Renewables pioneer and Good Energy Group PLC founder Professor Juliet Davenport will join entrepreneurs, researchers and students next week at the University of Bath to advise how to set up and run businesses in an ethical and sustainable way.

The University of Bath is running a series of events from 14 November to celebrate and mark Global Entrepreneurship Week 2022, a worldwide event established in 2018 to encourage, advise and support millions on people of all ages and backgrounds through local, national and global activities.

Professor Davenport founded one of the UK’s first 100% renewable electricity suppliers, Good Energy, in 1999. She will discuss how businesses and start-ups must work harder than ever before to operate in a greener, more sustainable way for the benefit of themselves, their clients, and the planet.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak at the University of Bath Global Enterprise Week and that such weight has been given to the issues of business sustainability, renewable energy and the climate,” Professor Davenport, the first female CEO of a UK energy supplier, said.

Professor Davenport works with industry, innovation and research organisations, advising on the ways towards a cleaner, greener future. She has recently published a new book – ‘The Green Start-up – Make Your Business Better for the Planet’, described as an essential toolkit for modern entrepreneurs.

Professor Davenport received an honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Bath in 2022. The University works with businesses, researchers and students to enable new ideas, innovation and growth under its Enterprise and Entrepreneurship community and strategy.

“It is six months since our inaugural Enterprise Day so is very timely to be continuing to engage with our stakeholders and celebrating entrepreneurship,” said Professor Jonathan Knight, Vice-President for Enterprise.

Professor Davenport will speak on Thursday 17 November at the University of Bath from 6 p.m. There is no charge for this event and places can be reserved here.

Sustainability is also the core theme to Monday’s GEW event for student entrepreneurs, who will be invited to discuss how it can be integrated into their business ideas.

Tuesday will see a panel discussion – ‘My Entrepreneurial Journey’, which will be led by Stephen Rangecroft, Director of External Engagement at the University of Bath. Speakers include: Jinghui (Helen) Liang, Founder & Chief Scientific Officer of Labcycle; Mark Farmer, Angel Investor, of Science Creates Ventures; Dr Vimal Dhokia, Founder and former Director of Gen3D; and James Russ, Founder of Testmyteeth.

Would-be student entrepreneurs can also join a Dragons' Den Pitching Competition on Wednesday, which gives students the opportunity to pitch to University of Bath alumni for the chance to win direct investment into their start-ups.