Nick is the UK Director for OCO Global, a boutique consultancy focussed on international trade and investment. Nick has twenty years’ experience in economics, international markets and corporate expansion. He has advised national and regional economic development organisations across every continent on export and FDI strategies. In the private sector, Nick has supported a diverse set of businesses – from tech startups to OEMs to life sciences – expand successfully into new international markets. Nick is retained as a non-executive director of three SMEs.
Nick is CEO of OptimiseAI which he co-founded as a spin out from Cardiff University in 2023. OptimiseAI has gone on to win the 2024 Wales tech startup of the year and secure clients such as Network Rail, University of Wales, Luton Airport, and others. He is also a commissioner for the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales. Nick is passionate about utilising technology such as AI and digital twins to improve the sustainability of the built environment.
Matt is Head of Carbon Strategy at Heathrow where he is responsible for the development and delivery of its net zero carbon plan and works with colleagues from across the airport and wider sector to deliver solutions to aviation decarbonisation.
Matt is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.
Tiernan Mines is the CEO and Co-Founder of Hello Lamp Post, the platform that brings AI-powered digital assistants to any place. Hello Lamp Post improves customer service efficiency, provides valuable location-based insights and makes it easier for people to access relevant information while shaping the future of their surroundings.
With over 10 years of experience in launching ventures and digital products, Tiernan is passionate about scaling technology for good – driving solutions that create a better, more connected world.
Arnold du Toit acts as and on behalf of a dual Family Office between UK-SA and DE. He is an industrial/deep tech investor and operator, specializing in transport, aerospace, and energy. The du Toit Family owns and operates WeSprint, an advisory firm acting on behalf of Private Equity and private/public funds. The dual Family Office holds equity in a small portfolio of property, technology businesses, and funds, with over £200m in assets under management.
Neil Henderson is a visionary leader in technology, web development, and project management, with over 20 years of experience shaping the future of digital media and virtual tours. As the Founder and Managing Director of The Virtual Tour Experts, Neil has been at the forefront of innovation, pioneering immersive virtual experiences that make spaces more inclusive and accessible for all. Under his leadership, The Virtual Tour Experts has delivered groundbreaking virtual tours for globally significant sites, including the Svalbard Global Seed Vault—praised by Bill Gates—and prestigious institutions such as the University of Cambridge. His commitment to accessibility has transformed the UK rail industry, setting new standards for inclusive travel through immersive 360° content.
A driving force behind the company’s mission, Neil blends technical expertise with a deep understanding of human-centred design. His work has earned The Virtual Tour Experts B Corp certification, solidifying its reputation as a socially responsible leader in digital innovation. Neil’s selection for the Future of Air Mobility Accelerator by Connected Places Catapult underscores his role in shaping the future of transportation through emerging technology. From advancing accessibility in public transit to redefining digital engagement, Neil continues to push the boundaries of what virtual experiences can achieve—ensuring that technology serves not just as a tool for exploration, but as a catalyst for inclusivity and meaningful impact.
Steve’s multifaceted background positions him as a leader in sustainability initiatives, strategic advisory roles, and environmental advocacy. He is a dedicated campaigner with a focus on public affairs, sustainability, and environmental issues.
His work focuses on transitioning companies, councils, and communities towards a sustainable future.
Steve contributes to achieving net-zero goals and sustainable development in his current role as an independent sustainability innovation and strategy advisor for Bloom Procurement Services through strategic thought leadership and inclusion of sustainability within supply chains.
He has a long history of campaigning against polluting industries and spearheaded the national network against fracking in the UK for five years. His pivotal role in the national advocacy campaigns was as a policy advisor and public affairs lead, collaborating with cross-party politicians, and NGOs – including Liberty, WWF, Friends of the Earth, and Rain Forest Trust.
Steve also led a consortium to buy the fracking company he campaigned against and was part of the leadership team that delivered the transformation away from fossil fuels to renewable energy and finding solutions for net zero.
This circular approach integrated environmental and social value into the local and wider economy, emphasising sustainability and responsible energy practices.
Steve continues to design tangible actions and events within the community, working in collaboration with non-profit organisations, businesses and grant funders.
Steve assists with broadcast and print media advocacy both at regional and national levels. His close connections with MPs, members of the House of Lords, and other policymakers continue to drive evidence-based sustainability advocacy through APPGs, online sessions and Select Committees.
Sol Anitua is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in strategic leadership and business development across various industries. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Infrastructure & Energies at The Crown Estate, she is also a Non-Executive Board Member for Fundacion Prodis. With over 20 years of experience in energy markets, banking, non-profit and strategy, Sol has held senior roles at prominent organizations such as Santander UK, Vitol, and Merrill Lynch, after starting her career at McKinsey & Co. She has also served as Chief of Staff at Plastic Energy, a cleantech company focused on advanced recycling of plastic waste, and led the pioneering work in launching the Codespa BBVA Microfinanzas Fund.
Sol holds an MBA from the Wharton School and an MA from the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, along with degrees in Law and Business from ICADE, Universidad Pontificia de Comillas in Madrid.
Based in London, she is recognized for her strategic vision and innovative approach to complex challenges, and her passion for building diverse, cohesive, high performing teams.