Can sustainable approaches pay and result in profit when cost pressures on business are so high?
The latest episode of the Chamber’s podcast The One for Business explores exactly that.
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A 2026 report from East Midlands Chamber and the University of Derby – Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands – shows drops in decarbonisation investment, collaboration and in the sale of Green Goods and Services – but why?
University of Derby Associate Professor of Strategy and Sustainability Dr Polina Baranova – author of the research – joins Viridis Managing Director Lee Marshall and East Midlands Chamber Director of External Affairs Rick Blackmore to look at weighing the commercial benefits of the journey to net zero with the high cost of doing business.
Plus – we catch up with some of the influential business leaders and speakers from the 2026 East Midlands CSR and Sustainability Conference, held at the University of Derby, to get their perspectives on balancing sustainable approaches with business growth.
PREVIOUS EPISODES
available wherever you get podcasts
Episode 5 – Dialling up Devolution
The Prime Minister speaks of ‘growth in every postcode’ and has made devolution a priority, while East Midlands Chamber-supported Devolution Leicestershire says Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland need more devolved power, delivered without delay.
Following recent backing from Leicester and Leicestershire leaders for a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA), The One for Business finds out why business and the voluntary sector say it’s needed.
Join Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles, Leicestershire Business Voice Chief Executive Sue Tilley and Voluntary Action Leicestershire (VAL) Chief Executive Kevin Allen-Khimani on why now is not the time to take the foot of the gas in delivering devolution.
Find out more about Devolution Leicestershire here.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 5
Episode 4 – Beam Me Up, Boss
UK data in 2026 revealed more than a million under 24’s are classified as NEET – Not in Education, Employment or Training – while the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey’s regional findings have consistently shown 6 out 10 East Midlands employers have had difficulty finding suitable candidates to meet the requirements of roles.
Generation Next Chair Preethi Kang; Champion Blu Hardy and Lead Lucy Robinson address barriers young people face when advancing their career and how workplaces benefit from 18-40s insight.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 4
Episode 3 – AI, Actually: Progress your digital story
Digital Planning founders James Ferraby and Mark Underwood join East Midlands Chamber’s Rick Blackmore, sharing how they built the business, the importance of systems thinking and the compound gains to be achieved from effective AI implementation and digital transformation.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 3
Episode 2 – Women who mean business
An episode not to be missed – as Chamber network Enterprising Women approaches a huge milestone – its 30th anniversary, in 2027 – we get to know its founders Eileen Perry MBE DL and Jean Mountain.
Recorded backstage at Derby’s Vaillant Live, following the inspirational 2026 International Women’s Day Conference, Eileen Perry and Jean Mountain tell us what business means to them.
Their journey to leadership will draw you in, as we hear their remarkable story, overcoming barriers to becoming highly influential in championing women in business.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 2
Episode 1 – Exclusive Preview
Get to know the man behind Policy and Insight. We meet the Chamber’s Rick Blackmore and get an overview of what’s in store and the themes likely to be covered as The One for Business podcast unfolds.
This short introductory episode is a great place to learn more about the podcast and the direction it will take.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 1
