Sheffield-based social enterprise The Green Estate CIC has been honoured with the British Chambers of Commerce Green Innovation Business of the Year Award for their pioneering efforts in creating sustainable, resilient urban spaces that support both nature and people. This award recognises their innovative contributions to biodiversity and urban regeneration through projects that are transforming urban landscapes across the UK.
The Green Estate is best known for its signature Pictorial Meadows; vibrant meadows designed to thrive in challenging urban environments. These meadows, renowned for their resilience and beauty, can be seen at major sites including the Superbloom at the Tower of London, North Lanarkshire’s Mega Flora Project, Manor Fields District Park, and Sheffield’s Grey to Green Scheme. The organisation also plays an important community engagement and biodiversity role in the UK’s largest nature-based Sustainable Urban Drainage System, located in Mansfield.
Read more about The Green Estate’s story in Catalyst, our alumni magazine
Roz Davies graduated from Sheffield University Management School in 2014 with an EMBA. She is now the Chief Executive Officer at The Green Estate and Pictorial Meadows, and Associate Director at Thrive by Design. Roz is also Co-Chair of the YHCC Resilience Panel, a Member of the South Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy Board, Member of the Sheffield Chambers of Commerce Council and Fellow of the RSA.
On winning the award, Roz Davies said, ‘We are absolutely delighted to be recognised with this prestigious national award, and to be flying the flag for green innovation, social enterprise, plus Sheffield and South Yorkshire! In the face of unprecedented challenges posed by the climate and ecological crises, the role of green innovation businesses and nature-based solutions are more vital than ever. On behalf of our team of 100+ staff and volunteers, a heartfelt thank you to the British Chambers of Commerce, Octopus Energy for sponsoring, and to the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce for the nomination.’
The work of The Green Estate aligns strongly with our School’s vision to see positive societal transformation for a fairer, sustainable future, and as such we have enjoyed giving our MBA students the opportunity to learn more about their work in recent years.
Reflecting on last year’s MBA company visit to The Green Estate, student Neha Kumari said “The Green Estate event was a breath of fresh air, both figuratively and literally. Listening to Roz Davies and her team was like finding a beacon of hope amidst the chaos of our world. Their commitment to sustainability and community left me feeling energised and optimistic about our collective future. It's a reminder that every small action can lead to big transformations, and I'm grateful to have been a part of this inspiring experience.”
Read Neha’s full reflections on the visitCongratulations to Roz Davies and everyone at The Green Estate on receiving this award!