18 Mar 2026
Congress of Business (COB) will return to Glasgow on Tuesday, 12 May, as part of Glasgow Climate Week, featuring a list of internationally renowned speakers from across the business community.
Hosted at SWG3, COB brings together academics and business leaders to share insights and guidance on how to translate climate ambitions into action and commercial gains.
With international uncertainty in energy prices, trading routes, and the wider costs of doing business, there has never been a better time to build business resilience through circular operations, strengthened further by fostering peer-to-peer learning with other businesses.
This year’s speakers include:
Now in its fourth year, COB was created to showcase and build momentum on the climate action delivered since the city hosted the world at COP26 in 2021.
Designed as a catalyst for turning climate ambition into measurable progress, COB brings together businesses and the international British Chambers of Commerce network to accelerate practical, scalable solutions to building climate resilience.
Led by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and in partnership with British Chambers of Commerce, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, University of Glasgow, and E.ON, COB focuses on transforming sustainability commitments into real results. Five years on from COP26, the event highlights real stories of change, positioning businesses not merely as contributors but as drivers of climate transformation.
In addition to COB, two spin-off events have been added to Glasgow Chamber’s Glasgow Climate Week programme. COB Futures, delivered by Developing the Young Workforce regional groups will inspire young people to pursue careers that contribute to a sustainable future. And COB Inspires which will support early-careers and recent graduates entering the sustainability sector.
Dr Nicola Millard, principal innovation partner, BT Business, said:
“Technologies such as AI can help save the planet, but they shouldn’t cost the Earth. To build a smarter future, we need to come together at events like COB to discuss how we can transform the way we work so that it is better for people, productivity, and the planet. The real opportunity lies in developing working practices that are not just smart but are also sustainable”.
Vijay Tank, chief commercial officer, E.ON UK:
“Delivering the benefits of the energy transition – whether that’s economic growth, new jobs and skills, or making energy more affordable for everyone – requires genuine partnership and innovation at scale.
“Glasgow embodies that mindset. Its determination to lead the energy transition mirrors our own, which is why supporting the Congress of Business is such a natural fit for E.ON.
“Here in Glasgow, our project with the city council to ease child poverty is already proving that by scaling up smart solutions like home batteries we can reach the families who need it most, cutting bills and giving them real control over their energy use.
“Together with our partners across Glasgow, I’m confident we can accelerate change, inspire new thinking and build a cleaner, more resilient future for the people and businesses who call this city home.”
Alison McRae, senior director, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said:
'Business resilience has become a defining priority for organisations today. To strengthen long-term resilience, businesses need to adapt and respond to climate change.
“Too often, the misconception is that sustainability is a cost, rather than an opportunity. Many of our Glasgow businesses, particularly SMEs, are proving the opposite and that by investing in climate and circular principles it reduces risk, drives efficiency, saves money and future‑proofs organisations for the long term.
“COB moves that conversation forward by offering direct access to expertise from business leaders, real-world solutions, technology and guidance needed to accelerate progress and drive action.”
To register for tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/congress-of-business-2026-tickets-1983949522428
