SWM Members Mingle & AGM 2024 – 03/12/24

Hosted at Coventry University

Speakers

• Dr Beck Collins, Senior Sustainability Adviser at SWM
• Clare Chapman, Membership Manager at SWM
• Andrew Pollard, Chair at SWM
• Jon Gray, Deputy Area Lead for the West Midlands at Department for Business & Trade: Invest 2035
• Panel Speakers hosted by Dr Professor Carl Perrin, APVC – Research, Coventry University
• Heather Black, Coventry Strategic Partnerships Manager at Business in the Community
• Margot James, Executive Chair at Coventry Independent Climate Change Board
• Emily Robertson, Senior Associate Artist & Schools Development Coordinator at Highly Sprung Performance
• Ravinder Masih, Social and Sustainability Lead at Severn Trent Water

Sponsors and exhibitors:

Background

SWM hold an annual networking event for our 200+ members so that they can meet and learn from each other’s sustainability expertise, with the view to nurture future collaborations within our sector. We have previously held the ‘Summer Social’ in-person back in 2019 at Ricoh Headquarters in Telford, the (Late) Summer Social via Zoom in September 2021, the 2022 Members Mingle at ‘Neighbourhood’ in central Birmingham, and the 2023 Members Mingle at Midlands Arts Centre.

In 2024, the event was hosted by Coventry University, who are themselves SWM members. Members of SWM’s Board and External Advisory Committee (EAC) were also invited to come along and meet our members and take part in SWM’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Aims of the Mingle & AGM

1. Hear from speakers highlighting the state of progress on climate action in the region with details to be announced in coming weeks.
2. Be provided with an engaging networking opportunity to share knowledge and best practice supporting SWM’s Roadmap to 2030.
3. Hear from SWM on our reflections on the last year and future plans, and deliver the formal business of the Annual General Meeting:
   • a. Receive Directors’ Report and Annual Accounts for 2023-24
   • b. Ratify new Directors and members appointed by the Board since the previous AGM on 05 December 2023

The event

Over 120 people registered for the Mingle & AGM from over 90 different cross-sector organisations representing our members, EAC and Board.

Who came along to the Mingle?

Outline of the event

This year’s Member Mingle & AGM was held on 3^rd December 2024 at Coventry University. The morning began with a warm welcome from SWM Senior Sustainability Adviser, Dr Beck Collins, followed by an introduction from Clare Chapman, Membership Manager. Clare provided valuable insights into the successes of 2024, highlighting both SWM’s achievements and those of our individual members.

Next, our keynote speaker, Jon Gray from the Department for Business and Trade, shared the department’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability practices within their growth, investment, and export strategies. He was also keen to stress that the recent there will be future opportunities to engage with the Invest 2035 green paper from the department of Trade if you missed the opportunity in November.

The event continued with a thought-provoking panel discussion, chaired by Dr Carl Perrin from Coventry University, featuring representatives from various member organisations. The panel addressed the question, “What does sustainability mean for Coventry?” The panellists included Heather Black from Business in the Community, Ravinder Masih from Severn Trent Water, Emily Robertson from Highly Sprung, and Margot James from Coventry Independent Climate Change Board. They provided valuable perspectives on how their organizations are fostering climate conversations in local communities and working to engage partners in these crucial discussions. A common theme among the panellists was the importance of community in driving sustainability in Coventry, with an emphasis on education and collaboration.

Following the panel, members had the opportunity to network and share experiences at our much valued Member’s Mingle. This informal session was an excellent chance for the SWM team to connect with our members directly as well as for members to network and gain valuable links to further their organisation sustainability journey. The morning continued with our popular Music Quiz, hosted by SWM Senior Sustainability Adviser, Alan Carr, followed by roundtable discussions where members exchanged ideas on sustainability topics. Conversations ranged from individual accountability for sustainability to overcoming the challenges of implementing sustainable practices in the workplace. These discussions provided valuable insights into members current sustainability efforts and highlighted opportunities for SWM to further support its members. The results of this workshop will be discussed in early 2025 and a series of pilots will be run to further enhance the value of membership.

SWM Chief Executive Anna Bright presented an update on the organisation’s achievements over the past year, including our milestone of reaching 200 members in December 2024. This was a significant moment for SWM, and we are proud of the growth and impact we’ve seen within our community.

The morning concluded with the Annual General Meeting (AGM), led by SWM Board Chair Andrew Pollard, who provided an overview of the organisation’s performance over the past year and set the stage for the future. Another key part of the session was to propose that the latest new member applicants be adopted into SWM membership -these were ratified as full members by a show of hands. 

We would like to extend our thanks to all our members, exhibitors, and speakers for making the day such a success, your continued support is invaluable. With opportunities for learning from each other and meeting new inspirations, no wonder the event survey returned 100% “very satisfied” with the Members Mingle and AGM.  We look forward to seeing you in 2025 for further opportunities to extend the progress of sustainability for your organisation.

Feedback on the day from Minglers

Comments included:

“Great Members Mingle and panel, thrilled we could attend this year and catch up on the great work you’re all doing… Thanks for a wonderful day of networking and see you all soon.”

“The group discussions I found really useful and it opened up the conversations.”

“Great to have the opportunity to be involved with SWM… Some inspiring discussions around sustainability for our region.”

“The downstairs feedback sessions were interesting, and the energy was good based on the movement around the room.”

“Good to meet others who share the same passion.”

“Great event, connected with some lovely people! Thank you SWM!”

Presentation slides