9th Feb | Free | In-person & Virtually
What’s the role of the tech sector in building a world in the interests of humanity?
Organisations that lead with purpose are changing the nature of business today. Not every company is trying to solve global problems – but every business can apply the principle of ‘designing for humanity’.
B Corp certification demonstrates that a business values society and the environment – striving not only for profits, but are also committed to being a force for good in the world. This can also be a savvy business choice, helping to outpace competitors by attracting customers, investors, staff – and ultimately boosting performance and growth.
Hear how some of Scotland’s most impactful B corps are expediting their plans for the betterment of the world around them – and how the tech sector could be embracing this approach to enable radical and transformational change.
Format
As ever, our interactive panel discussion will be followed by the opportunity to meet your fellow attendees and speakers over drinks and bites. If you're not local, you can still join us virtually.
Venue
Everyman Cinema, Glasgow (Princes Square)
Virtual tickets available via livestream.
Agenda
- 14.30* – Welcome & Panel Discussion
- 15.45 – Audience Q&A
- 16.00 – 17.00 Networking with Beers, Wine & Nibbles for In-Person Attendees
*This event will start at 14.30 sharp, please ensure you arrive earlier.
Please note these times are a rough guide and are subject to change on the day.
Meet the Panel
Chaired by Nathalie Agnew, Managing Director of Muckle Media
Nathalie works across public, private and third sector organisations and specialises in working with brands to create impactful marketing programmes which meet business or organisational objectives, using creative approaches to ensure excellent ROI. Muckle Media is the first and only Scottish PR agency to achieve B Corp status and have been certified since January 2022. Nathalie is a Women’s Enterprise Scotland ambassador.
Laura Service, Designer and co-founder, creative studio ilka
Laura is a co-founder of ilka, Scotland’s first branding and communications studio to certify as a B Corporation. ilka is driven by the belief that design has the ability to change the way we think and the way our world functions for the better. To positively impact humans and our environment. Clients range from WEST Brewery to CBBC Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and Renfrewshire's ambitious charitable trust OneRen. Alongside her creative work Laura set up the Glasgow chapter of Ladies, Wine and Design in 2016 and mentored the Glasgow Women's Library designer in residence to support gender equality in the design industry.
Dr Faisal Ghani FRSA , CEO & Founder at SolarisKit
Dr Faisal Ghani FRSA – A chartered mechanical engineer who has been working in the solar energy field for over 15 years, Faisal founded SolarisKit in 2019 with the aim of providing affordable, clean heat via solar energy. They developed the world’s first flat-packed, self-assembled solar thermal collector, capable of converting sunlight directly into heat in the form of hot water. Faisal was winner of Scotland’s Converge Impact Challenge in 2019, was awarded the RSE Enterprise Fellowship in 2020, and was named Scotland’s inventor of the year 2021. SolarisKit have been a certified B Corp since 2022.
Opening/Welcome by Dr Susie Mitchell, Programme Director at Glasgow City of Science and Innovation (GCOSI)
Susie came to Glasgow in 1996 to undertake a PhD in cancer research at the University of Glasgow’s Beatson Institute for Cancer Research where she was awarded the John Paul Award for research excellence. She would then become an R&D manager within the NHS, a public policy practitioner for local and national government, and Accessibility and Inclusion lead for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. She is a champion of diversity in STEM and in 2016 was recognised by Equate Scotland as a Leading Woman of Scotland for her contributions to STEM and Scotland’s advancement. In 2013, Susie became Programme Director for GCOSI. Susie is a proud member of the Glasgow International Jazz Festival Board and outside work, is a session musician and a presenter and contributor for the BBC.
Art of Possible
Now in its 6th year, the award-winning Art of Possible series brings together an eclectic community of innovators, creatives, academics, policy experts and entrepreneurs to explore how unexpected tech collaborations can bring about new ideas and innovations to tackle challenges we are facing in industry and society.
In the 2023 series we will focus on SMEs harnessing the trinity of the right tech, collaborative people power, and business practices impacting productivity, people and planet.
The Art of Possible series It is an official primer series for Scotland’s national innovation event, CAN DO Innovation Summit.
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