etheco founder Jason Hollingsworth joined forward-thinking founders, investors and change makers in London – and came away inspired
Last week, I headed to Woolwich Works in London for Blue Earth Summit 2026, which ran from 14 to 16 October. As one of the event’s start-ups, I was looking forward to meeting people who share our ambition to build a better future for people and the planet. I came away feeling more hopeful than ever.
A growing movement for change
Launched in 2021 by entrepreneur Will Hayler, Blue Earth Summit has grown into a major gathering for people working to make business a force for good. The three-day event brings together entrepreneurs, investors, campaigners, scientists and business leaders to share ideas, explore solutions and build partnerships. This year the summit attracted more than 7,000 people.
What appeals to me is that it brings together people from different backgrounds and industries, united by a common desire to make a positive difference. Tackling the challenges facing people and our planet can sometimes feel overwhelming, but seeing so many people working towards practical solutions reminds me just how much can be achieved when we collaborate.
Making connections that count
The summit was a wonderful opportunity to introduce more people to etheco and explain how our ratings-led approach helps people make more informed choices. They appreciated how we assess businesses through our four Ps: People, Planet, Pocket and Performance, making it easier to discover ethical and eco-friendly alternatives without compromising on quality or affordability.
I had some great conversations with potential partners, investors and supporters, and it was a real pleasure to meet businesses already featured in the etheco directory. We also received some really encouraging feedback, which reinforced my belief that there is a growing appetite for businesses that put people and the planet at the heart of what they do.
Between the networking sessions, there were thought-provoking talks, fresh perspectives and some brilliant comedy too. It was a reminder that conversations about sustainability and positive change don’t always have to be serious or daunting. They can be energising, enjoyable and full of possibility.
Looking ahead with optimism
Blue Earth Summit also gave me the chance to connect with organisations including B Lab UK and 1% for the Planet, the global network of businesses giving back to the environment that etheco joined earlier this year. These connections matter because meaningful change rarely happens in isolation.
I left feeling inspired by the people I met and the ideas we shared. At etheco, we’re excited to be part of this growing movement, helping more people discover businesses that align with their values.
For me, the biggest takeaway was simple: a better future isn’t just something to hope for. It’s something we can build together, one thoughtful choice, conversation and partnership at a time.
Find out more about the Blue Earth Summit here.