Meet the Speakers











	Coming soon - our list of 2025 Resource Conference Cymru speakers! Check back for more info

	A big thank you to the 2024 speakers mentioned below who provided an insightful and inspiring event.


	Ben Maizey Key Account Manager, Dauson Environmental Group/ CIWM Welsh Centre Chair Connect on LinkedIn With over 18 years of experience in both the public and private sectors of the resource industry, Ben currently works as a Key Account Manager for Cardiff-based Dauson Environmental Group and is current chair of CIWM Cymru Wales Centre. Recognising the need for accessible information and updates within the recycling industry, Ben founded "Recycle Link Wales," a free industry tool aimed at providing information and updates on Wales' recycling landscape. Ben can be followed and engaged with at @RecycleWales.
	Dr. Andy Rees OBE Head of Waste Strategy, Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Division, Welsh Government Connect on LinkedIn Andy has 43 years experience of working in the environmental field, including spending the last 27 years in the area of waste strategy. Andy has been Head of Waste Strategy at the Welsh Government for the last 23 years and is responsible for waste and circular economy strategy policy. Andy was awarded an OBE by the Her Majesty the Queen for ‘services to the environment and recycling in Wales’ in the New Year Honours 2019. In May 2022 Andy was included in the inaugural ENDS “Power List” naming the 100 UK environmental professionals who have made the greatest impact in the last two years – as nominated by their colleagues, clients and competitors.
	Jim Bligh Director of Corporate Affairs and Packaging, The Food and Drink Federation Connect on LinkedIn Jim Bligh is Director of Corporate Affairs and Packaging at the FDF. He leads the FDF's political engagement, and its policy work on packaging. Jim and his teams work across the FDF's priority campaigns, ensuring the food and drink industry is well-represented in governments around the UK. On packaging, Jim focuses on securing well-functioning EPR and DRS schemes that deliver value for money and improve recycling rates. Jim has led government and corporate affairs for some of the UK's leading brands across multiple sectors, including PepsiCo, TCS, Manpower and the CBI. He has extensive experience of operating at senior levels in global and UK-based businesses and trade bodies, working with stakeholders in business, government and the media to communicate and bring about policy changes. He has engaged with some of the most sensitive and complex policy challenges in the last 15 years, such as industrial relations, pensions, the Bribery Act, employment and equality, immigration reform, HFSS foods and packaging waste. He is a former chair of the Confederation of Indian Industry in the UK, and visiting fellow at the University of Oxford.
	Ashley Collins Senior Manager – Waste and Recycling Services, Powys County Council Connect on LinkedIn Ashley started his career 30 years ago when he completed a Masters in Wastes Management and joined what was then simply IWM. Since then he has worked in waste and recycling in local government, starting at the old Leominster District Council as Recycling Officer when the recycling rate was a mere 3% and the only way to recycle was through two bottle banks. He worked at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Councils managing the PFI contract for the two authorities before moving over the border fifteen years ago and can now claim to have helped Powys County Council reach nearly 70% recycling! He is Chair of the CSS Waste and Recycling Managers Group for Wales and has been closely involved with policy developments such as EPR and DRS, including Powys hosting the DDRS trial in Brecon.
	Duncan Midwood Co-Founder, The DDRS Alliance Connect on LinkedIn Duncan entered the world of deposit return schemes (DRS) in 2018 when he pioneered the concept of Digital DRS (DDRS) and has been leading the programme of developing and validating the solution since. Early in 2021 Duncan co-founded the DDRS Alliance – a collaboration of global and national organisations cooperating to design, develop and validate an open global blueprint for DDRS. In the summer of 2023, the DDRS Alliance ran the world’s first full community trial of DDRS in Brecon, Wales and is now planning further trials in the UK and Europe. Duncan runs a consultancy, Circularity Solutions, which advises and supports stakeholders on DRS across Europe. He has built an extensive network and strong reputation for his knowledge around DRS. A graduate Mechanical Engineer, Duncan has led a successful career in start-ups to major blue chips in industries including digital printing, food fmcg, building products and nuclear power – in technical, commercial, retail and general management roles. He has worked extensively internationally. Duncan is married with 4 boys and coaches junior rugby and football.
	Emma Hallett Programme Lead - Resource Management Policy, WRAP Cymru Connect on LinkedIn Emma Hallett is Programme Lead for Resource Management at WRAP Cymru. She manages the Collaborative Change Programme (CCP) which supports Welsh councils to improve their waste and recycling services and helps WG to develop policy. Recent work has included the all-Wales waste composition analysis, Digital DRS trials in Brecon and Conwy and supporting the introduction of the new workplace recycling regulations. Having studied Engineering and Geography, Emma has worked in recycling and waste for fast approaching 20 years.
	Gary Walpole Director, Circular Economy Innovation Community, Cardiff Metropolitan University Connect on LinkedIn Bio to follow soon.
	Jane Cherrington Director - Climate, Local Partnerships LLP Connect on LinkedIn Jane has had a successful career as a waste and environmental management specialist with over 25 years of industry and public sector experience, so brings an extensive knowledge of waste strategy and environmental legislative change. Jane currently works for Local Partnerships providing technical and specialist support to the Welsh Government, DEFRA and Local Authorities on Policy reforms, infrastructure for hard to recycle materials and service change. Prior to joining Local Partnerships, Jane was previously the Head of Recycling Services for Cardiff Council, delivering a wide array of infrastructure and service change projects, as well as managing the frontline operations. Jane has considerable experience in shaping the strategic direction and policy of organisations, as well as delivering the infrastructure and processes to deliver change through project management. As a full member of the Chartered Institute of Waste Management as well as a Cymru Council Member, she is committed to continuous learning for herself and others, sharing my expertise but also building better relations and networks for fellow waste colleagues as we transform our industry from waste to resource management.
	Andrew Gore Director - Climate, Local Partnerships LLP Connect on LinkedIn Andy is currently a Director within the Climate team at Local Partnerships supporting Welsh Government programmes and local authorities in developing their waste and recycling services to minimise waste, facilitate a circular economy and meet net zero targets. Andy draws upon 17 years of experience working in Local Government and was previously head of waste services for South Gloucestershire Council and its 25-year PFI waste management contract. He has successfully delivered waste infrastructure projects and implemented large-scale service changes and was one of the first local authorities to set up a successful flexible plastic collection trial within the UK. Andy has also had responsibilities for street cleansing services and a closed landfill site.
	Dr. Nick Morgan Associate Director, Miller Research Connect on LinkedIn Nick Morgan is an Associate Director of Miller Research, a Welsh social policy and environmental research consultancy based in Abergavenny. As a researcher, Nick has a background in the study of Welsh politics, culture, and society. Nick’s research areas cover a range of sectors, including climate change, agriculture, rural development, and education. Nick has recently been involved in the evaluation of Keep Wales Tidy’s Caru Cymru programme, and has helped to develop and deliver the Circular Towns project; a pilot project to develop a comprehensive Circular Economy indicator framework that allows communities in Wales to be assessed for their ‘circularity’.
	Craig Mitchell Head of Waste Support, Welsh Local Government Association Connect on LinkedIn Following a career working in central and local government across Scotland, England and Wales focussed on housing and corporate policy, Craig has been with the Welsh Local Government Association for the last twenty years. Previous policy areas include Social Services, Housing, Finance, Environment, Climate Change, Economic Development and Transport. Currently Head of Waste and Planning managing the Welsh Government funded Waste Improvement Team within WLGA which collects and analyses data and insight into waste services across the twenty-two Welsh councils. This data helps drive service change/improvement and is vital in the run up to EPR and DRS to ensure systems which deliver on their intentions. The team also supports the Circular Economy Ministerial Programme Board ensuring the voice of local government is considered in the progress towards zero waste and net zero carbon targets. Craig is also a member of the steering group to help develop the scheme administrator for EPR.
	Daniel Redfern Director, Envirovue Connect on LinkedIn Bio to follow soon.
	Jane Hall Director, Green Edge Applications Limited/ CIWM Welsh Centre Counsellor Connect on LinkedIn Jane Hall, is a Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Waste Manager with over 20 years’ industrial, environmental and waste management experience. She has worked with both commercial organisations and regulators in a senior capacity, as a result, she employs this specialist skill-base to help companies manage resources efficiently and comply with environmental regulations.
	Lucy Hoggins Founder/ Director, Resilience Sustainable Solutions Connect on LinkedIn For eight years, Lucy has been the owner and Director of sustainability consultancy Resilience Sustainable Solutions (RSS), an agile consultancy that supports clients realise the benefits of embracing opportunities presented by adopting sustainability, climate change and circular economy agendas. RSS works alongside clients, collaborators, and partners to effect change; conceptualising, developing, embedding, and delivering innovative and practical programmes and projects to enhance sustainability performance. Prior to establishing RSS, Lucy has over 20 years’ experience working on environmental and sustainability projects with the third, public and private sector including Carbon Trust helping organizations identify and deliver decarbonization programs, within the private sector as environment manager for Bluestone Wales during startup, internationally for the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) based in Vietnam and in the third sector in multiple environmental business support roles. Lucy holds an MSc in Environmental and Waste Management, a BSc in Environmental Biology from Liverpool University and latterly undertook a two-year energy diploma to upskill technical energy management knowledge. Lucy is also an IEMA recognized CSR practitioner, advanced ISO14001 and SA8000 auditor.
	Robert Poyer Director at Natural UK Ltd, NappiCycle Ltd & Natural Environmental Ltd. Connect on LinkedIn Bio to follow soon.
	Tom Williams Sustainability & Circular Economy Lead, National Bed Federation Connect on LinkedIn Tom Williams is the Sustainability & Circular Economy Lead at the National Bed Federation (NBF). With over a decade of experience, he spearheads sustainability initiatives in the bed manufacturing sector. He champions the NBF Pledge for our Planet, supporting companies in adopting eco-friendly practices and ensuring Pledge compliance. Tom is also an advocate for ecodesign, guiding NBF members through its principles and assessment toolkit. His dedication to sustainability extends to overseeing projects, facilitating collaboration, and advising on environmental matters, making him a driving force in sustainable practices within the industry.
	Lee Marshall Director of Innovation and Technical Services, CIWM Connect on LinkedIn Bio to follow soon.
	Marten Lewis Director of sustainability, Bluestone National Park Resorts Connect on LinkedIn With a degree in environmental science, a master’s in business management, and 16 years as a leader in the 3rd sector, Marten has holistic experience in Sustainable Development. During 16 years leading the Darwin Centre (charity), Marten founded the Darwin Experience Education programme, engaging over 50,000 individuals in sustainability. This led to recognition from Cynnal Cymru, South Wales Chamber of Commerce, Business in the Community, the Institute of Welsh Affairs, Leading Wales, and the Royal Society for Arts (RSA). Since Joining Bluestone in 2019 Marten has overseen three scope 1,2 and 3 carbon footprints; a 92.5% reduction in Scope 1/2; led a reduction in energy use by 6% whilst revenue grew by 53%; secured a multimillion-pound ESG loan; spoken as Key Note for BiTC on Climate, Waste, and Biodiversity; and developed case studies for Welsh Government on Sustainable Tourism; and on the new recycling legislation due in April 2024. In 2023, Marten was named by the Future Generations Commissioner as one Wales’s 100 Change Makers.
	Jon Howes Workshop coordinator, Cardiff Cycle Workshop After a career in the theatre, film and television industries I became Workshop Coordinator for Cardiff Cycle Workshop in 2010. We are an award winning social enterprise dedicated to increasing access to cycling. We hope to achieve this through numerous activities; bike recycling and reuse, commercial repairs, maintenance training and on-site "Dr Bike" events.
	Huw Lloyd Business Account and Project Delivery Manager, WRAP Cymru Connect on LinkedIn Bio to follow soon.
	Jane Davidson Chair, Wales Net Zero2035 / Pro Vice-Chancellor Emeritus, University of Wales Trinity Saint David Connect on LinkedIn Jane Davidson is Chair of Wales Net Zero 2035, an expert Group convened under the 2021 Cooperation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru to ‘Commission independent advice to examine potential pathways to net zero by 2035 – the current target date is 2050. This will look at the impact on society and sectors of our economy and how any adverse effects may be mitigated, including how the costs and benefits are shared fairly. We support devolution of further powers and resources Wales needs to respond most effectively to reach net zero” The Group’s work will be undertaken between January 2023 and July 2024. She is the author of #futuregen: Lessons from a Small Country (2020), the story of why Wales was the first country in the world to introduce legislation to protect future generations. #futuregen is published by Chelsea Green. The update was published in Welsh by Lolfa in 2022 #futuregen: Gwersi o Wlad Fechan She is Pro Vice-Chancellor Emeritus at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, having spent nearly a decade leading the university’s sustainability agenda through the establishment of INSPIRE (the Institute for Sustainable Practice, Innovation and Resource Effectiveness), with the university achieving a number of awards under her leadership. From 2000 - 2011, Jane was Minister for Education, then Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing in the Welsh Government, where she proposed a law to make protecting future generations the central organising principle of government; the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act came into law in 2015. She introduced the first plastic bag charge in the UK, and her recycling regulations took Wales to among the best in the world. She created a Climate Change Commission for Wales, the post of Sustainable Futures Commissioner, One Planet Developments and the Wales Coast Path. In Education, she piloted major curriculum changes: in particular, moving away from subjects to areas of learning in the Foundation Phase for early years and broadening the A level curriculum through a Welsh Baccalaureate, integrating Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship into the Welsh Curriculum. From September 2022, the new Welsh statutory curriculum embeds both approaches. Jane is a patron of the Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) Seatrust, Cambrian Wildwood and Tools for Self Reliance Wales (TFSR Cymru). She holds honorary fellowships from IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment), WWF, CIWM (Chartered Institution of Wastes Management), CIWEM (Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management) and an honorary doctorate from the University of Glamorgan. She is a RSA Fellow and since 2017 has been guest faculty in the Executive Education for Sustainability Leadership programme at Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She contributes regularly to international expert events, particularly on intergenerational equity. She lives on a smallholding in west Wales where she aims to live lightly on the land.

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