Cleantech Cluster Event - London 

Cleantech Cluster Events address the combined challenges of promoting innovation in clean technologies and cultivating new businesses at a grass roots level. They provide a forum for debate and interaction between the many stakeholders involved in building a Cleantech Cluster:

* Entrepreneurs - building new cleantech businesses  

* Universities/research institutes - cultivating new clean technologies  

* Angel investors - seed funding local cleantech start-ups

* Venture capitalists - financing cleantech innovations

* City/regional administrations - promoting the adoption of clean technologies

* Development agencies - fostering innovation and industry

The London Cleantech Cluster Event, on 16 February 2011, will address the challenge of promoting innovation in the built environment. A panel of expert speakers will investigate whether London is creating a cluster of cleantech expertise in the built environment - and how the city can cultivate innovative technologies and roll out tried and tested clean technologies.

An important sub theme for the discussion will be the legacy which the London 2012 Olympic Games will leave for the city in terms of promoting clean technology. The panel will debate the extent to which the 2012 opportunity to test out new technologies and encourage innovation.

The event will take place at the offices of our sponsor BDO LLP in Baker Street from 6pm to 9pm and will involve a panel discussion followed by networking drinks. A full agenda will be posted on this site shortly. 

Confirmed panelists include:

- David McMeekin, Chairman of CGVP and LTF

- Ian Klesmer, London Hydrogen Partnership

- Niall McNevin, Director of Planning, Olympic Park Legacy Company

- Gia Kroeff, Bovis Lendlease

- Peter Hemmington, Head of Corporate Finance - BDO

Moderator

- Anne McIvor, Cleantech Investor

Cleantech Cluster Events are organised by Cleantech Investor Ltd, the publisher of Cleantech magazine, and Rushlight Events.

Attendance at Cleantech Cluster Events costs £25 (plus VAT) per person.

PANELIST BIOGRAPHIES

David McMeekin, Chairman of CGVP and LTF

David is Chairman of Company Guides Venture Partners Ltd (CGVP), which manages the London Technology Fund (LTF). David was previously chairman of The Capital Fund, a Regional Venture Capital Fund for London which invested in over 70 companies. Prior to establishing CGVP he was head of corporate finance at Midland/HSBC (previously Greenwell Montagu). At HSBC he chaired an in-house venture capital fund and helped to establish 11 regional venture capital funds on behalf of the Finance for Enterprise initiative by the Prince of Wales. LTF is focused on the funding gap for new, high growth technology companies based in Greater London. Cleantech is one of its areas of focus. It is funded by the London Development Agency and the European Regional Development Fund.

Ian Klesmer, London Hydrogen Partnership

Ian manages the London Hydrogen Partnership as part of the Greater London Authority’s Energy and Climate Change Mitigation team.  The Partnership was set up in 2002 and aims to drive the uptake of hydrogen technologies in London. 

Before joining the LHP, Ian served as Senior Strategy Manager for the London Development Agency’s environment team.  He provided strategic guidance on delivering the Mayor’s climate change programmes and worked to maximise the economic benefits from London’s transition to a low carbon economy.

Ian holds degrees in Law and Business Administration from Canada and an MSc in Environmental Policy and Regulation from the London School of Economics.

Niall McNevin - Director of Planning, Olympic Park Legacy Company

Niall McNevin significantly contributed to the original London 2012 bid gaining the original masterplan approvals and has gained planning permission for more than 1,000 applications while working for the Olympic Delivery Authority as Head of Town Planning. This has included delivering the planning permission for the construction of the venues and infrastructure including the Olympic Stadium, Aquatics Centre and Media Centre, as well as the remediation and ground formation of the Olympic Park.

Niall has also worked in the private sector with both Land Securities and Blue Circle Industries where he helped lead the large scale regeneration Kent Thameside – a project in the Thames Gateway which focused on high quality, sustainable, ‘public transport orientated’ development.

Read Presentation by Niall McNevin entitled: Beyond the Games: The future of London 2012 Olympic Park - from a lecture at the University of Westminster, November 2010, which addressed how future plans for the Olympic Park can create a blueprint for a sustainable London.

Dr. Gia Kroeff - Sustainability Manager, Bovis Lend Lease UK

Gia manages the R&D programme at Bovis Lend Lease and has helped the business to bring exciting, innovative and sustainable new products to life. Bovis Lend Lease UK aims to design and build zero net carbon, waste and water developments by addressing five critical issues: reducing carbon emissions and waste; sustainable design, responsible sourcing of materials and securing a well trained, highly skilled workforce. Gia participates in property and construction forums that aim to reduce carbon emissions.