Six people are stood on a stage together. They are all smiling at the camera. You can see a screen behind them which says "Climate Business" on it.
From left to right: Ben Hancock, Managing Director of Oscar Acoustics; Cllr Harinder Mahil; Cllr Vince Maple; Jo Fairley, Co-founder of Green & Black’s; Cllr Simon Curry; Tom Bingham, CEO of Syntech Biofuel
Published: Wednesday, 28th May 2025

More than 100 people attended our first ever climate business event – Sustainable strategies for a profitable future.

Held at the Rochester Corn Exchange earlier this month, the free event focused on how sustainable business strategies have the potential to unlock growth, address climate challenges and meet growing customer expectations.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from local, national and international business leaders with talks from Ben Hancock, Managing Director of Oscar Acoustics; Tom Bingham, CEO of Syntech Biofuel and Jo Fairley, Co-founder of organic chocolatier Green & Black’s.

The three speakers shared their expertise, learnings and took questions from the audience.

Speaking after the event, Jo Fairley commented: “It was hugely inspiring to be part of Medway Council's recent climate change event, sharing the platform with dynamic members of the business community who are continuing to pursue sustainability goals.

“It is easy to be lulled into thinking that climate concerns have 'gone away', in light of dwindling media coverage and US policy shifts – but as wild weather and record temperatures continue to prove, we have to work harder and faster to achieve those goals than ever before, for the sake of everyone who shares this planet. Bravo, Medway Council!”

Cllr Harinder Mahil, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic and Social Regeneration and Inward Investment, said: “This was a fantastic event which shone a light on how sustainability can benefit businesses and I would like to thank everyone who came along to this inaugural event. The range of speakers we had was brilliant, covering businesses of multiple sizes and sectors, but the importance of sustainability was a clear golden thread throughout each of their operations.”

Medway is home to more than 14,000 businesses with a growing local economy now worth £6.7billion, and prides itself on being one of the most promising growth areas in the south-east.

Learn more out more about business support in Medway.

Find out more about tackling climate change in Medway

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