Testimonials
Testimonials from Delegates on the 2011 Programme
"Given the strategic challenge that sustainability poses for business, the STEP Leadership Programme provides an essential opportunity for executives to immerse themselves in the subject alongside business and government leaders alike. A two day programme in the latest sustainability thinking and practice, STEP is geared to help leaders understand the strategic merits of the challenge and share experiences in how they go about making sustainability a real and relevant opportunity for business. I found the programme both empowering and practical."
Dan Labbad, Chief Executive Officer, EMEA Region, Lend Lease
"A great opportunity to meet like-minded industry leaders and learn about the latest thinking around business and sustainability in the built environment. Through debate, discussion and thought provoking presentations from leading industry players and sustainability experts, it is a timely reminder to stimulate thinking around the implications of our current unsustainable path for business strategy and innovation. If you care about the future of your business in a sustainable environment this is for you."
Mike Peasland, CEO Construction Services, Balfour Beatty
"Thank you for the course which I found very inspiring and thought/action provoking. The ability to see the views, strongly expressed, from nearly all the steps in the construction-chain, from building material supplier , through to main contractor, and onto end-user and investor, was very powerful. The collegiate approach was surprisingly strong and by the end of the two days a bond was formed and a shared sense of the need for action. I think the 'ripples in the pond' of throwing the stone of sustainability leadership into the group will spread far-and -wide, and have a multiplying effect."
Mike Chaldecott, Managing Director, British Gypsum Saint-Gobain
"The UK-GBC STEP programme is the best route for senior managers in the real estate industry to get to grips with making their organisations fit to meet the commercial and strategic challenges of sustainability."
Chris Brown, Chief Executive, Igloo
"In the event, as well as very fruitful discussions with peers in design, construction and property, there was much to learn particularly about the connection between sustainability and business success. The outstanding achievement of the Cambridge Programme has been to consistently see sustainability through the lens of responsible business, and as a result it is able to build on the personal experiences and testimonies of people who have pioneered the integration of the principles of all round sustainability into their plans and operations: salutary and challenging and also inspiring."
Sunand Prasad, Senior Partner, Penoyre & Prasad LLP
"That was a tremendous experience: my thanks to you and your teams for pulling together and delivering an outstanding programme. It has given me an immense amount to think about, but I now look at the challenge – personal and organisational – in a different light and with a sense that we can achieve some great things collectively."
Andrew Gould, Chief Executive, Jones Lang LaSalle
"The most important message that I took away was just how much can be achieved in sustainable business and operations with sustained strong leadership. We all talk about doing more with less and here we saw great examples of businesses that were adding real value to their processes and balance sheets through sustainable practices implemented top-down and through informed and creative thinking."
Patrick Bellew, Principal, Atelier 10
"I just wanted to say a huge thanks and very well done for an enormously successful event last week. I left Cambridge on Friday evening both inspired and motivated (if not a little daunted!) to further energise the Sustainability agenda within Atkins and across the industry - also to review again my personal actions across a number of areas of my life. We all simply have to take the "fight" forwards, by capturing the energy and enthusiasm exhibited over the last few days!"
Simon Moon, Managing Director, Design and Engineering, Atkins
"A stimulating course with people who know what they are talking about sharing their insights on sustainability and business with people in a position to make a difference."
Paul Finch, Chairman, Design Council, CABE
"I found the course enlightening, not only in the size and the urgency of the problem but in the opportunity to find cost effective solutions. I took awareness that we in our industry need to lead personally, in our companies, across our sectors and into Government. Sustainability should be a central plank to business decisions and my aim is to evolve it into that place where I can add influence."
Ian Playford, Group Property Director, Kingfisher
"With regard to the Cambridge Programme, it proved to be a fantastic vehicle to reinforce enthusiasm for the challenge. Mixing and spending quality time with the range of national and international participants and facilitators was an absolutely invaluable experience. The prospect of adding together and galvanising like-mindedness, coupled with the confidence gained from those who already "have the t-shirt" cannot be underestimated. I am sure others would want to have the same opportunity."
Peter Walls, CEO, Gentoo
"I believe the course was extremely thought provoking, engaging, challenging and enjoyable. The presentations and information received was excellent and more importantly led to a very lively debate and discussion. Obviously a key benefit is our 'new' colleagues gained from the formal and social time spent with other cohort members. Through the shared knowledge and contacts I came away from the course both inspired and equipped to 'lead' the change within my own organisation."
Jim Clayton, Managing Director, Hanson Building Products
"This programme covers a huge range of interrelated subjects (many of which I hadn't thought about) in a way which made me think about and review some aspects in our implementation plans. The presentations from a wide range of organisations were interesting and also very open - people were prepared to share real experiences and issues. Probably the best couple of days I will spend out of the office this year."
John Lorimer, Director, Capital Programme Division, Manchester City Council
"Having recently attended the STEP Leadership Programme at Cambridge University. I highly recommend it as I found the content and context of the highest calibre. It covered the broad concept of sustainability, including impacts of sustainability on society from a governmental, economic, social and environmental viewpoint. All of which provided me as Director of one of Australia’s leading academic institutes in “Sustainable Development and Architecture” which a range of new and exciting directions."
Professor George Earl, Director, Institute Sustainable Development & Architecture, Bond University
"I thought that the programme was really useful; great range of presenters married with a really interesting and engaged group of delegates made it both stimulating and thoroughly enjoyable."
Paul Hinkin, Managing Director, Black Architecture