Manchester is set to take centre stage in January as global brands and purpose-led businesses come together for the Better Business Summit, a flagship event championing action against climate change.
From January 15th to 17th, the city will host thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers, showcasing its commitment to sustainable events and positioning itself as a hub for global collaboration on climate issues.
Hundreds of purpose-driven individuals, change-makers, and innovators attended the sold out conferences in 2023 and 2024, a three day event that inspires businesses to take action.
This year, two days will be held at the Manchester Met University discussing innovative new ideas and approaches and discussing how we can create systemic change through collective action, education and support across four lecture halls, networking sessions and exhibition spaces.
Attendees have free tea and coffee throughout the day, a catered plant based lunch as well as an invitation to our evening networking events and after party included in their ticket price.
The third day will take attendees into Nature to reflect and connect with each other and the Manchester’s selection as the host city highlights its growing reputation as a hub for sustainable innovation and action. By gathering global brands, national businesses, and local leaders, the Summit reinforces Manchester’s position as a driving force in the movement toward systemic change.
This year’s theme, Future Proof, will explore how businesses and individuals can thrive while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, with a particular focus on food, fashion and the future of business.
Confirmed speakers include Darcia Schouten, PR & Brand Communications Manager from TOMS, Jonathan Petrides, founder of Allplants, one of the UK’s first B Corps, Jonathan Dee, Purchasing Director of Swizzels, Sara Tomkins, Sustainability & Community Director at Co-op Live, Gareth Cullen, Regional General Manager at Nudies Jeans, and a representative from Patagonia.
Hannah Cox, founder of the Summit, said: “The Summit is more than a conference— it’s a call to action. It’s about inspiring businesses and individuals to take ownership of their impact and commit to building a sustainable, equitable future.
“We all have a role to play in combating climate change. We have a moral responsibility to future generations to act, using what we have, when we can. Whether it’s businesses embracing sustainable practices or individuals pushing themselves to take bold action, the path to a better future starts with personal responsibility.
“Manchester is the perfect home for the Better Business Summit, as it’s a city with a rich history of innovation, activism, and industry. Manchester’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sustainability align perfectly with our mission to empower businesses to drive meaningful change.”
Hannah will deliver a keynote on how she’s putting this principle into practice with an ambitious challenge: running 110 marathons in 110 days across India to raise £1 million for 1% for the Planet.
Project Salt Run will follow the historic Inland Customs Line, a relic of British colonial rule infamous for its salt tax, famine, and exploitation. Hannah’s run, set for autumn 2025, will stretch 4,030km across India, passing Fort William in Bengal where her great grandfather got married and concluding at her father’s childhood home in Calcutta.
“For me, this run is about stepping out of my comfort zone to create change. We can’t just rely on big businesses; every individual has a role to play in safeguarding our planet,” explained Hannah.
For tickets and more information, visit Better Business Summit.
