Join us for a free in person half day conference looking at how the UK can develop and deploy cutting edge digital tech to deliver a circular economy for the UK as we look to 'reinvent the wheel'.

With the government developing a new Circular Economy Strategy this event will look at how tech and innovation can be applied in resources and waste, look at how digital devices are becoming more circular and where AI, data analytics and IoT can revolutionise resource use. The agenda is below and this event is free and open to anyone with an interest in the circular economy.

Agenda:

13:00 – 13:15 - Keynote: Prof Paul Ekins, Vice Chair, Circular Economy Taskforce
Professor Ekins will open the event with overview of the Taskforce’s work and how digital tech can support the Circular Economy Strategy.

13:15 – 14:15 - Panel Discussion: How Digital Tech Can Deliver the Circular Economy Strategy

  • Signe Norberg, Head of Public Affairs, Aldersgate Group (Chair)
  • Alice Rackley, CEO & Founder, Polytag
  • Ollie Taylor, Director, Zero Tech Waste
  • Dr David Greenfield, Co-Founder, Tech Takeback & Member, Circular Economy Taskforce
  • Katy Medlock, UK General Manager, Backmarket

14:15 – 14:30 - Break

14:30 – 15:10 - Lightning Presentations: Digital Innovation in Action

  • Alec Bartishevich, Sustainability Policy Manager, techUK (Chair)
  • Fiona Charnley, Professor of Circular Innovation, Exeter University — Digital Innovation and Circular Economy
  • Louise Whittaker, Virgin Media O2 — Device Donation & Digital Inclusion with Hubbub
  • Scott Butler, Managing Director, Material Focus — Recycle Your Electricals Campaign

15:10 – 16:00 - Panel: Embracing AI to Drive Circularity      

  • Tess Buckley, AI Programme Manager, techUK (Chair)
  • Emrah Alkaya, Co-Founder, Circular AI
  • Jody Sherratt, Operations Director, Cheshire Waste Recycling
  • Amy Hooper, Innovation Manager, Biffa

16:00 – 16:10 - Break

16:10 – 17:00 - Panel: Designing Digital Devices for Circularity

  • Patti Noble, Global Sustainability Strategy Manager, Vodafone (Chair)
  • Henrik Hvid Jensen, Industry Managing Partner, DXC
  • Nancy Powell, UK&I Sustainability Manager, HP
  • Jonathan Perry, Senior Principal Engineer, Dell

17:00 – Networking drinks

 

Craig Melson

Craig Melson

Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability, techUK

Craig is Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability and leads on our work in these areas ranging from climate change, ESG disclosures and due diligence, through to circular economy, business and human rights, conflict minerals and post-Brexit regulation.

Prior to joining techUK he worked in public affairs and policy has an avid interest in new and emerging technologies. Craig has a degree in Ancient History from King’s College London and spends his time watching Watford FC and holding out hope for Half Life 3.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
020 7331 2172
Twitter:
@techUK,@techUK
Website:
www.techuk.org,www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/craig-melson-25479936,https://uk.linkedin.com/in/craig-melson-25479936

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Alec Bartishevich

Programme Manager - Sustainability, techUK

Alec joined techUK in 2025 as the Programme Manager for Sustainability within the Climate, Environment, and Sustainability Programme.

In his role, he helps lead on key sustainability and climate topics, including ESG disclosures, supply chain due diligence, human rights, e-waste, biodiversity, and the move to the circular economy. He also supports data centre members with sustainability challenges.

Prior to joining techUK, he worked as a policy staffer for a United States Senator. He is a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science and SUNY Geneseo. Outside of work, he enjoys playing sports, going to the movies, and travelling.

Email:
[email protected]

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Matthew Wild

Matthew Wild

Marketing Assistant - Private Sector, techUK

Matthew joined techUK in August 2023 as a Programme Assistant.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
020 7331 2000

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Climate, Environment and Sustainability Programme activities

The techUK Climate Programme provides opportunities for members to present tech solutions that assist carbon emission reduction, circularity, and human rights goals. We also help our members with their own net zero transition, including measurement, implementation, compliance, and reporting. Visit the programme page here.

 

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 Meet the team 

Craig Melson

Craig Melson

Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability, techUK

Josh Turpin

Josh Turpin

Programme Manager, Telecoms and Net Zero, techUK

Alec Bartishevich

Programme Manager - Sustainability, techUK

Lucas Banach

Lucas Banach

Programme Assistant, Data Centres, Climate, Environment and Sustainability, Market Access, techUK