Large-scale Sustainability Strategy and Business Transformation

Mike was until recently Director of Sustainable Business at Marks & Spencer, spearheading its ground-breaking Plan A (because there is no Plan B for the one planet we have) sustainability programme. He co-chaired the Consumer Goods Forum’s sustainability work bringing the world’s largest retailers and fast-moving consumer goods brands together to work on issues such as deforestation, plastics and forced labour. He is a Senior Associate at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.

Production, Strategy and Sustainable Supply Chains

Vanessa Podmore started her career in production management at Clarks Shoes, eventually progressing through various production and sourcing roles in the UK and overseas at Coach, Pentland Brands, Jimmy Choo and Burberry. Now consulting across a range of strategic supply chain issues within the fashion sector she brings practical sourcing skills and experience to some of the day to day challenges of running a responsible supply chain. She also works with leadership teams as they navigate the challenges of aligning sustainable practice with commercial reality.

Ethical Trade, Policy and Impact

Director at CO

After over a decade specialising in ethical fair trade (with clients including the Ethical Trading Initiative, the Fairtrade Foundation, Tesco, Gap, Traidcraft, Twin Trading and the Department for International Development), Clare is now a Director at CO. In her consulting role, Clare continues to strategise, research and drive change through transforming how we think about global trade, and reconciling profits with people and planet.

Sustainable & Fair Trade supply chains expert, capacity building, innovation for fabrics and craft production with scale

Safia is internationally recognised for the company she founded, People Tree. She developed the first standards in Fair Trade manufacture, eco-innovation for design and production, social impact benchmarks, and communications strategy whilst leading the business as Global CEO for 20+ years.

Safia has extensive experience in commercialising handcrafted and organic clothing, interior items and foods, in challenging markets such as Japan & Europe to promote livelihoods and climate neutral products. Safia is an advisor, executive coach and author of ‘Slave to Fashion’ and ‘Slow Fashion - Aesthetics meets Ethics’. Safia is an Advisor with www.businessdeclares.org and is available for consulting work.

Design, Product Development and Leadership

Andy’s 20-year career in design has seen him work with some of the UK’s biggest clothing businesses - Debenhams, River Island, M&S, Bhs, Fat Face and F&F. Having held senior leadership roles during his career Andy is now operating as a freelance consultant. Over the last 2 years he’s been working on a variety of projects, utilising his strong experience and understanding of the industry. Andy is now focused on supporting other businesses who are transitioning into building a more sustainable future.

Sustainable Textile Sourcing and Production Processes

Alessia began her fashion career in marketing and sales before working as a textile agent and starting her own agency, AG Textiles Studio. Specialising in sustainability, she uses her considerable experience in the industry to help brands on their journey towards ethical working processes while maintaining the identity that made them successful. From sourcing material to ethical production processes and radical transparency, her work focuses on Fair Trade certified collections and Environmental Sustainability.

Sustainable Jewellery Sourcing and Accreditation

With a background across the manufacturing, retail and NGO/accreditation sectors, Victoria offers a holistic approach to business growth. She is passionate about supporting fashion and jewellery companies to source and produce responsibly whilst maintaining commerciality.

Victoria has a proven track record in establishing long term, profitable relationships, developing systems and building supply chains to bring product to market for leading brands. Most notably she led development of Fairtrade Gold and was responsible for a business development strategy that saw the scheme grow from concept to industry leader in artisanal gold.

Global Sourcing, Certification and Traceability systems

Bringing together a wealth of commercial fashion and sustainability experience, Vanessa is a specialist in sustainable materials, global sourcing, certification and traceability systems for the fashion and textiles sector. Vanessa was instrumental in creating the UK market for Fairtrade Cotton, pioneering work which paved the way for the sustainability agenda within the textiles. She has progressed onto lead business development for clients on transparency projects and certification services. Along with developing sustainability training programmes and providing strategic support to brands, suppliers and service providers.

Zero-To-One Sustainability Strategy, and Business Growth

Tara St James launched fashion brand, Study NY, in 2009 after designing high street fashion for over 15 years in Canada and the US. Shortly after starting Study NY, Tara focused on educating the next generation of designers on the importance of sustainability in design, and has extensive lecturing and teaching at a number of institutions including the Fashion Institute of Technology. Study NY has been awarded the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation prize as well as runner up in the CFDA / Lexus Sustainable Fashion Challenge. Most recently Tara worked as Production Coordinator and Research Fellow in the Sustainable Strategies Lab for Pratt’s Brooklyn Fashion + Design Accelerator.

SME Sustainability and Comms Specialist

Rachel Fortune, founder of the Sustainable Lifestyle Awards, began her career at Nicole Farhi as Visual Merchandiser before working as an independent and in-house stylist. With over 15 years of experience working in the fashion industry for both luxury and high street brands, Rachel now works closely with brands wanting to merge style and sustainability within their collections. Her experience and knowledge that she gained through her roles as Visual Merchandiser, fashion stylist and personal stylist inspires sustainable lifestyle brands to create visually attractive pieces that appeal to a wide consumer base.