Circular Economy Leadership Programme
Equipping business leaders with the skills to profit from a circular economy
Applications are now open for the Circular Economy Leadership Programme, a unique development opportunity designed for senior executives and decision-makers who want to drive growth, resilience and innovation through circular economy principles.
Leveraging over ten years of Circular Glasgow’s leadership in circular economy innovation, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, supported by Zero Waste Scotland and Circle Economy, have expertly crafted this programme which runs from 15 September to 8 October 2026.
Facilitated by Professor Fiona Charnley, Co-Director of the UKRI National Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Hub, participants will gain practical insights into how circular business models can unlock new revenue streams, strengthen competitiveness and help organisations navigate an increasingly complex economic and environmental landscape.
Programme at a Glance
Five-Day Intensive Training: Includes a two-day immersion visit to the Netherlands
Explore Key Circular Opportunities: Financial benefits, strategic decision-making, and business modelling
Enhance Leadership Skills: Improve change management, innovation, and emotional intelligence
Peer-to-Peer Learning: Learn from successful case studies and gain board approval strategies
Why attend?
- Experience circular economy in action. A strong focus on experiential learning means delegates will go beyond the classroom to encounter circular economy principles in practice
- Gain exclusive access to leading circular experts
- Receive advanced circular knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of the circular economy
- Leave the programme with a plan to swiftly integrate circular practices into your business
Programme Highlights
- Site visits including Scottish Leather Group, a global leader in low-carbon leather production and circular innovation.
- A two-day immersion visit to the Netherlands, delivered in collaboration with Circle Economy, featuring a visit to BlueCity, a renowned hub for circular entrepreneurship and innovation.
- The programme will explore key topics such as; AI and its connection to the circular economy, influencing boards and organisational change and green finance and investment.
Who should attend?
The programme is designed for director level executives from across various sectors. Ideal for SME businesses aiming to scale, innovate, and compete globally.
Spaces are limited. To ensure meaningful engagement and high-quality peer learning, the programme is limited to 12 delegates. The cohort is designed to bring together a diverse mix of leaders while creating opportunities for valuable networking and collaboration.
Previous participants represented organisations including Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, Civic Engineers, Harley Haddow, Austin-Smith:Lord and DF Concerts.
Programme Facilitator
Fiona Charnley
Professor Circular Innovation, Business School University of Exeter
Fiona is Co-Director of the UKRI National Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Hub, driving the UK's transition to a circular economy.
She leads research on digital tech, circular healthcare, and remanufacturing while collaborating with organisations to innovate design, manufacturing, and business models. An expert in education and training, she supports future leaders in circular transitions.
Programme Speakers
- Ciaran McGuigan, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland
- Professor Jaime Toney, Director of Sustainable Solutions, University of Glasgow
- Karen Trickett, Chief Executive, Fractionauts and Point Six One Eight
- Brian O'Reilly, Chief Executive, EGG Lighting
Additional speakers will be announced shortly.
Price £3,000 + VAT
If you're ready to develop the leadership skills needed to thrive in the circular economy and connect with a network of forward-thinking business leaders, apply today.
Please note that travel and accommodation are not included in the price.