The BRC is delighted to announce it is hosting its second Annual Sustainability Horizon Scan in partnership with RSM on Thursday 30 January 2025. This year builds upon the outcomes of our 2024 benchmarking study on the sustainability maturity of the UK Retail Industry and brings into focus the ESG business imperative. 

As retailers navigate an increasingly complex landscape, ESG is becoming central to long-term success. Retailers in 2025 will need to go beyond compliance and take proactive steps to future-proof their business strategies. From leveraging cutting-edge technology to fostering deeper collaboration with stakeholders, those that lead in ESG will be best positioned to meet both regulatory demands and customer expectations.

This event is now fully booked. Follow the link below to join the waiting list.

 

Email to join waiting list

Meet the Speakers

  • Tracey Banks

    Climate Action Programme Manager | BRC

    Tracey leads our work under the Climate Action Roadmap, coordinates signatories’ work under each pathway and engagement with the key partners. 

  • Sophie De Salis

    Sustainability Policy Adviser | BRC

    Sophie leads on ethical labour, responsible sourcing of commodities, and circular textiles. 

    Her work cuts across key areas of sustainability: from ethical labour and responsible sourcing to food waste and circular fashion. In her role, she engages and leads retailers on the latest policy developments, reactive issues and sustainable initiatives, as well as ongoing communication with government on the most pressing issues for retail.

  • Rich Hall

    Head of Sustainability and ESG | RSM

    A former Big 4 practice leader for sustainability, Rich has worked both internationally and in the UK with some of the world’s largest businesses and respected brands, taking their major ESG projects from inception through to successful implementation. Rich’s experience includes governance and culture, strategy, global supply chain and operational risk assessments, financing, performance management and reporting and assurance. He has also developed and led responses for policy formation and monitoring for clients on issues of significant

  • Alex Fraser

    Director, Consulting Business Transformation | RSM

    Alex helps businesses build a compelling vision and narrative for change, manage stakeholders and drive commitment to change from the boardroom to the frontline. She advises on the efficient implementation of new systems and processes and face new regulations head on. Alex has over 25 years' experience of working with national and multinational businesses, and has worked for both PwC and KPMG, and within industry in senior global transformation roles. Alexis also a qualified professional leadership coach.

  • Sarah Belsham

    Partner, Consulting Digital and Data | RSM

    Sarah is responsible for data analytics and insights within the digital and data team, focusing on working with clients to leverage their data to drive decision making and deliver operational efficiencies. She understands the challenges faced by organisations trying to drive value from their data assets and supports them in developing data strategies that align with their overall business and digital strategies. Sarah is a technology leader with over25 years of experience working across both industry and consulting.

  • Andrew Gibson

    Partner, Consulting Risk & Governance | RSM

    Andrew has over 20 years' experience in delivering internal audit, controls and risk management related services to clients. 

    He has undertaken a range of risk assurance assignments, including advising clients on risk based auditing and key financial controls implementation, undertaking strategic performance reviews of internal audit functions, and providing guidance to companies in implementing both UK corporate audit reform and the Sarbanes Oxley Act in the US.

Agenda
10:00 - 10:30
 Arrivals & coffee

Join fellow delegates for networking and caffeine (optional). To reduce the environmental footprint of the event, you are welcome to bring your own reusable cup.

10:30 - 11:30 
Opening Session with BRC and RSM

We’ll start the day with an overview of BRC’s sustainability initiatives presented by our CSR team. RSM will then provide an introduction to the workshops, sharing insights from their latest Consumer Outlook report to highlight current consumer sentiments.

11:30 - 12:30 
Choose either Session A: Enhancing data and technology capabilities

The use of data and technology to track ESG performance, streamline reporting, and unlock opportunities for innovation.
Workshop led by Sarah Belsham, Partner Consulting Digital & Data, RSM

Or Session B: Integrate quantified risks and long-term ESG macro trends into the strategy

Strategies for incorporating long-term macro trends into your business, while effectively managing risks.
Workshop led by Rich Hall, Head of Sustainability and ESG, RSM

12:30 - 1:30
Networking lunch

A variety of vegetarian and vegan options will be available.

1:30 - 2:15
Review and Discussion of Workshop Highlights

In this session, we’ll dive into the key takeaways from the first set of workshops, discussing major insights, themes, and practical applications. This will be an interactive review, allowing participants to reflect on what they’ve learned, share perspectives, and ask questions. Following this, we’ll introduce the next round of workshops, outlining the upcoming topics and goals to ensure participants are prepared and focused for the sessions ahead.

2:15 - 3:15
Choose either Session C: Collaborating and holding yourself accountable with external stakeholders

Best practices for collaborating with investors, suppliers, and regulators to drive transparency.
Workshop led by Andrew Gibson, Partner, Consulting Risk & Governance, RSM

Or Session D: Recognise the pivotal role of employees in driving sustainability initiatives

The role of employee empowerment in delivering sustainability goals.
Workshop led by Alex Fraser, Director, Consulting Business Transformation, RSM

3:15 - 3:45
Key takeaways from afternoon workshops

 

 

3:45 - 4:00
Wrap up & close

Thanks for coming!

Free for BRC members

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