The UK has set an ambitious goal to decarbonise all sectors and become net zero by 2050.
But how have its businesses responded? What does progress look like in practice? And what learnings can household names pass on from their experiences?
Bringing the first season of our Business But Better to a close, host Charlotte Rees-John is joined by River Island’s Head of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability, Jose Arguedas, and Irwin Mitchell’s Head of Planning & Environment, Claire Petricca-Riding.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or watch on YouTube, as they:
- Consider what net zero means and how it could impact all of us
- Discuss why the retail, hospitality and leisure sector has been put on the frontline of this debate
- Outline what the government is – or isn’t – doing to help organisations
- Look ahead to new legislation and the introduction of mandatory reporting
- Question whether red tape holds back innovation
- Share their thoughts on how genuine progress can be achieved.
On the podcast
Charlotte Rees-John – Employment Partner and Head of Retail, Hospitality and Leisure sector
Charlotte is the Head of our Retail, Leisure and Hospitality sector. She is also an Employment Partner with over 20 years’ experience. She acts for a number of household names including Costa Coffee, PureGym and McArthurGlen. Other well-known clients in the Retail, Leisure & Hospitality sector, include Mothercare, McDonald’s, Arcadia Limited, Whitbread, Topshop and Pets at Home to name just a few.
Claire Petricca-Riding – Head of Planning & Environment
Claire works across a range of sectors, including housing and commercial development, waste management, maritime and renewable energy. She regularly writes articles for national publications, including Estates Gazette, Property Week and the Property Law Journal. She has also been named as one of the top 100 environmental professionals by ENDS in its inaugural ENDS Power List.
Jose Arguedas – Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, River Island
Jose Arguedas is an accomplished sustainability leader with over 20 years of experience in ESG-related subjects. His journey began at the Gap, a renowned US brand, where he held various roles in ethical trade, sustainability strategic planning. He eventually served as Head of Global Partnerships, leading a number of social and environmental initiatives. Transitioning to roles at Global Fashion Group and River Island, Jose has developed cutting-edge sustainability strategies for global fashion retailers. Currently, he directs the Environmental Social Governance function at River Island, spearheading initiatives such as developing Science Based targets for achieving Net Zero by 2040. Jose's expertise extends beyond corporate realms: he has chaired the Advisory Board at Social Accountability International and served on the Advisory Committee on Business and Human Rights at the OECD.