Leadership changes and exciting news as we celebrate our 10th birthday

A message from Professor Rusi Jaspal, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Brighton.

The climate and environmental crises are amongst the most pressing challenges we face today.  

Nationally and globally, we must accelerate solutions to hit net zero by 2050, reduce biodiversity loss and conserve 30% of land, waters and seas by 2030, as set out in the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. 

To succeed, high levels of collaboration, innovation and rapid, concerted action are vital. Clean Growth UK, our University of Brighton-led national network, facilitates green innovation, growth and net zero planning amongst member businesses in support of the transition to a net zero, sustainable economy. Our business focused services are a practical exemplar of the university’s core sustainability and partnership values. 

As Clean Growth UK celebrates its 10th birthday in June, we are announcing some changes to our team and putting in place plans to scale-up delivery and impact. I’d like to take this opportunity to let you know that Director, Zoë Osmond and Business Development, Manager Mark Riminton will be leaving the University at the end of June. Both have exciting plans to continue using their business and income generation skills in support of the green transition and we wish them the very best of luck for the future. Zoë has worked at the university for over 20 years. She conceived, set up and led Clean Growth UK over a 10-year period, and has generated very significant funding to enable delivery of our groundbreaking services to a network of over 3,200 businesses. Mark has led on commercialisation and investment readiness services and has supported the growth and development of many of our most successful members over the years.  

Dr Marco Picco will be the key contact for Clean Growth UK following Zoë’s departure. Marco has a PhD in sustainable energy for buildings and has worked alongside Zoë to deliver strategic bids, the lifeblood for our network services. Marco will lead on strategic issues working closely with Jo Carpenter our Network Manager who leads on operational delivery and project management.  

Zoë leaves Clean Growth UK in great shape. It has a strong national reputation and is the go-to regional network for green innovation, giving the University fantastic links into the business community and enhancing its sustainability credentials. 

In recent times the team has launched a new Net Zero 360 service, delivered business grants worth £2.2 million via the LoCASE programme, built a network of over 3,200 business members, and helped raise over £7.8m million in funding to support University / business innovation collaborations.

If you’re passionate about green business and accelerating the net zero transition, get in touch with us here.