📅 Next G90 Summit: 26th June 2026 · A structured half-day where founders get clear on what must happen in the next 90 days · £97 for a seat

Reserve Your Place →
Episode #500 - Sustainability Isn’t a Side Hustle, It’s the Future of Business making a Local Impact – with Emma Burlow — ScaleUp Radio Episode #500

Episode #500 - Sustainability Isn’t a Side Hustle, It’s the Future of Business making a Local Impact – with Emma Burlow

Episode #500 23 Jul 2025

Show notes

Hi, I’m Granger Forson – find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. On this edition of ScaleUp Radio, I’m joined by Emma Burlow, founder of Lighthouse Sustainability and a leading voice in the world of circular economy and sustainable business.

 

Emma’s journey spans over 25 years in sustainability – and she’s not just talking the talk. From her early days in waste management to becoming head of circular economy at Resource Futures and founding her own business, she’s been on the front line helping organisations make a genuine, lasting impact.

 

In our conversation, Emma shares how Lighthouse Sustainability helps businesses scale by embedding sustainability in ways that are practical, measurable, and commercially viable. She challenges the myth that being ethical is expensive, showing instead how sustainability is a driver of innovation, customer loyalty, and investor confidence.

 

We dive into her #BeTheDifference campaign, her experience advising start-ups and multinationals alike, and the shift in mindset required to build a business that’s not just successful, but significant. With storytelling and clear frameworks, Emma shows business leaders how to take action that counts – and how to communicate it with credibility.

 

If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with purpose, balance commercial goals with climate responsibilities, or bring your team on board with sustainable growth, this episode is packed with insights and practical wisdom.

 

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

 

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of impact, purpose and leadership with Emma Burlow.

 

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

 

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff.
https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

 

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

 

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

 

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that’s you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.

Smart90 Summit

 

Emma can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaburlow/

https://lighthouse-sustainability.co.uk/

50% off course for ScaleUp Radio listeners using the code SUR50 - https://lighthouse-sustainability.co.uk/upcoming-courses/

 

Resources:

Work Like A Woman by Mary Portas - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/work-like-a-woman-a-manifesto-for-change-mary-portas/1475832?ean=9781784163624

Outrage & Optimism podcast - https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/

Straight Talking Sustainability podcast - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/straight-talking-sustainabilit-5893904?

Frustrated & Exhausted podcast - https://resonateleadership.co.uk/podcast

Starling Banking app - https://www.starlingbank.com/download/

Liked this conversation? Bring the same thinking to your business.

ScaleUp Radio is hosted by Kevin Brent — founder of Smart90, author of the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System (ESUS), and the same Kevin who works directly with founders inside the G90 Summit.

The Summit is a structured half-day — quarterly, virtual via Zoom — where founders and their teams get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, and leave with a plan committed to making them happen.

Reserve Your Place at the G90 Summit →

Next session: 26th June 2026 · £97 for a standalone seat · smart90.co.uk/summit