Sustainable Futures Forum – Linking Businesses

The Sustainable Futures Forum returns on Friday October 4th 2024.  It’s an opportunity for people in business to link together to share resources, waste products and skills to make Folkestone more energy efficient and sustainable.  It’s a Folkestone and Hythe District Council initiative.  Liu Batchelor is a key component in facilitating networking and helping people tell the stories of their work and ideas. Folkelife met with Liu to learn more about connections already made.

“The Sustainable Futures Forum is an opportunity to meet and share ideas.  This year we’re running workshops and forums so that people have the chance to take part in a format that suits them – and of course, attend both too.  

“The council has been working on being sustainable and eco-conscious for a while, but can only do so much.  It’s a small entity really.  But it is in a position to connect businesses and people so that our district can become more sustainable.  

“My history with running the Ted Talks in Folkestone is where I come in.  I work with people to help them communicate their ideas to different people.  It’s a real privilege to hear what someone wants to achieve, and then watch them connect to others.  That’s what I’ve learned, there are so many people doing such amazing things in Folkestone and Hythe District, but we don’t know about them.”

empowering people

“I’m passionate about coaching people to express themselves about things they’re passionate about. One thing I hear a lot though is that people don’t think they are ready to tell others their ideas.  And the thing is, you’re a lot further along than you think.  I’ll give you an example:

“Last year we had Greg from AW Group. They’re a construction company that works full circle; they try to make sure that everything they use has a purpose and if there’s a waste product, it can be used elsewhere in their organisation.  They were trying to connect with other groups so that if they can’t use their waste, it can be passed on to others.  The wood and pallets they have now goes to Ruth at The Shed – the Folkestone Youth Project.  They use the wood and pallets as planters.  Now, Leonie did a talk about compost, which Ruth uses in the planters.  India, from Fin and Flow, yoga instructor, was running some litter picking stations.  India and Ruth got together to help the students build these stations.  Then Katy from Make Waves Studio, who upcycles clothes, starting working with them too, using some of the resources… and my friend Clare who runs Gingerly Green Flower Farm got involved too.”

workshops and forums

“You can see how it works.  People talk, and then share ideas and connections are made.  This year we’re running two formats – a workshop, then a half hour break, then the forum.  You can come to both, or whichever format suits you best.  The first is on October 4th starting at 10am, and the second is on 14th November starting at 5pm.  They’re both being held at EKC Folkestone College on Shorncliffe Road.  

“At the workshops we’ll be making short videos about the ideas you have.  We’ll be creating practical posts and information for you to share about your ideas.  Then the forums will be broken down into 3 sections: Knowledge Sharing, Networking, then finally addressing the challenges we’ve identified.  In all of this, everyone will get to meet people who are working on similar or complementary projects.  The Networking is the chance to get connected and then see how these ideas can move forward.”

Businesses and community

“We’re looking for individuals, businesses and community groups. Kent Food Hubs has worked with us a lot since 2023, for example. There are so many ways we can all work together and this is an opportunity to meet and discover what’s going on.  You can come to both sessions, or just one.  We’ve done it so that there’s an evening session and a day session.  Come along and shout about what you’re doing, and share with us.  We’ll be able to see what you’re doing and hopefully help make new connections too.”