CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
£2.5K TO £5K
"We wanted to be challenged and she sure delivered."
McDonalds
YOUR FEEDBACK
'Julia delivered an engaging, interesting and informative presentation and brought a different perspective to the conference'
Business in the Community
WIKIPEDIA
TOPICS
Retailing, Branding & Reputation, Energy & Sustainability
SPEECH TITLES
The Green Consumer
Supply and demand
Ecology and business
BIOGRAPHY
Julia Hailes is an environmental consultant and speaker on social, consumer and ethical issues, advising the UK's leading businesses on policy and communications. Banks, retailers and fast food companies have benefited from Julia's briefings on everything from food strategy and supply chain issues to cleantech investments.
A recognised expert on eco-labelling, Julia has sat on the UK Eco-labelling Board since its inception and was appointed as Deputy Chair of the Advisory Committee on Consumer Products and the Environment. She has been awarded a place on the UN Global 500 Roll of Honour for her 'outstanding environmental achievements' and she was elected as the European representative to the Global 500 Forum Council.
A prolific writer on environmental issues, Julia's book The Green Consumer Guide became an international best-seller, with over a million copies sold. More recently, she updated it with The New Green Consumer Guide. Amongst her many other books are Green Pages: The Business of Saving the World; The Green Consumer's Supermarket Shopping Guide; The Young Green Consumer Guide; The Green Business Guide; Holidays That Don't Cost the Earth and The New Foods Guide. She has also published many articles and pamphlets and written regular columns on food and sustainability for the Telegraph and BBC Online.
Much of Julia's speaking work is with companies or specific industry sectors. She targets her presentation at the decision-makers and explains how environmental and ecological issues affect every business (even funeral directors). Her practical solutions are derived from research, experience and strongly-held beliefs.
© Copyright JLA: All Rights Reserved
Q&A
JLA: Has recession accelerated the business response to climate change?
JH: The recession provided an excellent opportunity for companies to re-think the way they operate, but too many still cling to 'business as usual.' Those who have made significant investments in green, like M&S and GE, are getting good returns on their investment.
JLA: Isn't every large company trying to promote its 'ethical' credentials?
JH: Yes, but most are not prepared to go far enough - which could lead to them going out of business while more progressive competitors pick up the opportunities. A CEO recently said "In 10 year's time the most successful company will be the most sustainable company." I think he's right.
JLA: Have consumers changed habits for good - are we all green now?
JH: Many want to feel they're 'doing good' but there's huge confusion about what they can do. Some are convinced that recycling or turning down disposable shopping bags is enough. Consumers can help, but it will mean making a much bigger compromise.