Hiten Sonpal is an experienced asset financier and sector specialist, having amassed over 23 years industry knowledge within the banking and asset finance sector. Hiten’s vision and passion for the environment enabled him to redirect his career into green finance and, for the past 12 years, spearhead the growth of renewable lending, whilst consolidating his expertise in renewables, clean energy and zero emission mobility projects. As a result of his innovative approach, dedication and contribution to the sector Hiten was named winner of the Sustainability executive of the year in 2015 and was highly commended for the transport project of the year in 2020 at the business green awards. As Head of Green Finance Hiten enhances MHA’s green finance offering by providing tailored lending and advisory services to enable businesses to achieve their climate change goals and reduce costs through renewable energy initiatives.

Professor Louise Manning has worked for over 35 years in the agri-food supply chain in a range of roles. Her expertise is in the area of food security and food integrity including food safety, food quality, food crime, policy and governance, social and corporate responsibility, resilience, risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Louise has carried out projects for government bodies and companies throughout Europe and Africa. This work includes strategic risk analysis and mitigation for both corporate organisations and public bodies. She has been published in peer-reviewed journals, authored book chapters and written and edited books in the subject area. Louise’s research work also involves undertaking desktop reviews; qualitative and quantitative fieldwork including focus groups, workshops and in-depth interviews, questionnaire design and analysis, strategic framework, communication systems and model design and developing tools to drive risk communication and engagement of stakeholders at all levels of the supply chain.

Jose is a sustainability and ESG risk assessment expert responsible for helping a wide range of business and industries translate and quantify Sustainability & ESG related risks and opportunities. His experience includes working with large listed companies in the Agricultural, Technology, Renewable and Mining sectors, including the biggest copper mine in the world. Jose is extremely passionate in raising awareness on the topic and supporting organisations understand how to develop a resilient Sustainability & ESG strategy.

Jose has strong technical knowledge and understanding of the current regulatory requirements from the Task Force of Climate Related Disclosures (“TCFD”) guidelines, is involved in attending regulatory roundtables on net zero disclosures and responsible of performing an annual independent risk assessment and disclosure gap analysis to challenge the net zero/TCDF disclosures for companies captured by the BEIS and premium listing rule requirements on mandatory climate disclosures. This gives Jose insight as to the readiness of TCFD framework implementation and climate disclosures for each sector considered “exposed” by the TCFD.

Mark is a Chartered Accountant and corporate financier with special interests in food & farming, rural business, ESG and a belief that business must be underpinned by sustainable finance. He established Rural Policy Group in 2019 following 16 years in the rural economy working with both public and private sector businesses. Mark has won numerous awards for his work including Finance Director of the Year 2007, Accounting for Sustainability 2012 (ICEAW), National Business Finance Director 2014 (Finance Director) and the Institute of Directors Blue Ribbon award for Governance and Finance Excellence in 2018.

Mark is a member of the ICAEW Farming and Rural Business Committee and a CBI Southeast Councillor. 

Sarah is the new CEO of leading London Food Charity, City Harvest. City Harvest exists to save people, food and planet by redistributing surplus food, otherwise destined to landfill, to over 370 charities working with London’s hungry.

Sarah’s background: Initially training to be a buyer, she has grown and marketed crops, led funding applications, worked on regional and national strategy, developed business plans and helped facilitate restructures, delivered audit management, successful retailer partnerships, and has extensive experience presenting key issues to the media (tv and radio).

In addition to her role at City Harvest, she is also a Non Exec Director of The Covent Garden Market Authority, a Government appointment, part of the regeneration of London’s premier wholesale market. 2023 will see her 13th year as the Chair of the National Fruit Show, she is also a founding Non-Exec Director of Outfield Technologies.

Sarah is the vice-chair of the Rural Policy Group, a rural and food sector debating forum hosting numerous online and in person debates about the policy and economic needs of the UK’s rural business community.