Browne Jacobson gives platform to young Midlands champions striving for a greener future at community power conference

National law firm Browne Jacobson has partnered with Midlands Engine, Djanogly City Academy and independent think tank, New Local to deliver a session with a difference at the Stronger Things 2022 Conference which focuses on transforming the work of public sector bodies in the UK.

Thought-provoking sessions took place throughout the inspiring two-day conference, which was held at London’s Guildhall, including one hosted by the firm which focused on the possible impact of today’s decisions around climate change on future generations.

James Arrowsmith, partner in Browne Jacobson’s government practice introduced a session which gave a group of six ambitious, passionate 15-16-year-olds from Djanogly City Academy in Nottingham, the opportunity to lead a discussion on climate change, and challenge the panel of speakers, which included key figures from the public sector, on some of society’s biggest issues.

The young people are all part of the group of Midlands Engine Green Growth Champions who recently designed and led the Midlands Engine Young People’s Green Growth Assembly. At this event, they led sessions based on the key themes of the Ten Point Plan for Green Growth, which was launched in July 2021 and sets out to fuel a green industrial revolution. Browne Jacobson were pivotal in helping to design and shape the plan and Browne Jacobson partner Peter Ware who heads up the firm’s government practice is also Chair of the Midlands Engine Green Growth board.

Other conference speakers included Labour Party Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner MP, former USA National Security Council member, Fiona Hill and Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz amongst others.

New Local’s Chief Executive, Adam Lent said: “We were thrilled to have Browne Jacobson and the Midlands Engine Green Growth Champions involved in this exciting public sector community event and movement. We truly believe that people should have more say over the places they live and the services that use and were really impressed with the maturity of the green growth champions who aren’t afraid to stand up for change and want to protect their future.” 

James Arrowsmith added: “We are delighted to have partnered with New Local on this important flagship event. The event boldly addresses the pressing issues that the public sector is facing and is space where people from all communities feel empowered to talk openly and bravely about the future of the sector. This also underpins our own commitments as a firm to being at the forefront of society’s biggest issues.

“The true stakeholders in the climate challenge are future generations, and it was fantastic to be able to give these young people a platform to address decision makers of today. The Green Growth Champions are incredibly passionate about the environment and community prosperity and really utilised the platform they were given to challenge some of the sector’s most influential figures on how they are going to ensure a sustainable and greener future for their generation. It was a wonderful thing to see.”