COMMUNITY
Sustainability
Changemakers Award
Alex Voakes
CEO, Peak PEO
Alex Voakes is CEO of Peak PEO, a Reading-based global Employer of Record provider that helps organisations hire and manage international teams compliantly. After taking sole leadership of the family business following a health crisis in 2022, Alex made sustainability a structural commitment rather than a statement on a website. Under his leadership, Peak has become a people-first alternative in a technology-led sector: a fully remote, 20-person business with a four-day week, B Corp certification and Planet Mark certification.
“The decision to make sustainability structural to the business, not simply a statement on a website really stood out as a powerful example of purposeful action.”
Daisy Hunter
Sustainability and Innovations Manager, Jangro Ltd
Since joining in October 2024, Daisy has led a significant sustainability transformation across Jangro’s operations, supply chain and wider sector. Recognised as a respected thought leader in sustainable practice within the cleaning and hygiene industry, Daisy has championed solutions that align commercial success with environmental responsibility. Her work has driven measurable progress in waste reduction, sustainable product innovation and energy efficiency. She also serves as Northern Chair of the CSSA.
“ We love Daisy’s ability to leverage her position to provide practical actions and strategically embed carbon reduction and net zero into the sector.”
Summit Judging Panel
Helen McDonald
Managing Director, Solupak
Helen has transformed Solupak manufacturing into an internationally recognised provider of sustainable cleaning solutions, supplying customers in 17 countries while challenging the industry’s reliance on single-use plastics. Passionate, determined and deeply people-focused, she combines commercial excellence with environmental purpose. Under her leadership, Solupak has become known not only for innovation in sustainable manufacturing, but also for creating opportunities for people and communities, inspiring others to believe that meaningful change is possible.
“Helen’s innovative approach really impressed us, challenging reliance on single-use plastics and showing how sustainability and business success can go hand in hand.”
Summit Judging Panel
Kate Page
Head of Impact, Fooditude
As Fooditude’s Head of Impact, Kate has built and expanded the Impact function, repositioning sustainability from a standalone ESG agenda into an interconnected strategy embedded across the company’s entire workflow. She makes complex issues accessible, collaborative and commercially relevant, helping every department understand the value it can create. Through community initiatives, supplier engagement, client partnerships and industry participation, Kate brings people with her and continually strengthens the positive impact Fooditude creates.
“We loved how Kate made sustainability part of the company’s culture, turning complex data into accessible measures that give everyone a role in driving progress.”
Summit Judging Panel
Richard Barker
Founder, Hill Cross Furniture
Richard Barker, Founder of Hill Cross Furniture, is a true ‘Game Changer’ – driving sustainability across sectors and forging impactful connections between farming and furniture. From his roots as a pig farmer, he diversified to create one of the UK’s largest independently owned contract furniture suppliers, known for innovation, sustainability, and community impact. On the farm, Richard champions regenerative practices that boost biodiversity and resilience. At Hill Cross, he leads measurable carbon reduction efforts, develops sustainable products, and builds circular supply chains. His commitment to aligning profit with purpose and planet makes him a standout leader shaping a more sustainable future.
“Richard’s commitment to embedding sustainability throughout his business and value chain stood out, showing how aligning profit with purpose and planet can inspire change across sectors.”
Summit Judging Panel
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