Skilled leaders are critical to the success of green businesses and in turn, the net zero transition. But from STEM to energy and from nature to conservation, nearly all sectors central to the net zero transition are facing a major skills shortage just as the demand for green roles rises. At the same time, women are still under-represented in senior roles in many businesses, fuelling the gender pay gap and restricting organisations from a breadth of perspectives at board level.

Through the ‘Women in Green Business Awards,’ Business Green is shining a spotlight on outstanding women who are working in the UK’s green economy.

This year, the organisation has received over 400 nominations for women working across the sustainable business community. “We are thrilled but not surprised that Revere’s Co-Director, Naomi Conway, has been shortlisted for the category ‘Nature Champion of the Year,’” says Palladium’s Nature Based Solutions Director Andrew Sutherland.

Revere is an award-winning partnership between Palladium and the National Parks that scales nature-based solutions to restore landscapes across the UK’s National Parks and beyond to tackle the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis. Revere combines the ecological expertise of the UK National Parks with the economic and project development experience of Palladium to develop innovative solutions that work for nature, communities, ethically aligned corporates and investors.

The Nature Champion of the Year category is open to women working in nature protection and conservation, be it through nature-related innovation, biodiversity consultancy, or corporate nature policy development.

As the Director of National Parks Partnerships, Conway provides strategic leadership for national partnerships between the commercial sector and the UK’s 15 National Parks.

“It's rewarding to be shortlisted for 'Nature Champion of the Year' especially in a group that includes women I really admire and who do so much for nature,” says Conway. “My work with National Parks Partnerships and as a Co-Director of Revere means I get to advocate for National Parks nature every day, something that is a real privilege.”

“I see so many brilliant women driving change in our sector, so I'm glad to see these awards bring them more recognition,” she adds.

Protecting Britain’s Landscapes

Since its launch ahead in 2021, Revere has become one of the UK’s most knowledgeable and respected project developers and nature investment advisors in the UK market. The team is actively building a large pipeline of investable, high integrity projects across woodland, peatland, biodiversity and water quality both in and beyond the UK’s best-loved protected landscapes.

“Naomi has been one of the leading forces behind Revere and is a key part of its success,” says Sutherland. They add that whilst working with the team, she has been instrumental in forging corporate partnerships with brands including Santander, Capita, and Estee Lauder Companies. “I’m passionate about the vital role of our National Parks in developing an ethical and nature-first approach to UK natural capital,” says Conway. “Working with Palladium on Revere motivates me to keep championing nature on a daily basis.”

The awards are due to be announced on 3rd October at an in-person awards ceremony in London.

Learn more about The Women in Green Business Awards, Revere, and Naomi Conway.