Chris Matthews is Head of Sustainability at United Utilities, the water company in north-west England.
His focus is to help the company deliver its objectives in a sustainable way through the development and implementation of environmental and social strategies. His role includes shaping how the company reports its responsible business commitments and developing relationships with stakeholders to further the company’s goals. He works with several groups to encourage responsible business behaviour. For example he is vice-chair of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities’ Natural Capital Board.
Chris is a longstanding supporter of Business in the Community’s (BITC) work and is a member of the North West Leadership Board, the Climate Action Leadership Team and the Water Taskforce, which he co-founded.
He saw an opportunity through BITC’s convening power to bring together companies from different sectors to tackle the water management challenges of too much water, too little and water of the right quality. To date, the Water Taskforce has leveraged more than £750,000 to deliver cross-sector projects on water that are forging new ways to embed water in the way businesses act. Chris is hopeful that by working with BITC, together shared solutions to shared problems can be found.
Working in North-West England, Chris takes full advantage of the natural beauty of the region, walking in the Peak and Lake Districts.
About BITC’s Climate Action Leadership Team and Water Taskforce
Each area of work BITC undertakes is led by a group of senior executives who provide strategic guidance and support us in achieving our objectives.
The purpose of BITC’s Climate Action Leadership Team is to help business drive innovation that turns the threats of the climate emergency into opportunity for people and nature.
BITC’s Water Taskforce is a cross sectoral group that convenes to collaborate around shared problems on water and the natural environment. They use action research to address challenging environmental issues that impact across sectors and in partnership with government.
The group has identified that cross cutting themes such as innovative financing mechanisms, digital and skills are integral to overcoming environmental challenges that will achieve positive social change.
The Taskforce supports BITC’s Environment Leadership Team.
Find out more about BITC’s work on the environment.