First Minister John Swinney says tackling climate challenges is ‘intrinsic to the nation’s success’ as he prepares to deliver a keynote address to business leaders and entrepreneurs at one of the most significant climate and social innovation events to be held in Glasgow since COP26.
Better Society Academy – a Europe-wide sustainability masterclass for changemakers – will take place at The Social Hub Glasgow from April 29 to May 2, bringing together more than 30 leaders in the emerging ‘new economy’ to share ideas, forge partnerships, and accelerate climate action in the business world and beyond.
The three-and-a-half-day event is the UK debut of the Better Society Academy (BSA), which is run by TSH Talent Foundation, a non-profit organisation established by The Social Hub – the pioneering €2.2bn B Corp-certified hybrid hospitality brand founded by Edinburgh-born entrepreneur Charlie MacGregor.
Mr Swinney said: “I can think of no better setting than the city that hosted COP26 just a few years ago, to bring together forward-thinking young leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers – all working collectively to tackle one of the most urgent challenges of our time: the twin climate and nature crisis.
“This event is an example of the positive impact B-Corp organisations in Scotland like The Social Hub can bring to cities like Glasgow. The Better Society Academy is committed to inclusive, action-driven learning, and reminds us of what’s possible when we bring like-minded people together to build a better future.
“This attitude closely aligns with my ambition to build a better Scotland for generations to come, which is translated into the four core priorities I have set for my Government: eradicating child poverty; stimulating Scotland’s economy; ensuring high quality, sustainable public services; and tackling the climate emergency.
“Tackling the climate and nature emergency is intrinsically linked to the success of our nation. It is not just about numbers and carbon targets – it is about improving lives, restoring nature, and securing Scotland’s future prosperity.”
The 2025 programme, titled ‘Changemakers Leading the Way to Net Zero: Inspiring Stories of Collaboration and Impact’, will feature leading figures in sustainability, business, design, and activism. Among the headline speakers are Anna Campbell-Jones, designer and presenter of BBC’s Scotland’s Home of the Year; Clover Hogan, climate activist and founder of Force of Nature; Alison McRae, Senior Director, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce; Mattia Romani, economist and sustainability expert; Ally Mitchell, founder of Ocean Plastic Pots; and Charlie MacGregor, Founder & CEO of The Social Hub.
The event at The Social Hub Glasgow, which recently celebrated its first birthday, builds on previous BSA editions in Amsterdam and Vienna, but is the first since the launch of the TSH Talent Foundation in May 2024, which reinvests 1% of The Social Hub’s annual turnover into scholarships, leadership programmes, and events to support emerging and underrepresented changemakers.
Attendees will also visit Dear Green Coffee, a Glasgow-based B Corp integrating sustainability across its operations, serving as a live case study for the programme.
The agenda will include sessions on radical leadership, net-zero solutions, and how businesses can balance profit with purpose. Local businesses, educators and civic leaders are invited to join for open networking on the morning of the final day, Friday, May 2.
Frank Uffen, Chairman of the TSH Talent Foundation and advisor to The Social Hub’s board, said: “The First Minister’s attendance at this event shows how important these issues are to Scotland and all nations, and the potential for changemakers in all industries to make a difference.
“This event will equip emerging changemakers with the networks, insight and tools to drive real transformation in their communities. We’re proud to be hosting them here in Glasgow – a city with a deep legacy of innovation and global outlook.”
