Chamber event explores green job opportunities

The North East Chamber of Commerce has launched its 2025 Inspiring Women in Business programme with an event focused on opportunities for women in the green energy sector.

The Women in Green Jobs event, sponsored by Northumbrian Water Group (NWG), brought together professionals to foster collaboration and highlight career pathways in sustainability.

Explaining the aim of the event, Marianne O’Sullivan, policy manager at the Chamber, said: “The North East is witnessing rapid growth in green jobs across multiple sectors. 

“From renewable energy to environmental consultancy, the region is at the forefront of the UK’s transition to a greener economy.

“The sustainability sector holds immense potential for empowering women and driving innovation in the region, and it is essential that women are able to take advantage of these opportunities. 

“Together, we can create a stronger, fairer North East.”

Heidi Mottram, chief executive officer of NWG and chair of Net Zero North East England, added: “We’re all aware that we’re in a massive transition towards sustainability. 

“This shift is creating opportunities that are better suited for women and reliant on skills such as innovation, ingenuity and communication. 

“A more diverse workforce leads to better ideas and greater innovation.

“This event is about inspiring people, creating that network and thinking about things in a different way.”

Held at The Greenhouse business centre in Greencroft Industrial Park, Stanley, the event featured a panel discussion led by Monisha Gower, asset director at Northumbrian Water Group (NWG), with six speakers from various sectors. 

The panel included: Zoe Frogbrook, head of environment and sustainability at NWG; Rachel Leech, sustainability officer at Gateshead College; Maggie White, technical specialist at Esh-Stantec; Steven Hugill, editor-in-chief at North East Times; Vyvyan Evans, senior environmental consultant at Aqua Consultants; and Harriet Beattie, senior co-ordinator operations and maintenance at Equinor. 

A key discussion focused on the essential skills required for success in green jobs, highlighting resilience and adaptability as crucial in an ever-evolving industry.

Harriet said: “Collaboration and teamwork are so important. 

“Working in renewable energy, there’s a lot of change all the time, so being open to other points of view is essential.”

Rachel agreed, adding: “Transferable skills and relationship building are so important. Critical thinking is also key in providing a more holistic solution.”

Panel members offered insights and guidance for women starting or transitioning into green jobs.

Harriet highlighted the value of transferable skills, urging attendees to “stand your ground” when moving into the green sector.

Maggie added: “Communication and making data relatable and digestible is important. 

“No matter what subject area you’re in, if you’re interested in the green sector look for those opportunities. 

“Keep an open mind and keep key communication skills going.”

Discussions also explored the diverse opportunities and regional investments in green jobs, with Steven Hugill highlighting the North East’s industrial heritage and strategic strengths, from Blyth’s offshore wind farms to Sunderland’s electrification projects.

Steven said: “Collaboration between industry, education and local authorities is key to ensuring we maximise these opportunities.”

Vyvyan added: “There are a lot of new, interesting jobs coming up on cusp sectors, where we are bringing together different organisations, different partners and joining topics together, to take a more holistic systems approach. 

“There are opportunities for green finance and benefit trading platforms, for example Nutrient Trading and Biodiversity Net Gain credits. 

“Skills here are going to be in demand, and a great opportunity for the North East.

“Environmental charities are also doing incredible amounts of work around sustainability, so how the public and private sectors engage with them will be another great opportunity.”

Zoe added that energy-efficient homes, waste management and recycling will be key focus areas for the future.

She said: “We are all responsible for own household waste but much more needs to be done in that space. 

“Behavioural science needs to be imbedded in what we do around sustainability.”

Attendees also examined how the North East can learn from national green initiatives, including Scotland’s transition strategies for oil and gas workers, as well as Greater Manchester’s advancements in green finance and Cornwall’s Eden Project, which integrates sustainability into every aspect of its operations.

The Chamber’s Inspiring Women in Business programme will continue throughout the year, offering a series of events designed to connect, empower and support women across the North East’s business community.

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