The Balance Carbon Team

Eva

Founder & Lead

I’m a social entrepreneur who has a knack for coming up with innovative solutions which then become the norm.

These are several initiatives I’ve spearheaded or contributed to:

Bristol Real Nappy Information Service
Born natural nursery stores and online retail business
Precious Drops Milk Bank fundraising campaign
Baby Bank Network Bristol
Baby Bank Alliance UK
Future Now Community Regenerative housing settlement in Gloucestershire
Human Milk CIC
Mums Say No to GMO’s
Zero Waste St Brivials and Brockweir

I’m passionate about highlighting the impact baby banks and other carbon-avoiding organisations can have on mitigating climate change. My observations of the nursery industry through my business prove it to be mostly unsustainable and unethical. Another way is possible and is how indigenous cultures have always birthed and parented. The West can learn a lot from cultures that have a symbiotic relationship with the earth. This is something I highlighted in a recent video where I was asked to give a message to attendees of COP26. It’s also something I spoke about in an interview on Minimalist Mothering. Bringing that wisdom and collectivist mindset to parents for the benefit of future generations is my mission.

Alison

Strategic Advisor

I am an impact-driven charity leader and social entrepreneur with a strong background in communications and science, respected for my natural ability to inspire and think outside the box. I catalyse change through systems thinking, innovation, forging partnerships and solution-focused co-creation.

In 2006 I founded the national charity Best Beginnings with a focus on reducing inequalities. I co-founded and actively supported several national coalitions, partnerships, and alliances, including the Breastfeeding Manifesto Coalition Royal Foundation-led “Heads Together” campaign. After being CEO for fifteen years, I stepped down and now hold the honorary role of President.

I now work as Director of Innovation and Impact within my consultancy partnership, B & G Consulting and at iPiP (Improving Performance In Practice). At iPiP my work focuses on supporting leaders to increase their organisation’s income and societal impact including through the effective deployment of the data-driven, benchmarked Denison Organisational Culture Model.

Twenty years ago my social enterprise, Express Yourself Mums, was a key supplier to both of Eva’s Born stores.

It is a pleasure now to be working closely with Eva, to unlock the full potential of this innovative and game-changing venture, by helping them refine their strategy and identify and secure values-aligned partnerships.

Freddie

Story

I am the founder of Ingrained Digital, a London-based reputation building agency focused on impact driven businesses and individuals. Our expertise lie in helping those with a legitimate mission build online audiences that bring them closer to achieving their aims.

I started my business after a successful period as CEO of WOAW, which was at the time the UK's number 1 personal branding agency. We were responsible for crafting the reputations of - and building audiences for - the world’s most successful Founders, CEOs and entrepreneurs.

In both cases - at Ingrained and WOAW - how do we get results? Via storytelling.

My background in journalism means I come with years of experience creating impact via words, including for some of the world’s most renowned news outlets. The craft I’ve honed - through the multitude of experiences I’ve amassed - lies in translating missions into compelling stories for both organisations and individuals alike.

I have always placed significant emphasis on working with those focused on making positive societal change. This includes leading campaigns around pressing environmental issues, diversity and education with some of the world’s leading minds in those spaces.

Maya

Connector

I am an operationally focused individual, currently working as Operations Lead at Ingrained Digital, a reputation building agency for the impact-driven.

In this role I have been responsible for establishing clear and organised processes across the startup, using my knowledge of the social-good space to align our business with our desired clients.

Previously, at my role at a B Corp company in London, I learnt more about the environmental challenges faced by businesses and the pressing need to combat them.

Personally, I'm someone who has always been hugely interested in psychology and, in particular, the impact of societal influences on the human psyche and uncovering the root causes for human behaviour. My passion for this area is reflected through my Psychology degree from the University of Nottingham.

Having grown up in a mixed-race family as the granddaughter of refugees, I am also especially interested in the diversity and inclusion space.

James

Strategy

I am a Strategic Planner with a rich experience and passion for the ‘not for profit’ sector. I have successfully worked closely with many charities to grow their voluntary income by developing strategic recommendations, and implementing practical growth plans based on innovative ways they can better

motivate and engage supporters.

I have a strong strategic mindset and excellent analytical skills enabling me to understand the specific internal and external challenges a not-for-profit organisation faces.

Another area of specialism lies in data. Specifically, I enjoy being able to translate numbers into meaningful and practical insights which can be used for the betterment of the projects I’m working across. I’m also adept at new product development and brand marketing.

Lorna

Advisor

I am a highly creative event specialist known for producing inclusive, unique, and thought-provoking experiences. My events are marked by a vibrant atmosphere and a strong sense of community, engaging audiences in fun and creative ways.

My particular passion centres around providing opportunities for people to connect with food, nature, and the land. I firmly believe that for individuals to champion a cause, they must first develop a profound connection with it.

I founded Love Food Events and created the country's first Street Food events that insisted on local ingredients and biodegradable containers and utensils.

Francine

Advisor

I am a Holistic Therapist working with people 1 to 1 and in groups for nearly 25 years. I graduated from University with a first-class honours degree in Psychology and have maintained a lifelong interest in people, how we operate individually and within systems. Physical and mental health and well-being are factors which play a central role in my practice. How we can empower ourselves to optimum health whether that is via nutrition, bodywork, healthy ways of thinking or connecting in communities.

I set up groups like Mamas Tapping Circle which taught emotional regulation skills to mums for themselves and their children, as well as providing a safe space to connect and share their experiences.

I’ve also volunteered for the last few years at my local Youth Justice Service as a trained community panel member working restoratively with young people, their carers and YJS staff members to develop a contract of interventions to assist the young person in turning their lives around. I have a strong belief that we all have a level of responsibility in making our environment and our communities safer and happier places to live.

Andy

Advisor

I’m a founder director of Bristol Energy Cooperative. Over 13 years I led on developing the co-op from a voluntary group into a professional community energy business with 1600 members. The co-op has funded and developed over 20 clean energy projects including rooftop and ground-mount solar, battery storage and microgrids. It has also channelled over £400,000 of project revenues into local community initiatives.

Before moving into community energy I worked in IT and project management for 15 years. I’d previously taught for 10 years in the secondary and Further Education sectors, and overseas. I’m also a long-standing member of Global Justice Now.

I am PRINCE2 trained, have a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, and a degree in modern languages. I also founded Sustainable Westbury-on-Trym.

Bryony

Connector

I have been involved with the Quartet community foundation since its inception in 1986 as my mum started it, and personally as an advisor on their marketing and philanthropy committee for the last 5 or so years.

I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan in Retail Marketing. Started my career working for Mulberry and developed their duty-free business from scratch. Then worked for British Airways developing a range of merchandise based on their archive material.

A former Company Director and owner of a big Water Babies Franchise where I managed a team of 20 teaching 1400 babies a week.

My skills lie in business development, marketing, and sales and am a natural networker. I’m passionate about health, well-being and am a big country and nature lover.