Business delegation gets on track for summit

Purpose-led businesses from the North East and Scotland are being given free rail travel to a London summit focused on building a more sustainable future.

B Local North East has teamed up with sustainable rail operator Lumo to take a business delegation to the Blue Earth Summit, which runs from October 14 to 16.

The initiative will see delegates travel from Edinburgh via Newcastle to London King’s Cross, creating what organisers say will be the UK’s first Blue Earth business rail delegation connecting Scotland, the North East and London.

B Local North East and B Local Scotland, regional communities supporting businesses working towards positive social and environmental impact, have secured free Lumo travel for up to 50 delegates, alongside discounted summit admission and accommodation.

The delegation will include certified B Corps, businesses working towards certification and organisations seeking to improve their impact across people, planet and profit.

B Local North East co-chair Suzi McCreedy, who is also chief commercial officer at County Durham-based business support firm Umi, said: “We know that travelling from the North to London can be a significant ask for smaller businesses, particularly with increasing pressure on time and costs. 

“The support from Lumo, alongside the discounted access and accommodation secured through Blue Earth and B Lab UK, helps remove some of those barriers and makes it much more accessible for businesses from our region to be part of this global conversation.

“We also wanted the journey itself to be part of the experience. 

“The dedicated area on the train will become a space for networking, lightning talks and conversations about how we can build a more sustainable world.”

Scottish businesses will board in Edinburgh before North East delegates join in Newcastle, with the train becoming a moving hub for networking and collaboration on the journey south.

A programme of onboard lightning talks and discussions will explore innovation, investment, responsible business and the future economy, giving delegates an opportunity to share ideas and build new connections before arriving in London.

Richard Salkeld, director of communications and partnerships at Lumo, added: “We want the B Local and Blue Earth delegation area to become a live demonstration of what sustainable business travel can look like.

“Too often, businesses in the North are excluded from opportunities in London because of the time, cost and environmental impact associated with travel.

“LUMO is keen to help change that and demonstrate that businesses can access major national and international events without needing to fly.”

Blue Earth Summit brings together innovators, investors, founders, business leaders, policymakers and campaigners, with B Lab UK serving as its headline partner.

The partnership will also showcase Lumo’s approach to lower-carbon business travel.

The operator runs an all-electric fleet and has introduced measures including paperless ticketing and alternatives to plastic bottles, while half of its onboard food menu is plant-based.

Richard added: “We’re proud to support this delegation, bringing together purpose-led businesses from Scotland and the North East on one journey to London and demonstrating how sustainable rail travel can connect businesses, create opportunities and help build a more sustainable future.”

Businesses already confirmed for the delegation include Just Williams, Robson Laidler Accountants, UMi, Blu Sky Accountants, McBryde & Co, Heron Financial, Muckle Media, Zebra Growth, Anturas, 51 to Carbon Zero, Happy Porch and Planner Bee.

The initiative is designed to extend the summit experience beyond London by creating opportunities for businesses to network, exchange ideas and explore collaboration from the moment they begin their journey.

Any other purpose led businesses who would like to join the delegation can register their interest by emailing northeast@blocal.bcorporation.uk.

To learn more about the Blue Earth Summit and what’s on, click here.

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