.

Rob Mowat, event director of ESS Expo 2025, commented: ‘This year's agenda is designed to move beyond talk and into action. The content at ESS Expo 2025 is rich with practical case studies and strategic discussions that will help professionals navigate the complexities involved in delivering sustainability. We are thrilled to welcome our speakers and ambassadors, and we can’t wait for attendees to experience the breadth of knowledge and networking opportunities available at the show this year.’

Registration for ESS Expo 2025 is still open. Entry remains free, but visitors are encouraged to pre-register online to secure their place. For more details and to register, please visit https://hubs.la/Q03J6JQf0