On the 12th September 2019, The Future Economy Network co-hosted an exciting business lunch on Sustainable Local Food. It was held in a wonderful city centre location, just off to harbour at the offices of our subscribers, Osborne Clarke. It just so happened there were some abseiling activities taking place within the building at the same time – so lots of entertainment for our incoming guests!
Before the seminars took off, attendees were able to tuck in to a delicious array of sustainable food, part kindly donated by Good Sixty and Better Food. Osborne Clarke kindly provided us with well stocked refreshments.
Davina Gilbert, Events Officer for The Future Economy Network, welcomed attendees, highlighting the benefits of subscribing to the Network and also sharing exciting updates about The Future Economy Group’s Festival of Sustainable Business on 17th September.
Chris Edwards, Founder at Good Sixty, spoke about how changing the way in which we do our food shopping can contribute to a more sustainable future economy and environment. Chris used his business as a successful example of this behaviour change.
Lucy Gatward, Marketing Manager of Bristol organic retailer Better Food, took the audience through the journey of the local organic food scene and how it grew from shaky and tentative beginnings to a flourishing and innovative sector. She looked at routes to market, food security, and at why we should think of food from the soil up, not the plate down.
Julian Mines, CEO of FareShare South West, explained the world of surplus food in the context of the sustainable food movement, and the positive impact that harnessing that surplus food can have on the community. He also addressed the reality that surplus food is not going away any time soon, and discussed the need for a large scale, joined up approach to the issues of food waste and hunger.
The seminars finished off with some fantastic questions from the audience and answers from the speakers, followed by a lively 60 second pitch session from attendees.
The Future Economy Network would like to offer sincere thanks to the speakers, and to Osborne Clarke for their support. Also, a huge thank you to all attendees – we hope you found it an interesting and insightful event.
The Future Economy Network look forward to seeing you at another event soon! Details of upcoming events can be found here. Despite the Government postponing November’s Green Great Britain Week in the face of Brexit, The Future Economy Network have decided that you cannot postpone a climate emergency - so our daily events schedule will continue 4th-8th November – check them out here!