Sustainability in action: United Nations Principles of Responsible Management Education (UN PRME)

Claire Banwell-Spencer Head of Entrepreneurship Growth Portfolio

Claire is a dual qualified Barrister and Solicitor with an MBA from Cranfield University. Prior to undertaking her MBA Claire worked as a Corporate Lawyer working both in-house and in private practice. Since completing her MBA she has followed her passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. Her work on building partnerships to create a robust and accessible entrepreneurial ecosystem have empowered entrepreneurs to innovate for a more sustainable future.

‘’For a business to be sustainable, it must be able to grow in a way that is good for our planet. For me, it’s about leaving the world in a better place for the next generation and helping businesses to go through those transitions needed for sustainable growth. At the Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurship, we have objectives to grow existing partnerships and build new strategic collaborations to maximise impact, cultivate interactions with local businesses and civic organisations to deepen regional engagement and contribute to industrial growth.

“The UK government targets around net zero put responsibility on local authorities to ensure the local businesses are getting education on energy sustainability and the transition to net zero. Our Ready for Net Zero Growth programme was developed with funding from Central Bedfordshire Council. The Green Recovery Innovation programme was funded by North and West Northamptonshire and we’ve now had four local councils and Green Future Investments all provide scholarships

for businesses to attend those courses. This is where significant barriers and challenges faced by SMEs in their journey to net zero can be removed and why it requires a partnership and ecosystem approach.”

United Nations Principles of Responsible Management Education (UN PRME) 17