The Birmingham Business School Advisory Board Guest Lecture: Mike Barry

A Sustainable Economy: the imperative for change and the opportunities it offers

Speaker: Mike Barry (Director of Sustainable Business, Marks and Spencer)
Location: Lecture Room G12, Birmingham Business School, University House (PDF - 171KB)

In the wake of the public up-rise precipitated by the finale of David Attenborough’s BBC documentary Blue Planet, which took an unflinching look at the impact of plastic waste on marine life, Mike’s talk will address the urgent need for business to help build a sustainable economy, one that works for all – consumer, shareholder, employee, community and planet alike. From climate change to human rights; plastic pollution to diet; deforestation to ethical jobs, he will explore how business needs to change, and outline why a sustainable future is not about sacrifice and prohibition but about enjoyment, opportunity, excitement and green growth.

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About the speaker

Mike is Director of Sustainable Business and Plan A at the retailer Marks & Spencer. Reporting to the CEO, Mike is responsible for delivering M&S’ aspiration to be the world’s most sustainable retailer. His job is to work with the M&S leadership team to integrate sustainability into the heart of the business across its global retail channels and supply chains. In May 2011 Mike was named the Guardian’s inaugural Sustainable Business Innovator of the Year. He is Co-Chair of the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) Sustainability Steering Group, and Chair of the World Environment Centre. Prior to joining Marks & Spencer in 2000, he worked as an environment manager in the engineering sector and as an environmental consultant.