Date: Thursday 25 April

Time: 4–6.30pm BST, followed by a drinks reception

Location: Virgin Hotel, Edinburgh

ICAS is hosting its second Sustainability Summit, delivered in collaboration with Accounting for Sustainability (A4S), to explore how we can accelerate the vital business changes needed to save our planet. 

This year’s event follows the success of the inaugural summit in London, which focused on the development and compatibility between different sustainability reporting approaches (see video below). As businesses become more familiar with the demands of the new disclosure frameworks launched throughout the past year, the 2024 summit will go a step further to address how best to embrace and implement these frameworks.

Across two panel sessions, a stellar line-up of industry trailblazers and sustainability specialists will share their views on the future of sustainable business, explain the role of technology in the climate transition and simplify the complexities of sustainability reporting. This unmissable event will give attendees the practical insights and meaningful solutions they need to equip their businesses for the demands of the evolving sustainability landscape.

It is widely recognised that we need to work together to address sustainability challenges. Along with an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, the summit will also mark the launch of ICAS’ sustainable business network. This new forum will be a collaborative community where professionals can share ideas and benefit from sustainability-related support, empowering one another to take action.

Register now to learn, network and be inspired

Who are the speakers and panellists?

Host: Dr Vanessa Collingridge, broadcaster and journalist
Dr Vanessa Collingridge is an award-winning broadcaster, journalist and author specialising in science, history and the environment. Her international career has taken her across the globe, making programmes in all seven continents. She is also an academic and leadership coach.

Clive Bellingham CA, ICAS President 
Clive Bellingham CA is the first international ICAS President and was the governance lead on the ICAS 2030 strategy, which has sustainability at its core.

Panel 1

Martina Tessari, Head of Europe and Global Sustainability Reporting Lead, A4S
Martina Tessari oversees several global A4S projects and programmes. She also leads the A4S Sustainability Reporting Initiative and Controllers Forum.

Hilde Blomme, Deputy CEO, Accountancy Europe
Hilde Blomme has been with Accountancy Europe since 2003. She is an expert in financial and sustainability reporting, as well as its assurance.

Ravi Abeywardana, Director of Strategic Affairs and Capacity Building, IFRS Foundation
Ravi Abeywardana led the development of the International Sustainability Standard Board’s inaugural standards, IFRS S1 and S2. He has close to 20 years of international experience across different sectors, on a range of financial and ESG matters.

Fiona Donnelly CA, ICAS Director of Sustainability
Fiona Donnelly CA drives sustainability efforts within ICAS and externally for members. She also represents ICAS on various collaborative groups including the Global Accounting Alliance and Chartered Accountants Worldwide.

Panel 2

Peter Norton CA, Group Director of Finance, NatWest Group 
Peter Norton has been with the NatWest Group since 2018, having previously worked at UK Financial Investments, UBS and more. He is also an ICAS member, having qualified in 2007.

Dr Marc Lepere, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer, Omnevue 
Dr Marc Lepere co-founded Omnevue, a new online platform designed to help SMEs get their sustainability data and reports assured by accountants, as they would financials. He is also lead for executive education on ESG and sustainability at King’s Business School, King’s College London.

Graeme Gibson CA, Chief Financial Officer, Edinburgh Airport
Graeme Gibson CA’s role as CFO of Edinburgh Airport entails a particular focus on long-term financial planning and forecasting, funding, financial control, risk, capital investment and governance. He is also an ICAS member, having qualified in 2008, and an alumnus of A4S Academy.

Alison Cornwell CA, Group CFO, Vue International; ICAS Deputy President 
Alison Cornwell CA has enjoyed a stellar career in the entertainment sector as Group CFO at Vue International. A key part of her role as Deputy President has been promoting a more sustainable future for ICAS, the profession and society as a whole.