Business of Sustainability If you’re passionate about building a more sustainable future and curious about the business models making it possible, you’re in the right place.

Join Alex Smith, CEO of FuturePlus, to dive into the world of sustainable business, talking to founders and industry pioneers who are redefining success with the planet and society in mind.

This isn’t just another business podcast. At FuturePlus, we’re redefining ESG, Environmental, Social, and Governance, by bringing you data-driven insights and future-focused actions that make a real impact.

From breakthrough technologies to bold new policies, FuturePlus explores the strategies, challenges, and innovations driving the global shift toward sustainability.

So, whether you're a business leader, investor, or sustainability enthusiast, join us to stay ahead of the curve.

Find out more about FuturePlus.Connect on Linkedin. ]]> https://www.future-plus.co.uk/ audioboom.com Wed, 03 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 en https://audioboom.com/i/43204124.png Business of Sustainability https://www.future-plus.co.uk/ false FuturePlus Audioboom 29cfd9b9-4ca3-5ff0-9e91-60cfd82893ea https://audioboom.com/channels/5107928.rss episodic 45: Verified, Not Vibes: Carbon, Consultancy and Getting Started with Sustainability | Business of Sustainability Bitesize https://audioboom.com/posts/8910708 45 Verified, Not Vibes: Carbon, Consultancy and Getting Started with Sustainability | Business of Sustainability Bitesize 823 false full

Molly Todd, sustainability and carbon consultant at FuturePlus, joins Alexandra to talk about her journey from nearly a decade in hospitality to becoming one of the team's go-to experts on carbon and ESG consultancy.

Molly breaks down the three types of clients FuturePlus typically works with, why so many businesses are doing good things without the evidence to back it up, and how the FuturePlus platform and consultancy team work together to take businesses from where they are to where they need to be.

]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 audioboom-019e87fa-8564-775e-a273-7903c46a596f FuturePlus FuturePlus 44: The AI Advantage: How Smart Bidding is Transforming Sustainability in Procurement https://audioboom.com/posts/8907895 44 The AI Advantage: How Smart Bidding is Transforming Sustainability in Procurement 2573 false full

Procurement is where sustainability commitments get made or broken. But most businesses don't realise that the bid process itself is being transformed by AI, and that social value is increasingly the deciding factor in who wins.

In this episode, FuturePlus CEO, Alex Smith sits down with Tricia Blatherwick, Chief Evangelist at AutoGenAI, to explore what is really happening at the intersection of AI and procurement. Tricia brings decades of experience leading bids and commercial teams at organisations like Atos and Capita, and now works with over 300 clients helping them build smarter, faster, more competitive bids.

They cover how AI is reshaping the end-to-end bid process, why social value can now account for up to 10% of a contract score (and in some cases is the only thing that separates the winners from the rest), and what it means for businesses of all sizes to have a credible, evidenced sustainability story ready when it matters most.

Tricia also makes the case that AI does not replace skilled people. It lifts them. The grunt work goes to the machine. The judgment stays with the human.

A sharp, practical conversation for anyone working in procurement, sustainability, or business growth.

For more information on: AutoGenAI or FuturePlus.

]]> Wed, 27 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 audioboom-019e63fa-4ab1-7dc4-be69-63a7ff4be0a2 FuturePlus FuturePlus 43: What Everest Teaches Us About Sustainable Leadership with Kenton Cool https://audioboom.com/posts/8902347 43 What Everest Teaches Us About Sustainable Leadership with Kenton Cool 2916 false full

What can the world's highest mountains tell us about building a sustainable future?

Kenton Cool has summited Everest 19 times, each time as a guide. He's spent 35 years operating in environments where resources are scarce, conditions are unpredictable, and the margin for error is razor thin. In those environments, sustainability isn't a strategy; it's survival.

In this episode, Alex Smith talks to Kenton about the visible impact of climate change on glaciers across Europe and the Himalayas, the tension between pursuing adventure and reducing your environmental footprint, what "leave no trace" really means in practice, and how the lessons of high-altitude leadership translate directly into how businesses respond to complexity, risk, and long-term thinking.

This one is a little different. But the core message is the same: what you do today has consequences, and the best leaders understand that clearly.

For More Information

FuturePlus: https://future-plus.co.uk/

In Cool Company: https://www.incoolcompany.com/

]]> Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 audioboom-019e1b47-8e3f-738a-af1f-876a1effd0a0 FuturePlus FuturePlus 42: Are You Getting Sustainability Hiring Wrong? | Business of Sustainability Bitesize https://audioboom.com/posts/8899365 42 Are You Getting Sustainability Hiring Wrong? | Business of Sustainability Bitesize 630 false full

Sustainability hiring has grown fast. But a lot of businesses are still getting it wrong, writing job specs that are too broad, hiring without knowing where sustainability fits in their organisation, and then wondering why it isn't working.

In this episode, FuturePlus CEO Alex Smith talks to Sustainability Executive Poppy Clarke, who spent two and a half years recruiting in the climate tech space before making the move to FuturePlus. Poppy brings a rare outside-in perspective on what businesses actually need when it comes to sustainability talent, and where the gaps are.

They discuss the rise of specialised sustainability roles, the commercial communication skills that technical experts often lack, and why the first question isn't whether to hire but where sustainability needs to sit in your business.

🌐 future-plus.co.uk

]]> Wed, 06 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 audioboom-019df7f6-48df-7402-8561-a3a3c3ee5370 FuturePlus FuturePlus 41: AI and Sustainability: What Every Business Needs to Think About Now | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus https://audioboom.com/posts/8896433 41 AI and Sustainability: What Every Business Needs to Think About Now | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus 779 false full

AI is changing how every business operates. But how many are thinking about what that means for their sustainability?

FuturePlus CEO Alex Smith and COO Polly Milne sit at the intersection of sustainability and AI every day, and in this episode they share what that looks like in practice, from how FuturePlus is integrating AI into its own platform to the practical steps any business can take right now.

They cover: 

  • How AI is being integrated into the FuturePlus platform to speed up client assessments
  • Why AI's environmental footprint is bigger than most businesses realise
  • The governance questions every SME should be asking about their AI tools today
  • Bias, gender, and the social implications of how AI is being trained and adopted
  • Why responsible AI adoption and ESG are more connected than people think
]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000 audioboom-019dd3d2-a8e2-7b5a-a28d-f583dca8cf8e FuturePlus FuturePlus 40: Where Should Sustainability Sit in Your Business? | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus https://audioboom.com/posts/8893345 40 Where Should Sustainability Sit in Your Business? | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus 906 false full

Put sustainability in marketing and you risk it becoming a storytelling exercise without the substance behind it. Put it too far from the boardroom and it loses the weight to drive real change. So where should it actually sit?

In this episode, FuturePlus CEO Alex Smith and Sustainability Consultant Ana Biedermann Villagra work through that question from multiple angles, drawing on Ana's experience across in-house roles, consultancy, B Corps, the UN Global Compact, and UNICEF.

They discuss how organisational maturity shapes where sustainability lands, why board-level ownership is the difference between sustainability as a checklist and sustainability as a driver of value, and how to have the conversation with a CEO who sees commercial success and sustainability as separate goals.

Ana also shares her approach to working with competitive CEOs: find out what they fear, what motivates them, and show them what their competitors are already doing with it.

🌐 future-plus.co.uk

]]> Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000 audioboom-019db012-c34a-768f-ad52-141210b7684b FuturePlus FuturePlus 39: Sustainability Through Fresh Eyes | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus https://audioboom.com/posts/8888042 39 Sustainability Through Fresh Eyes | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus 393 false full

Poppy Clarke spent time in climate tech recruitment, watching other people do the jobs she wanted. So she made the move.

In this episode, FuturePlus CEO Alex Smith talks to Poppy, now a Sustainability Executive at FuturePlus, about what the industry looks like when you're new to it, what surprised her, what confused her from the outside, and what she's found most engaging in her first few months.

It's a short, honest conversation that covers the real breadth of what sustainability means inside a business, and why treating it as a tick-box exercise means leaving most of the value on the table.

🌐 future-plus.co.uk

]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2026-04-14:/posts/8888042 FuturePlus FuturePlus 38: Roots, Resilience and Real Impact https://audioboom.com/posts/8884131 38 Roots, Resilience and Real Impact 3095 false full

Tuppenny Barn started with a single hectare of land and a simple idea: teach children where their food comes from and grow it organically.

Over 21 years later, it has become one of the most quietly impressive sustainability success stories in the South East. In this episode, Alex Smith sits down with Maggie Haynes, founder and outgoing CEO of Tuppenny Barn, an accredited education charity based in Southbourne, near Chichester, to explore how the barn operates, what it has built, and why it works.

They cover the barn's three core charitable activities, six green therapy programmes, the Veterans Bloom initiative, and a circular strawbale education centre funded entirely through grants.

Maggie also explains how working with FuturePlus through the Chichester District Council Sustainability Accelerator helped the team review and sharpen what they were already doing, from waste and recycling to supplier choices and how they communicate sustainability to beneficiaries.

It's a practical, grounded conversation about what running a genuinely sustainable organisation looks like, and what other businesses can learn from it.

Find out more about Tuppenny Barn.

Discover more about FuturePlus.

]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2026-04-07:/posts/8884131 FuturePlus FuturePlus 37: Greenwashing and Green Hushing | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus https://audioboom.com/posts/8881777 37 Greenwashing and Green Hushing | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus 760 false full

Two of the biggest sustainability communication mistakes businesses make sit at opposite ends of the same spectrum. Overclaiming. And saying nothing at all.

In this episode, FuturePlus CEO Alex Smith and COO Polly Milne discuss both, why they happen, what the consequences can be, and how businesses can find a more confident, authentic middle ground.

Polly shares a practical example of a company that accidentally misrepresented their carbon position with entirely good intentions, explains why the regulatory landscape around green claims is tightening fast, and makes the case for why starting small and talking honestly about progress is far more powerful than waiting until everything is perfect.

🌐 www.future-plus.co.uk

]]> Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:16:25 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2026-04-01:/posts/8881777 FuturePlus FuturePlus 36: Sport as a Sustainability Tool | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus https://audioboom.com/posts/8878079 36 Sport as a Sustainability Tool | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus 965 false full

Sport has a reach that almost no other industry can match. In this episode, Sustainability Consultant Ana Biedermann Villagra joins CEO Alex Smith to explore how sporting events and organisations can use that reach for genuine social and environmental impact, and what happens when they don't.

Ana brings a perspective shaped by her background in sports sustainability and her passion for women's football. She and Alex discuss the 2025 Women's Euros as a model for embedded sustainability, the governance risks that come with major global events, and why clubs and brands need to align on sustainability well before the spotlight hits.

They also discuss some powerful examples of sport driving social change, from fan-led organ donation campaigns to how the industry is beginning to take online abuse and gender-based violence seriously.

🌐 www.future-plus.co.uk

]]> Sport has a reach that almost no other industry can match. In this episode, Sustainability Consultant Ana Biedermann Villagra joins CEO Alex Smith to explore how sporting events and organisations can use that reach for genuine social and environmental impact, and what happens when they don't. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2026-03-24:/posts/8878079 FuturePlus FuturePlus 35: SECR Reporting Explained: UK Carbon Compliance Deadlines Approaching | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus https://audioboom.com/posts/8875180 35 SECR Reporting Explained: UK Carbon Compliance Deadlines Approaching | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus 499 false full

Louisa Hoy, Junior Sustainability Consultant at FuturePlus, returns to explain SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting), the UK regulation requiring businesses above certain thresholds to report energy use and carbon emissions in their annual financial accounts.

With reporting deadlines approaching, Louisa breaks down who needs to comply (the three-threshold test), why voluntary reporting makes strategic sense even before you're required to, and how SECR forms the foundation for broader ESG compliance.

We discuss why carbon data should be treated with the same importance as financial data, how to improve data quality over time, and what businesses approaching the thresholds should do now to get ahead of compliance requirements.

Whether you're already in scope, approaching the thresholds, or simply want to understand UK carbon reporting obligations, this episode offers a practical guide to SECR and what it means for your business.

Learn more about FuturePlus Carbon: future-plus.co.uk

]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2026-03-17:/posts/8875180 FuturePlus FuturePlus 34: Human Sustainability: Why Feelings Are Your Most Important Business Data https://audioboom.com/posts/8872171 34 Human Sustainability: Why Feelings Are Your Most Important Business Data 2397 false full

Damien Stork and Jonathan Hook from CHX Performance return to discuss with FuturePlus CEO, Alex Smith, why workplace sickness has increased 60% since pre-COVID levels and what businesses are fundamentally missing about human sustainability.

In this conversation, we explore why feelings aren't fluffy; they're biological signals telling us how well resourced we are to meet demands. We discuss the rising culture of fear in UK workplaces, why 9.4 sick days per employee is now the norm, and how poor mental health stems primarily from dysregulated emotions that organisations actively encourage people to mask.

Damien and Jonathan explain the five core human needs (certainty, inclusion, autonomy, attachment, equity) that determine whether people thrive or leave, why diversity without understanding feelings will always fail, and the uncomfortable truth that poor wellbeing isn't a pathological response to a great environment, it's a normal response to a pathological environment.

We also discuss why capacity, not capability, is the real challenge for high performance, how leadership shadow biologically impacts teams, and what businesses can practically do to create sustainable environments where people actually want to work.

This isn't about wellness programs as compensation for harm. It's about fundamentally rethinking how we create workplace environments that allow people to perform.

Learn more:

CHX Performance: chxperformance.com

FuturePlus: future-plus.co.uk

]]> Damien Stork and Jonathan Hook from CHX Performance return to discuss with FuturePlus CEO, Alex Smith, why workplace sickness has increased 60% since pre-COVID levels and what businesses are fundamentally missing about human sustainability. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2026-03-10:/posts/8872171 FuturePlus FuturePlus 33: Supporting Sustainability Professionals Working Solo | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus https://audioboom.com/posts/8868776 33 Supporting Sustainability Professionals Working Solo | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus 391 false full

Louisa Hoy, Junior Sustainability Consultant at FuturePlus, works primarily with sustainability professionals who are either a team of one or managing ESG as an add-on to their primary role. It's a growing reality in businesses of all sizes; someone has the job title, but not the team or the capacity to match.

In this conversation, Louisa explains why data-led platforms need human guidance to be effective, how advisors provide the confidence and support to help businesses "do sustainability properly," and why having someone outside the organization to talk things through with matters when you're the only person working on it internally.

We discuss the complementary nature of data and expertise, the challenges of limited capacity when sustainability isn't your main role, and how shared learnings from working across multiple clients help solve common industry challenges.

Whether you're a sustainability professional working solo, a business leader trying to support your team's ESG efforts, or simply curious about how sustainability programs actually work in practice, this episode offers insight into what makes the difference between having a sustainability title and making real progress.

Learn more about FuturePlus: future-plus.co.uk

]]> Louisa Hoy, Junior Sustainability Consultant at FuturePlus, works primarily with sustainability professionals who are either a team of one or managing ESG as an add-on to their primary role. It's a growing reality in businesses of all sizes; someone has the job title, but not the team or the capacity to match. Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2026-03-03:/posts/8868776 FuturePlus FuturePlus 32: The Rise of Fractional Sustainability Leadership | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus https://audioboom.com/posts/8865246 32 The Rise of Fractional Sustainability Leadership | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus 436 false full

Ellen Hughes, Head of Consultancy at FuturePlus, walks through what sustainability consultancy looks like in practice; from government-funded food redistribution projects to investor presentations and global ESG strategies, often all in one day.

In this conversation, Ellen reveals three key trends emerging in the sustainability space: the explosion of materiality-led strategies as businesses navigate legislative and geopolitical challenges, the growing demand for fractional sustainability leadership at C-suite level, and the surprising misalignments that emerge when you engage employees, customers, and boards on sustainability priorities.

We discuss why organizations want sustainability governance but can't always commit to full-time hires, how stakeholder engagement reveals different perspectives across a business, and why attention to detail matters as much as strategic thinking in sustainability consultancy.

Whether you're considering sustainability support for your business or curious about how ESG strategies are built in the current climate, this episode offers a practical look at the work behind sustainability transformation.

Learn more about FuturePlus: future-plus.co.uk

]]> Ellen Hughes, Head of Consultancy at FuturePlus, walks through what sustainability consultancy looks like in practice; from government-funded food redistribution projects to investor presentations and global ESG strategies, often all in one day. Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2026-02-24:/posts/8865246 FuturePlus FuturePlus 31: What Does a Sustainability Manager Do? | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus https://audioboom.com/posts/8859862 31 What Does a Sustainability Manager Do? | Business of Sustainability Bitesize | FuturePlus 489 false full

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at a sustainability management business?

Sam Sweeney, Sustainability Manager at FuturePlus, walks through what a typical day looks like, from delivering waste workshops to client meetings, navigating legislation changes, and helping businesses prepare for supply chain requirements they didn't see coming.

We discuss:

→ How advisory support works through the FuturePlus platform
→ Why supply chain pressure is forcing smaller companies to act faster
→ The difference between sustainability advice and accountability
→ How the team shares expertise across 30+ sectors and 17 countries

If you're working in sustainability, managing ESG requirements, or just curious about what actually goes into sustainability management, this is a practical look at the work that helps businesses measure, improve, and report their impact.

Learn more about FuturePlus: future-plus.co.uk

]]> Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at a sustainability management business? Sam Sweeney, Sustainability Manager at FuturePlus, walks through what a typical day looks like, from delivering waste workshops to client meetings, navigating legislation changes, and helping businesses prepare for supply chain requirements they didn't see coming. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2026-02-11:/posts/8859862 FuturePlus FuturePlus 30: How London's Top Businesses Grow Sustainably - London & Partners https://audioboom.com/posts/8859346 30 How London's Top Businesses Grow Sustainably - London & Partners 2711 false full

Sara French, Head of Scale-Up Programmes at London & Partners, shares insights from supporting over 4,500 businesses through international growth. In this conversation with Alex Smith, Sara reveals why companies that embed sustainability early scale 50% faster, how governance strengthens business foundations, and what VCs really look for in scale-ups today.

We discuss the practical realities of international expansion, the unexpected connection between ESG frameworks and business maturity, and why London's ecosystem offers unique advantages for sustainable growth. Sara also shares success stories from companies solving real-world problems and explains how London & Partners' trade missions create opportunities that would otherwise take years to access.

Whether you're scaling locally or planning international expansion, this episode offers practical frameworks for building resilient, investment-ready businesses.

Click here for the ESG Unfiltered course.

Click here for London & Partners.

]]> Sara French, Head of Scale-Up Programmes at London & Partners, shares insights from supporting over 4,500 businesses through international growth. In this conversation with Alex Smith, Sara reveals why companies that embed sustainability early scale 50% faster, how governance strengthens business foundations, and what VCs really look for in scale-ups today. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2026-02-10:/posts/8859346 FuturePlus FuturePlus 29: 2026 Sustainability Trends: From Performance to Action | Alex Smith & Polly Milne https://audioboom.com/posts/8837195 29 2026 Sustainability Trends: From Performance to Action | Alex Smith & Polly Milne 680 false full

Welcome to our new bitesize episodes - a new series of shorter conversations (around 10-15 minutes) where members of the FuturePlus team discuss what we're actually seeing in sustainability right now.

In this first episode, CEO Alex Smith and COO Polly Milne talk about what 2026 holds.

Despite regulatory rollbacks and green claims pressures, there's a clear shift happening: sustainability is moving from performative to action-driven, and businesses are doing it because it genuinely makes them stronger.

What we cover:

  • 00:37 - Why 2025 was tough for sustainability teams
  • 01:57 - Sustainability as business resilience, not just marketing
  • 03:28 - Evidence and verification in procurement
  • 04:01 - AI's role in sustainability (and its challenges)
  • 07:04 - The ethics and carbon footprint of AI
  • 07:29 - The future of lean sustainability teams
  • 09:47 - Embedding sustainability across departments

About FuturePlus: FuturePlus is a sustainability intelligence platform helping businesses measure, manage and improve their environmental and social impact. Our platform brings together climate, environment, social, economic and diversity & inclusion data in one accessible framework.

🌐 www.future-plus.co.uk

]]> Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2026-01-20:/posts/8837195 FuturePlus FuturePlus 28: How Ape2o is Making Single-Use Water Bottles Obsolete https://audioboom.com/posts/8817259 28 How Ape2o is Making Single-Use Water Bottles Obsolete 2316 false full Bottled water is a £2 billion market in the UK, but at what cost?

In this episode, FuturePlus CEO, Alex Smith sits down with Anthony Newman, CEO of Ape2o, who's on a mission to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles through innovation, not shame.

After witnessing the devastating impact of marine plastics on turtles in Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Anthony knew he had to act. The result? High-tech water refill stations that deliver chilled, filtered, and even sparkling water for just 25p, while saving thousands of bottles from landfill.

We explore the economics of disrupting a billion-pound industry, the operational challenges of scaling refill infrastructure, why convenience always trumps good intentions, and how bold buyers are essential for sustainable innovation to succeed.

Key topics covered:

  • Why water on-the-go costs twice the price of petrol (and what that really means)
  • The capital-intensive reality of building sustainable infrastructure
  • How to attract consumers to better choices without shaming them
  • Why 10% of turnover (not profit) goes to ocean conservation
  • The role of regulation in driving business behaviour change
Click here to learn more about Ape2o, or here for FuturePlus.
]]> Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-12-10:/posts/8817259 FuturePlus FuturePlus 27: Social Sustainability: From Compliance to Value Creation https://audioboom.com/posts/8810568 27 Social Sustainability: From Compliance to Value Creation 2595 false full In this episode, FuturePlus CEO and host, Alex Smith sits down with Rachel Sadka, Director of Social Sustainability at EY, to explore how businesses can move beyond compliance to create genuine transformation through social sustainability and DEI initiatives.

Rachel shares insights from her 13+ years at EY, including her work developing the National Equality Standard and Global Equality Standard. The conversation covers navigating DEI backlash, measuring social impact, embedding sustainability across all business functions, and why socioeconomic diversity matters.

Rachel explains how leading organisations link social sustainability to value creation, the role of AI in recruitment and performance management, and why transparency about challenges builds trust.

Click here to learn more about FuturePlus, or here for EY.

]]> In this episode, FuturePlus CEO and host, Alex Smith sits down with Rachel Sadka, Director of Social Sustainability at EY, to explore how businesses can move beyond compliance to create genuine transformation through social sustainability and DEI initiatives. Wed, 26 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-11-25:/posts/8810568 FuturePlus FuturePlus 26: Bridging Global Standards & Caribbean Innovation https://audioboom.com/posts/8807887 26 Bridging Global Standards & Caribbean Innovation 2501 false full In this special episode recorded on location in Trinidad & Tobago, FuturePlus CEO, Alex Smith sits down with Maria-Elena Navarro and Anya Ayoung-Chee from We Are Soveryn to explore how their partnership is transforming sustainability practices across the Caribbean.

Fresh from exhibiting at the AMCHAM T&T HSSE Conference 2025, the conversation explores the unique challenges and opportunities facing Caribbean businesses as they navigate ESG frameworks, from legacy oil and gas companies future-proofing their operations to innovative SMEs embedding sustainability into their DNA.

This episode demonstrates how sustainability doesn't need to be a compliance burden, when approached with the right tools and local expertise, it becomes an opportunity for Caribbean businesses to showcase their resilience, innovation, and unique strengths on a global stage.

Key topics discussed:

  • Making ESG accessible for Caribbean businesses of all sizes
  • The gap between international frameworks and local application
  • Sustainability in Trinidad & Tobago's energy sector
  • Moving from box-ticking to strategic sustainability
  • Harnessing indigenous wisdom in modern sustainable practice
  • Building regenerative cultures and circular economies in the Caribbean
Click here for more info on We Are Soveryn, and here for FuturePlus.
]]> In this special episode recorded on location in Trinidad & Tobago, FuturePlus CEO, Alex Smith sits down with Maria-Elena Navarro and Anya Ayoung-Chee from We Are Soveryn to explore how their partnership is transforming sustainability practices across the Caribbean. Wed, 19 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-11-18:/posts/8807887 FuturePlus FuturePlus 25: Bid-Ready: How Sustainability Evidence Wins Contracts https://audioboom.com/posts/8804798 25 Bid-Ready: How Sustainability Evidence Wins Contracts 2471 false full Sustainability criteria now account for up to 20% of tender scores, often the difference between winning and losing contracts.

In this episode, FuturePlus CEO, Alex Smith speaks with Celestine Ekpenyong, Head of Bids and Business Development at LMAC Group, about how procurement is driving business sustainability forward.

With nearly 20 years of experience, Celestine explains why evidence matters more than intentions when responding to tenders.

The conversation covers practical steps for building a sustainability library, competing against larger companies with limited resources, and why authenticity outperforms copying competitors.

Celestine shares how LMAC transitioned 50% of their fleet to electric vehicles, engages their supply chain through quarterly innovation competitions, and approaches tender responses with structured evidence.

Key topics include the gap between tender requirements and business capabilities, why smaller companies can win against corporates, and how to translate sustainability actions into winning bid responses. Celestine also explains why starting small beats waiting for perfection, and how to sell sustainability investment to leadership.

Whether you're preparing your first tender or strengthening existing sustainability credentials, this episode provides clear guidance on turning ESG action into commercial advantage.

Learn more about FuturePlus and LMAC Group.

]]> Sustainability criteria now account for up to 20% of tender scores, often the difference between winning and losing contracts. In this episode, FuturePlus CEO, Alex Smith speaks with Celestine Ekpenyong, Head of Bids and Business Development at LMAC Group, about how procurement is driving business sustainability forward. Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-11-11:/posts/8804798 FuturePlus FuturePlus 24: Sustainability, from Cost Centre to Competitive Edge in Care https://audioboom.com/posts/8794484 24 Sustainability, from Cost Centre to Competitive Edge in Care 1581 false full Our host Alex Smith speaks with Paul Hayes, CEO of Cornerstone Health Group, a specialist care provider serving people with complex needs.

Paul Hayes has turned sustainability into a competitive advantage in one of the UK's most challenging sectors. While most care providers struggle with staffing shortages and thin margins, Cornerstone Health Group improved its FuturePlus sustainability score from 289 to 321 in one year, achieved Impact Certified status, and won 'Specialist Care Provider of the Year' twice.

What You'll Learn:

Paul demonstrates how sustainability drives business performance in the care sector. Under his leadership, Cornerstone diverted 90% of waste from landfill, built The Burren—an 80-bed BREEAM 'Excellent' eco care home—and grew to 378 employees while maintaining profitability in a sector under unprecedented pressure.

Key Topics:

  • Making the business case for sustainability investment when margins are tight
  • Using environmental credentials to win in competitive talent markets
  • Operational changes that reduce costs while improving sustainability
  • Building The Burren: the investment decision and financial returns
  • How sustainability opens doors with commissioners and funding partners
  • Converting sustainability commitments into measurable business advantages
  • Low-cost starting points for healthcare providers new to sustainability
  • Why environmental responsibility strengthens rather than constrains growth
Paul offers practical advice for leaders in healthcare and service sectors who see sustainability as expensive or risky. His experience shows how sustainable operations improve staff retention, reduce costs, and create genuine competitive differentiation.

About Our Guest:

Paul Hayes is CEO of Cornerstone Health Group, a specialist care provider focused on supporting individuals with complex needs. He has grown the business while embedding sustainability across operations, property development, and service delivery.

Listen now to learn how sustainability can solve your biggest business challenges.

FuturePlus helps businesses of all sizes understand, measure, evidence, improve and report on their sustainability impact and goals. Click here to find out more.

]]> Wed, 22 Oct 2025 06:54:23 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-10-22:/posts/8794484 FuturePlus FuturePlus 23: Purpose Meets Profit, Lessons in Sustainable Entrepreneurship https://audioboom.com/posts/8777559 23 Purpose Meets Profit, Lessons in Sustainable Entrepreneurship 2606 false full Our host Alex Smith speaks with Saira Khan, founder of SAIRA Skin, a Certified Organic skincare brand focused on ethical beauty practices.

What You'll Learn:

Saira Khan has built a successful skincare business by putting sustainability first. Drawing on business lessons learned early in her career (including her appearance on The Apprentice), she created SAIRA Skin as a Soil Association certified brand that removes harmful ingredients while honouring traditional Himalayan beauty practices.

Key Topics:

  • How effective communication drives business success
  • The decision to eliminate microplastics from skincare formulations
  • Building a profitable business with strong ethical foundations
  • Creating customer trust through transparent practices
  • Practical steps for integrating sustainability into any business
  • Balancing commercial goals with environmental responsibility
Saira offers straightforward advice for entrepreneurs who want to build businesses that make money and create positive impact. Her approach shows how sustainable practices can strengthen rather than limit business growth.

About Our Guest: Saira Khan is a broadcaster, speaker, and founder of SAIRA Skin - a certified organic skincare brand inspired by Himalayan beauty rituals. She focuses on building businesses through clear communication and ethical practices.

Perfect for: Business owners, entrepreneurs, sustainability professionals, and anyone interested in building profitable companies with strong values.

Listen now to learn practical strategies for creating a business that succeeds while doing good.

FuturePlus helps business of all sizes, understand, measure, evidence, improve and report on their sustainability impact and goals. Click here to find out more.
]]> Our host Alex Smith speaks with Saira Khan, founder of SAIRA Skin, a Certified Organic skincare brand focused on ethical beauty practices. Saira Khan has built a successful skincare business by putting sustainability first. Drawing on business lessons learned early in her career (including her appearance on The Apprentice), she created SAIRA Skin as a Soil Association certified brand that removes harmful ingredients while honouring traditional Himalayan beauty practices. Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-09-16:/posts/8777559 FuturePlus FuturePlus 22: Law Meets Impact, Rethinking Sustainability in Professional Services https://audioboom.com/posts/8739409 22 Law Meets Impact, Rethinking Sustainability in Professional Services 1693 false full In this episode of The Business of Sustainability, we speak to Phil Hails‑Smith Managing Partner at Joelson, a forward-thinking law firm helping businesses grow with purpose.

We explore how sustainability is being redefined in sectors not traditionally seen as green, why environmental and social factors are now a key part of mergers and acquisitions, and how internal culture can be a company’s strongest impact tool.

Phil also shares lessons from building a values-led legal team, the challenges of embedding inclusion, and why long-term thinking, not just compliance, is the future of professional services.

Click here to learn more about FuturePlus, or here for more on Joelson.]]> In this episode of The Business of Sustainability, we speak to Phil Hails‑Smith Managing Partner at Joelson, a forward-thinking law firm helping businesses grow with purpose. We explore how sustainability is being redefined in sectors not traditionally seen as green, why environmental and social factors are now a key part of mergers and acquisitions, and how internal culture can be a company’s strongest impact tool. Phil also shares lessons from building a values-led legal team, the challenges of embedding inclusion, and why long-term thinking, not just compliance, is the future of professional services. Wed, 25 Jun 2025 05:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-06-24:/posts/8739409 FuturePlus FuturePlus 21: Redefining Sustainability in Hospitality with Cliveden House and Strand Palace https://audioboom.com/posts/8715880 21 Redefining Sustainability in Hospitality with Cliveden House and Strand Palace 1775 false full In this episode of The Business of Sustainability, hosts Alex Smith and Mike Penrose sit down with Alexandra Berry, Executive Assistant and Head of Sustainability at Strand Palace, and Jordan Hughes, Hotel Manager at the iconic Cliveden House.

Together, they explore how two very different hotels, one nestled in the luxury of the English countryside and the other in the heart of London, are embedding sustainability at the core of their operations.

From employee engagement initiatives like Green Ducks and Sustainability Committees to guest education and avoiding greenwashing, this episode dives into the practical and strategic actions redefining sustainability in the hospitality industry.

Plus, hear how both hotels earned IMPACT CERTIFIED status with FuturePlus, and why collaboration across the sector could be the key to long-term change.

Whether you're a hotelier, sustainability leader, or conscious traveller, this is a conversation not to miss.

Subscribe and listen now to learn how the future of hospitality is being shaped, one sustainable decision at a time.

Click here to learn more about how FuturePlus can help your business make a positive impact.

Click here to learn more about Strand Palace's sustainability strategies, or here for Cliveden House's.

Strand Palace and Cliveden House are both part of L+R Hotels’ portfolio, one of Europe’s largest privately-owned global investment firms and home to some of the finest hotels and resorts in the world.

Clivden House is also part of Iconic Luxury Hotels, a collection of six uniquely luxurious award winning hotels located in highly desirable locations through Britain and overseas.]]> In this episode of The Business of Sustainability, hosts Alex Smith and Mike Penrose sit down with Alexandra Berry, Executive Assistant and Head of Sustainability at Strand Palace, and Jordan Hughes, Hotel Manager at the iconic Cliveden House. Wed, 07 May 2025 05:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-05-06:/posts/8715880 FuturePlus FuturePlus 20: How SURI is Reinventing the Toothbrush Industry https://audioboom.com/posts/8702111 20 How SURI is Reinventing the Toothbrush Industry 2129 false full In this episode of the Business of Sustainability by FuturePlus, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Mark Rushmore, co-founder and COO of SURI, the electric toothbrush brand that’s giving a traditional industry a fresh, sustainability makeover.

They discuss and explore SURI’s origins, the innovations behind its sustainable design, and what it takes to challenge legacy industries.

From bristles made of castor bean oil to an aluminium body built to last, SURI’s toothbrush is more than just smart design, it’s a blueprint for the future of consumer products with sustainability embedded at its core.

Hear how SURI is turning everyday routines into opportunities for real sustainable impact, and how data, design, and determination can reshape entire markets.

Click here to learn more about how FuturePlus can help your business' impact.

Or here to discover more about SURI.

]]> In this episode of the Business of Sustainability by FuturePlus, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Mark Rushmore, co-founder and COO of SURI, the electric toothbrush brand that’s giving a traditional industry a fresh, eco-friendly makeover. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-04-08:/posts/8702111 FuturePlus FuturePlus 19: Sustainable Investing with Julia Groves https://audioboom.com/posts/8694238 19 Sustainable Investing with Julia Groves 1852 false full In this episode of the Business of Sustainability from FuturePlus, co-hosts Alex Smith and Mike Penrose sit down with Julia Groves, Investment Partner at Sustainable Ventures, to explore the evolving landscape of sustainable investing.

With a background in renewable energy and startups, Julia shares her insights on the opportunities and challenges in making sustainable investment more accessible. She breaks down the new FCA sustainable impact label and how it’s shaping transparency in the sector.

We also discuss the power of diverse entrepreneurial teams, the role of financial literacy in driving change, and the game-changing potential of AI in climate tech.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of sustainability-focused investments.

Click here to find out more about Sustainable Ventures or here for specifically for the new investment funds.

FuturePlus is your key to future-proofing your positive impact, helping you integrate sustainable practices into your operations, communicate your ambitions, and report on your progress. Click here to find out more. ]]> In this episode of the Business of Sustainability from FuturePlus, co-hosts Alex Smith and Mike Penrose sit down with Julia Groves, Investment Partner at Sustainable Ventures, to explore the evolving landscape of sustainable investing. Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-03-25:/posts/8694238 FuturePlus FuturePlus 18: World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance https://audioboom.com/posts/8663777 18 World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance 2345 false full In this episode of The Business of Sustainability from FuturePlus, hosts Alex Smith and Mike Penrose sit down with Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.

With a network spanning over 300 brands and 8 million rooms worldwide, the Alliance is driving change across the hospitality industry, tackling key environmental and social challenges.

Join us as we explore the most impactful sustainability initiatives in the sector, the power of collaboration, and the growing demand for transparency in sustainable travel. Glenn shares his insights on the future of hospitality, consumer influence on industry practices, and what it takes for hotels and venues to make a lasting impact.

Subscribe now and stay ahead of the curve in the Business of Sustainability.

Click here to learn more about FuturePlus or here to download the IMPACT CERTIFIED Hotels guide.

To find out more about the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, click here.

]]> In this episode of The Business of Sustainability from FuturePlus, hosts Alex Smith and Mike Penrose sit down with Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-03-04:/posts/8663777 FuturePlus FuturePlus 17: Adventure for Good with Clipper Ventures https://audioboom.com/posts/8644379 17 Adventure for Good with Clipper Ventures 2014 false full In this episode, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose welcome Laura Ayres, Managing Director of Clipper Ventures, the company behind the Clipper Race, the world’s longest yacht race.

They explore Clipper Ventures' mission to drive positive change through sport, adventure, collaboration, and innovation, while also addressing the challenges faced by the business and the wider industry.

Discover how Clipper Ventures uses FuturePlus to monitor its sustainability performance in real time, set ambitious goals, and track its progress. As well as how in 2024, following a rigorous sustainability assessment, Clipper Ventures achieved IMPACT CERTIFIED status.

To find out more about how FuturePlus can assist your business' impact, click here.

For more on Clipper Ventures' sustainability progress, click here. Or to find out more about the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, click here.

The Future of Inclusion: Is Diversity Still Relevant?
 
Join us on Tuesday 25 February (18:00-20:00) for a thought-provoking panel discussion that tackles one of the most debated topics in corporate sustainability and culture: The future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

This event promises an engaging dialogue, expert insights, and diverse perspectives on a contentious issue shaping modern business practices. this event promises engaging dialogue, expert insights, and differing perspectives on a contentious issue shaping modern business practices. We’ve already secured interest from several speakers within our network, including:

- Jamila Brown: Former Head of Impact at Soho House
- Jonathan Hook: CHX Performance, a business consultancy specialising in people sustainability and humanised leadership
- Mike Penrose: Co-Founder of FuturePlus, the award-winning sustainability and ESG reporting ecosystem
- TBC

Click here to book tickets.


]]> In this episode, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose welcome Laura Ayres, Managing Director of Clipper Ventures, the company behind the Clipper Race, the world’s longest yacht race. Wed, 29 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-01-28:/posts/8644379 FuturePlus FuturePlus 16: Tech-Driven Sustainability with Tech Zero https://audioboom.com/posts/8621682 16 Tech-Driven Sustainability with Tech Zero 2010 false full FuturePlus co-founders and show co-hosts, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Sophia Kesteven, General Manager at TechZero, the climate action group for tech companies.

This episode explores and highlights the importance of transparency and planning in achieving sustainability goals, and the role of technology in facilitating these efforts.

Sophia showcases the success stories of TechZero members, illustrating how businesses can integrate sustainability into their operations and discusses the need for collaboration between businesses, governments, and other stakeholders.

For more information on FuturePlus.

Click here for more information on Tech Zero.]]> FuturePlus co-founders and show co-hosts, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Sophia Kesteven, General Manager at TechZero, the climate action group for tech companies. Thu, 12 Dec 2024 06:30:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-12-10:/posts/8621682 FuturePlus FuturePlus 15: Grind - Brewing Innovation with David Abrahamovitch https://audioboom.com/posts/8593748 15 Grind - Brewing Innovation with David Abrahamovitch 2612 false full FuturePlus Co-founders and Business of Sustainability co-hosts Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Grind's Founder and CEO, David Abrahamovitch, for a very special podcast recorded live at Sustainable Ventures.

David will take us on a journey through his entrepreneurial evolution, from the opening of his iconic Shoreditch café in 2011 to building a brand synonymous with sustainability through Grind’s home-compostable coffee pods.

This podcast was recorded as part of the launch of Sustainable Futures Live, a new event series in partnership with FuturePlus and Sustainable Ventures.

To learn more about FuturePlus and Grind.]]> FuturePlus Co-founders and Business of Sustainability co-hosts Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Grind's Founder and CEO, David Abrahamovitch, for a very special podcast recorded live at Sustainable Ventures. Wed, 23 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-10-22:/posts/8593748 FuturePlus FuturePlus 14: Business of Sustainability - E14: Mastercard - How to Tackle the Transition to More Sustainable Consumption and Production https://audioboom.com/posts/8576203 14 Business of Sustainability - E14: Mastercard - How to Tackle the Transition to More Sustainable Consumption and Production 1790 false full FuturePlus co-founders, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Malin Berge, SVP, Sustainability Innovation at Mastercard to explore how to tackle the transition to more sustainable consumption and production.

The discussion comes as Mastercard this week announced at Climate Week NYC, a new dedicated set of sustainability-focused start-ups are joining its Start Path’s Emerging Fintech program.

Championing the demand-side transition to a more sustainable economy, the startups are all focused on advancing impact data calculations and supporting consumers who want to make more informed purchases.

Since 2014, Mastercard’s Start Path program has provided a rapid path to scale via strategic partnerships and co-innovation opportunities to over 400 startups across more than 50 countries.

After participating in the program, the participating startups have collectively raised over $25 billion in post-program capital.

Find out more about FuturePlus, here.

For more information on Mastercard's Start Path program.

If you are interesting in joining Alex and Mike as a guest on the Business of Sustainability podcast, email info@future-plus.co.uk.

]]> FuturePlus co-founders, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Malin Berge, SVP, Sustainability Innovation at Mastercard to explore how to tackle the transition to more sustainable consumption and production. Wed, 25 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-09-24:/posts/8576203 FuturePlus FuturePlus 13: Sustainability for SMEs: Unlocking Value and Growth https://audioboom.com/posts/8565330 13 Sustainability for SMEs: Unlocking Value and Growth 1796 false full On this episode of the ‘Business of Sustainability’, FuturePlus co-founders Mike Penrose and Alex Smith, are joined by Matt Bullivant, Director of ESG Strategy at OakNorth Bank.

In this episode, we’ll be discussing sustainability and what its value is to SMEs, as well as exploring OakNorth’s work and expertise.

The Business of Sustainability podcast is created in partnership with FuturePlus and City AM.

About FuturePlus
Powered by data and guided by human expertise, FuturePlus is an award-winning sustainability and ESG management and reporting platform that empowers companies, investors, and asset managers of all sizes to understand, measure, evidence, improve, and report on their sustainability impact and goals. Find out more about FuturePlus.

About OakNorth Bank

OakNorth helps the UK’s most ambitious businesses maximise their growth potential and keen savers reach their goals. They support ambitious change-makers across all different sectors, with a dedication to fostering a diverse economy has helped to create more than 31,000 new jobs in dozens of industries.

]]> On this episode of the ‘Business of Sustainability’, FuturePlus co-founders Mike Penrose and Alex Smith, are joined by Matt Bullivant, Director of ESG Strategy at OakNorth Bank. In this episode, we’ll be discussing sustainability and what its value is to SMEs, as well as exploring OakNorth’s work and expertise. Wed, 04 Sep 2024 05:30:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-09-03:/posts/8565330 FuturePlus FuturePlus 12: Placing Sustainability at a Business' Core with Zeno https://audioboom.com/posts/8552193 12 Placing Sustainability at a Business' Core with Zeno 1748 false full In this episode of Business of Sustainability, FuturePlus co-founders Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Managing Director of Zeno, London, Jo Patterson.

We’ll be exploring Zeno’s mission, objectives, what sets them apart from competitors in terms of how they value sustainability as well as advice for businesses on how to communicate its sustainability.

The Business of Sustainability podcast produced in partnership with FuturePlus and City AM.
 
Powered by data and guided by human expertise, FuturePlus is an award-winning sustainability and ESG management and reporting platform that empowers companies, investors, and asset managers of all sizes to understand, measure, evidence, improve, and report on their sustainability impact and goals. If you'd like to find out more about FuturePlus.

More for information on FuturePlus, click here.

Click here for more information on Zeno London.]]> In this episode of Business of Sustainability, FuturePlus co-founders Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Managing Director of Zeno, London, Jo Patterson. We’ll be exploring Zeno’s mission, objectives, what sets them apart from competitors in terms of how they value sustainability as well as advice for businesses on how to communicate its sustainability. Wed, 07 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-08-06:/posts/8552193 FuturePlus FuturePlus 11: Dr.PAWPAW - Building a Sustainable Business https://audioboom.com/posts/8521535 11 Dr.PAWPAW - Building a Sustainable Business 1616 false full In the latest episode of the Business of Sustainability podcast, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Jim Higginson, Chief Operating Officer at Dr.PAWPAW and Laura Frankland, Dr.PAWPAW’s Head of Marketing.

In this episode, we discuss a range of topics, including supply chain management, changes in consumer demand and how to communicate sustainability credentials.

This podcast is produced in partnership with City AM.

To find out more about FuturePlus, click here.

For more information on Dr.PAWPAW, click here.

]]> In the latest episode of the Business of Sustainability podcast, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Jim Higginson, Chief Operating Officer at Dr.PAWPAW and Laura Frankland, Dr.PAWPAW’s Head of Marketing. Wed, 12 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-06-11:/posts/8521535 FuturePlus FuturePlus 10: Sustainable Ventures - The Home of Climate Tech https://audioboom.com/posts/8501511 10 Sustainable Ventures - The Home of Climate Tech 1783 false full In our latest episode, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Andrew Wordsworth, Managing Partner at Sustainable Ventures to explore Sustainable Ventures’ mission and objectives and what makes its ecosystem truly unique.

--

This podcast series is for anyone looking for valuable insights on sustainability in business. We’ll be hearing from a range of experts in the ESG and sustainability sectors including investors, innovators, and regulators.

We’ll look to provide you with expert analysis and opinions on the future of sustainability in business, including some of the challenges facing all of us.

--

FuturePlus is an ESG measurement, management and reporting system that can help any size and type of business improve its sustainability.

To find out more about FuturePlus.

Follow us on Linkedin here.

--

Sustainable Ventures helps climate startups and entrepreneurs across the UK to scale through investment, workspaces and venture support. It has a portfolio of more than 100 companies in its workspace and more than 500 in its ecosystem.

To find out more about Sustainable Ventures.

]]> In our latest episode, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Andrew Wordsworth, Managing Partner at Sustainable Ventures to explore Sustainable Ventures’ mission and objectives and what makes its ecosystem truly unique. Wed, 08 May 2024 05:30:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-05-07:/posts/8501511 FuturePlus FuturePlus 9: Climate Comedy with Stuart Goldsmith https://audioboom.com/posts/8487862 9 Climate Comedy with Stuart Goldsmith 2131 false full Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by award-winning comic, podcaster, and climate speaker: Stuart Goldsmith to talk 'Climate Comedy'.

Stuart discusses the inspiration for his climate crisis comedy show ‘Spoilers’, one of the best-reviewed shows at the Edinburgh Fringe last year, and how he's taking it to businesses.

Click here to find out more about Stuart.

To discover how FuturePlus can help your business, click here.]]> Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by award-winning comic, podcaster, and climate speaker: Stuart Goldsmith to talk 'Climate Comedy'. Wed, 10 Apr 2024 05:30:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-04-09:/posts/8487862 FuturePlus FuturePlus 8: Embedding Sustainability during the Ukraine Conflict with The Ridne Consortium https://audioboom.com/posts/8472125 8 Embedding Sustainability during the Ukraine Conflict with The Ridne Consortium 2092 false full On a very special episode FuturePlus Co-Founders, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose, introduce and discuss one of the most inspiring stories to come from the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine.

Sergii Kovalchuk, Founder of the Ridne Consortium kindly joined Alex and Mike remotely from Ukraine to share his and the group's story.

The Ridne Consortium is a group which brings together food and agricultural enterprises in order to develop humanitarian aid programs throughout Ukraine more effectively.

While tackling the countless challenges conflict brings to humanitarian aid, the Ridne Consortium places sustainability as a priority.

We hope you find Sergii’s story and work as inspiring as us.

To find out more about the Ridne Consortium.

Find out how FuturePlus can help your business' sustainability.]]> On a very special episode FuturePlus Co-Founders, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose, introduce and discuss one of the most inspiring stories to come from the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine. Sergii Kovalchuk, Founder of the Ridne Consortium kindly joined Alex and Mike remotely from Ukraine to share his and the group's story. Wed, 13 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-03-12:/posts/8472125 FuturePlus FuturePlus 7: Inspiring Inclusion with the England and Wales Cricket Board https://audioboom.com/posts/8468831 7 Inspiring Inclusion with the England and Wales Cricket Board 2269 false full In a very special episode of the Business of Sustainability podcast, we celebrate International Women’s Day, by highlighting the excellent work being done by the England and Wales Cricket Board to inspire inclusion.

Alex Smith, Co-Founder of FuturePlus and Polly Milne, Project Director at FuturePlus are joined by Tessa Whieldon, Head of Female Participation and Growth at the England and Wales Cricket Board.

This episode discusses the ECB’s strategies and policies, which aim to make cricket the most inclusive sport in the country.

FuturePlus has been working with The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to pilot a programme to understand the collective impact of the ECB and its key suppliers and stakeholders across these areas. Its long-term ambition is to be able to track and monitor its broader impact using the same metrics as all of its suppliers, no matter their size, sector or geography.

By communicating joint rather than individual sustainability and social impact using standardised metrics, the ECB will be able to demonstrate to its passionate supporter base the power of collaboration as an impact-driven, future-thinking group of companies.

To find out more about FuturePlus.

For more information on the ECB.

]]> Wed, 06 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-03-05:/posts/8468831 FuturePlus FuturePlus 6: How Do Supply Chains Best Manage Sustainability And Procurement? https://audioboom.com/posts/8427263 6 How Do Supply Chains Best Manage Sustainability And Procurement? 1144 false full FuturePlus co-founders, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Jessica Bonner, Director at Capita Scaling Partner and Jonjo Hobbs, Managing Director at Capita Procurement Solutions.

In this episode, they explore how supply chains and businesses best manage sustainability and procurement.

Find out more about FuturePlus: https://www.future-plus.co.uk/

Find out more about Capita: https://www.capita.com/

]]> FuturePlus co-founders, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Jessica Bonner, Director at Capita Scaling Partner and Jonjo Hobbs, Managing Director at Capita Procurement Solutions. Wed, 10 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-01-09:/posts/8427263 FuturePlus FuturePlus 5: Oxwash, space exploration to sustainable laundry https://audioboom.com/posts/8396733 5 Oxwash, space exploration to sustainable laundry 1067 false full FuturePlus co-founders, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Dr. Kyle Grant, founder of Oxwash, the world's first truly sustainable commercial laundry cleaning service.

In this episode, they explore Dr. Kyle's journey from a space engineer at NASA to a founder of Oxwash, a company intent on disrupting one of the most traditional industries and making it more sustainable.

To find out more about FuturePlus: https://www.future-plus.co.uk/

To find out more about Oxwash: https://www.oxwash.com/


]]> FuturePlus co-founders, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Dr. Kyle Grant, founder of Oxwash, the world's first truly sustainable commercial laundry cleaning service. In this episode, they explore Dr. Kyle's journey from a space engineer at NASA to a founder of Oxwash, a company intent on disrupting one of the most traditional industries and making it more sustainable. Wed, 08 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2023-11-07:/posts/8396733 FuturePlus FuturePlus 4: Adding Diversity, Equality & Inclusion to Business' Talent Acquisition Strategies https://audioboom.com/posts/8377991 4 Adding Diversity, Equality & Inclusion to Business' Talent Acquisition Strategies 2225 false full In the latest episode of the Business of Sustainability, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by CandidateX Co-Founders Man Wong and Sunil Dial to discuss the importance of adding Diversity, Equality & Inclusion to business' talent acquisition strategies.

-

This podcast series is created by FuturePlus in partnership with City AM.

-

CandidateX is the first talent platform with a DEI (diversity, equity & inclusion) core focus for employers and candidates. To find out more: https://www.candidatex.co/

-

FuturePlus is a sustainability and ESG management, improvement and reporting platform that makes managing social and environmental impact accessible, affordable, achievable and trackable for every business, not just the 1%.

It helps you understand where you are, where you want to be and mostly importantly helps you get there.

If you’d like to find out how FuturePlus can benefit your business, email info@future-plus.co.uk ]]> In the latest episode of the Business of Sustainability, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by CandidateX Co-Founders Man Wong and Sunil Dial to discuss the importance of adding Diversity, Equality & Inclusion to business' talent acquisition strategies. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2023-10-03:/posts/8377991 FuturePlus FuturePlus 3: Becoming a Sustainable Startup with BLOCKHEAD https://audioboom.com/posts/8359187 3 Becoming a Sustainable Startup with BLOCKHEAD 1386 false full In our latest episode, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose from FuturePlus are joined by Danny Lowe, founder of startup BLOCKHEAD and Jess Pritchard, BLOCKHEAD's Head of Commercial Operations & Finance.

They explore what it means to be a 'functional chewing gum', the company's story and vision including the business’ commitments to inclusivity, creativity and integrity as well as the challenges that face startups when it comes to sustainability.

This podcast series is created by FuturePlus in partnership with City AM.

FuturePlus is a sustainability and ESG management and reporting platform that makes managing social and environmental impact accessible, affordable, achievable and trackable for every business, not just the 1%.

FuturePlus qualifies a company’s sustainability achievements before quantifying and translating them into a realistic and trackable action plan.

For more info: www.future-plus.co.uk

To book a FuturePlus platform demo with a sustainability expert: https://bit.ly/45NMxR7

To find out more about BLOCKHEAD: https://blockhead.store/

For further info on FuturePlus' partnership with City AM: https://www.cityam.com/futureplus/


]]> In our latest episode, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose from FuturePlus are joined by Danny Lowe, founder of startup BLOCKHEAD and Jess Pritchard, BLOCKHEAD's Head of Commercial Operations & Finance. Thu, 31 Aug 2023 05:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2023-08-30:/posts/8359187 FuturePlus FuturePlus 2: Sustainability & Hospitality with L+R Hotels https://audioboom.com/posts/8339378 2 Sustainability & Hospitality with L+R Hotels 1374 false full In our latest episode, we’ll be exploring the current sustainability challenges facing the hospitality industry, how the industry might look in the future and what innovations are being created in business.

Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Tristin Swales, L+R Hotels' Asset Management Director and Operations Director, Francisco Macedo.

L+R Hotels, owns and manages an extensive hotel portfolio with over 23,000 bedrooms across the UK, Europe, the US and the Caribbean.

--

This podcast series is for anyone looking for valuable insights on sustainability in business. We’ll be hearing from a range of experts in the ESG and sustainability sectors including investors, innovators, and regulators.
We’ll look to provide you with expert analysis and opinions on the future of sustainability in business, including some of the challenges facing all of us.

--

FuturePlus is an ESG measurement, management and reporting system that can help any size and type of business improve its sustainability.

To find out more head to: https://www.future-plus.co.uk/pricing/

Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/75063219

]]> In our latest episode, we’ll be exploring the current sustainability challenges facing the hospitality industry, how the industry might look in the future and what innovations are being created in business. Wed, 26 Jul 2023 03:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2023-07-24:/posts/8339378 FuturePlus FuturePlus 1: 'People Sustainability' with CHX Performance https://audioboom.com/posts/8320766 1 'People Sustainability' with CHX Performance 1468 false full In this episode, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Damien Stork, founder of CHX Performance and his colleague Jonathan Hook, Director of Learning.

Alex and Mike draw upon Damien’s and Jonathan’s knowledge and expertise to explore ‘People Sustainability’ and what that means for individuals, businesses and organisations.

--

The Business of Sustainability podcast from FuturePlus is the latest show in partnership with City AM, which will be discussing the latest trends, challenges, and advancements in the sustainability and ESG landscape.

Co-hosted by Alex Smith and Mike Penrose, the founders of FuturePlus, the sustainability and ESG management and reporting platform that can help any size and type of business improve its sustainability.

This podcast series is for anyone looking for valuable insights on sustainability in business. We’ll be hearing from a range of experts in the ESG and sustainability sectors including investors, innovators, and regulators.

Each episode looks to provide you with expert analysis and opinions on the future of sustainability in business, including some of the challenges facing all of us.

Find out more about FuturePlus at https://www.future-plus.co.uk/

Connect on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/company/75063219

Learn more about the Impact AM campaign here: https://www.cityam.com/futureplus/ ]]> In this episode, Alex Smith and Mike Penrose are joined by Damien Stork, founder of CHX Performance and his colleague Jonathan Hook, Director of Learning. Wed, 21 Jun 2023 04:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2023-06-20:/posts/8320766 FuturePlus FuturePlus