Date: Thursday 4 December 2025
Time: 9.00 am – 11.00 am
Venue: Citation Weddings & Events, 40 Wilson Street, Merchant City, Glasgow G1 1HD
As we begin to turn our attention to 2026 and beyond, we’re delighted to welcome James Close for an insightful and timely discussion on the evolving economic and environmental landscape.
James will provide NatWest’s conclusions following the UK Government’s Autumn Budget, current UK energy policy, and the Caron Budget Delivery and Growth plan.
Having also attended COP30 in Brazil, James will be able to talk through some of the key highlights, trends, and best practice.
He’ll also spotlight NatWest Group’s Sustainability Solutions platform, and Future Fit programme — initiatives designed to help businesses build resilience and drive sustainable growth in a rapidly changing world, whilst thinking carefully about technology, supply chains, and talent.
James has spent his career working at the interface of the public and private sectors. He is now committed to working on some of the most challenging global issues focusing on sustainable development and climate change. He is currently the head of climate change at NatWest Group and a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Advisory Group for the ICAEW. Prior to this role, he was the head of the circular economy programme for London.
Before returning to the UK, James spent 5 years in Washington, D.C. as the Director for Climate Change at the World Bank. Prior to joining the World Bank, he was a partner in the Corporate Finance Practice of the accounting firm, EY, and also worked for HM Treasury. James has a degree in Chemistry from the University of Durham and is a member of the Institute of Chartered accountants of England and Wales.
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