How to radically re-think what a successful business looks like

A breakthrough business conference is challenging corporates and start-ups to redefine the way the UK lives and works, putting sustainability and mental and physical health at its heart.

Blue Earth Summit is encouraging attendees to develop and share the Blue Thread in their businesses, prioritising the wellbeing of workers and improving companies’ environmental footprints alongside the belief that optimum profitability can still be achieved.

At the three day event in Bristol, which will be attended by major corporates, as well as entrepreneurs, founders, investors and start-ups, attendees will get the opportunity to develop the concept of the Blue Thread in all aspects of their work and learn from others experiences.

Committing to the creation of a Blue Thread declares a shared belief that business can be a force for good in protecting the planet and its people. And that work and life can be better.

“Now is the time for action. Organisations have to be profitable, yes, but they also have to be working in tandem with our planet to ensure sustainable growth” said event co-founder Will Hayler.

A headline speaker at the event will be Richard Walker, managing director of Iceland who has already publicly committed the company to bold sustainability goals with the pledge: ‘We seek to build a growing, profitable and responsible business that does the right thing for our colleagues and customers, the communities we serve, the planet and future generations.’

He said of the event. on October 11-13 2022 : “If you and your business are passionate about our planet and the people who work for you, Blue Earth Summit is for you. I am very much looking forward to this year’s Summit as we all need to discover and celebrate how we create businesses that do good. Combining that with a celebration of the outdoors, whether that is encouraging people to walk around their local parks or spending time at the beach if they can. We know it benefits people’s mental and physical health. They are shared goals. ”

The 5,000 attendees will include fledgling start-ups as well as established business leaders and representatives from FTSE 100 companies meeting between the 11-13 October. Over 72 hours they will have access to expert speakers and advice such as how to successfully get a B Corp certification, how to harness the science based power of the outdoors, how to super-charge your creativity and problem solving and top tips for eco-ethical supply chain sourcing. There will be action-focused panels and workshops to give businesses the tools they need.

“Following so much social change as a result of the pandemic, the current impact and pressure of inflation on consumers and workers we feel we are at a tipping point,” said Hayler. “The forthcoming meeting of world leaders at the G7 summit ( June 26) will once again put the environment to the forefront of everyone’s minds. We share the same planet and the same problems and we believe business can have a positive impact in changing the conversation.

"Currently many brands are terrified of being accused of green-washing as they aim to deliver what they know the public wants but are struggling to manage properly. Added to this is the great resignation, as many employees look for a better way of working. We believe these two trends can make firms come together to discover how we can all share the knowledge and desire for a new era in business - not just in the UK but worldwide:

The first Blue Earth Summit was held last October, as the country was relishing being free from lockdown, embracing the chance of being outdoors and able to meet like minds to discuss business issues, rather than only seeing each other through computer screens. 

"Networking can often be  seen as a cynical exchange of business cards but the exchange of mutually beneficial ideas at last year’s summit was extraordinary,” said Hayler. “It was the first time so many people with shared visions and values had been able to connect in a business context. The energy and ideas in the rooms were amazing.”

At Blue Earth Summit the experts aren’t just on a stage – they’re all around - the people who make change happen. Co-creation sessions will pull in the skills and passion of everyone in the room, so that attendees are not just listening to leading thinkers and doers, they are in conversation with them. 

Kresse Wesling CBE,  Entrepreneur and Founder of Elvis & Kresse, which handmakes designer accessories from reclaimed fire hoses, donating 50% of profits to The Fire Fighters Charity,  is speaking at the event. She says: “The Blue Earth Summit is a place to discover a modern way of working that is good for the planet and helps us retain and inspire staff “.  She says: “The final question we ask ourselves before starting a project: is this going to make the world better for other people’s grandchildren? And if the answer is yes, we do it; if it’s no then we don’t. Everyone thinks sustainability is really complicated but if you ask yourself this question, then it’s not. It also ensures long-term thinking which is always better for the environment.”
The organisers of the Blue Earth Summit believe that the best business ideas happen outside of the boardroom. Day three of the event is held at The Wave, Bristol’s unique inland surfing destination, and is all about this, whether it’s talking shop on a trail-run, drawing inspiration from nature, taking part in poolside networking or making the most of exercise driven endorphins, the great outdoors can be a catalyst for great ideas.

Key themes at the event alongside environmental issues will be how to get funding for start-ups, dealing with wellness in the workplace, challenges faced by female founders and balancing profit, purpose and authenticity with audiences.

Key stats
•    87% of customers  have a more positive image of a company that supports social or environmental issues (FORBES)
•    Employees at eco-friendly Companies are 16% more productive than average (UCLA and the University of Paris-Dauphine)
•    28% of employees check a company's sustainability practices before applying for a job, rising to 39% for millennials ( TotalJobs)
•    Environmental values positively boost  employees spirit leading to staff retention ( Lloyds Bank)

Fact Boxes:
What is a Blue Thread?: A Blue Thread is the action we take to protect the planet and its people which is inspired by the outdoors.
We call it a Blue Thread because it’s the connective tissue that runs through each business attending the Blue Earth Summit, linking what it does to the power of the outside world. 

It is the action you take to make the world a little better.  It is the impact you want to make in protecting the planet and its people.  It’s what you do – or what you’re planning - as a force for good.

Perhaps your company’s Blue Thread is an ambitious carbon reduction programme, or an employee wellness scheme which encourages connection with the great outdoors?

It’s what brings us  - the Summiteers - together at the Blue Earth Summit each year to share experiences and to learn from each other. 
What is the Blue Earth Summit?   72 hours, 5000 summiteers, makers, mavericks, founders, futurists, adventurers and investors for 72 hours in one of the most radical cities in the world, creating momentum, impact and change.
Where do I get tickets? 
Tickets are limited. To purchase your ticket in advance click here: https://blueearthsummit.com/tickets/