Grimsby Energy Collective 2026
Grimsby Energy Collective – Inspiring Cooperative Growth is a regional gathering that brings together community organisations, industry leaders, educators, civic representatives and infrastructure partners to explore practical opportunities for collaboration and shared progress.
Hosted by Grimsby Community Energy at Parkway Cinema, Cleethorpes, the event provides a platform for organisations working across community energy, skills, infrastructure and regional development to connect, share insight and build relationships. Through a series of short talks, an inspirational keynote and an interactive panel discussion, delegates will gain a clearer understanding of the opportunities emerging across the region and how partnership working can help unlock them.
The programme highlights real-world projects, showcases regional leadership, and explores the systems, skills and innovation needed to support locally led initiatives. Speakers represent organisations at the forefront of community energy, electricity networks, battery storage, careers development and national sector leadership, alongside keynote speaker Chris Hines MBE, a highly respected communicator and advocate for positive change.
The event is designed not only to inform, but to strengthen connections between organisations and individuals working toward a shared vision of resilient, locally driven progress. By bringing together established leaders and emerging voices, Grimsby Energy Collective helps create the conditions for new partnerships, future projects and continued growth across Greater Lincolnshire and beyond.
Event Programme
10:00am – Welcome and Introduction Steve Rusling Communications & Development Manager Grimsby Community Energy
Setting the context for the day, outlining the purpose of the Energy Collective and the importance of collaboration across community, industry and civic partners.
10:05am – Skills, Careers and the Future Workforce Lee Douglas Strategic Careers Hub Lead, The Careers & Enterprise Company
Lee Douglas – Strategic Careers Hub Lead, The Careers & Enterprise Company
Lee leads the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub, working with schools, colleges and employers to improve careers education and link young people to local opportunities aligned with regional economic priorities. His work focuses on system-wide careers support and helping employers connect with future talent.
10:20am – Community Energy in Action: Local Leadership and Impact Dr Vicky Dunn Managing Director, Grimsby Community Energy
Dr Vicky Dunn – Managing Director, Grimsby Community Energy
As founder and managing director of Grimsby Community Energy, Vicky champions community-led energy projects in North East Lincolnshire, supporting local energy generation, engagement and inclusive innovation.
10:35am – The Role of Battery Storage in a Changing Energy System Aaron Lally Managing Partner, Vest Energy
Aaron Lally – Managing Partner, Vest Energy
Aaron leads Vest Energy, a specialist services provider helping renewable assets and energy storage systems to maximise value through advanced optimisation and market trading strategies. Vest Energy focuses on helping clients – including community organisations – unlock revenue and operational potential from solar and battery systems.
10:50am – Enabling Local Energy: Working with the Electricity Network Liam Granville Community Energy Team Lead, Northern Powergrid
Liam Granville – Community Energy Team Lead, Northern Powergrid
Liam is part of Northern Powergrid’s Community Energy team, supporting local energy initiatives across the company’s service area. In his role he works to provide guidance, funding support and practical help for community energy ideas, helping translate technical energy concepts into accessible, actionable projects for communities.
11:10am – Growing the Community Energy Movement Across England John Taylor Head of Capacity Building, Community Energy England
John Taylor – Head of Capacity Building, Community Energy England
John leads capacity building for Community Energy England, the national membership body for community energy. He supports training, partnerships and new delivery models to help community energy groups grow, drawing on his extensive experience in local government advisory roles and sector development.
11:30am – Refreshment Break
Tea and coffee sponsored by RSUK
11:45am – Keynote Address: Driving Positive Change Through Partnership and Action Chris Hines MBE
Chris Hines MBE – Keynote Speaker
Chris is a respected environmental campaigner and communicator with decades of experience, including founding Surfers Against Sewage and serving as Sustainability Director at The Eden Project. He has influenced national policy debates and led major initiatives on environmental protection and sustainability.
12:30pm – Panel Discussion and Audience Questions
An interactive discussion with speakers and invited regional leaders exploring future opportunities, partnership models and practical next steps.
1:00pm – Cinema Programme Concludes
1:00pm – 2:30pm – Networking Lunch
Cleethorpes Taphouse & Kitchen
Hot buffet lunch and informal networking for delegates, speakers and invited guests.
