Posted on 6th Dec
The Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Veronica Pickering has commissioned Steff Wright as a deputy lieutenant for the county — a role he will hold for a minimum of three years.
Steff is the founder and chairman of Newark-based, B Corp-accredited business Gusto Group, which encompasses companies in the manufacturing, construction, and architecture sectors.
This includes Gusto Construction, one of the first companies to make sustainable housing commercially viable. It has been successfully building sustainable communities for more than 25 years.
Steff’s appointment as a deputy lieutenant marks a continuation of his lifelong passion for the climate, as well as his staunch belief in the importance of organisational collaborations and partnerships in the transition to a low carbon economy.
Lord-lieutenancies are the monarch’s representatives across each county, playing a role in key events, such as royal visits, as well as presenting awards to important community figures and advising on honours.
They also contribute to working groups, where they can draw on their individual skill sets to find solutions and drive innovation within the county.
Steff has more than 30 years of experience in building low-carbon homes and sustainable communities, which will help him to contribute towards climate and community projects that will further the King’s mission.
Steff said: “Not only am I excited to join this network of experienced individuals, but I also look forward to sharing my experiences as an entrepreneur and business owner.
“I hope to bring the perspective of someone local to the area who has built a family business, which focuses on innovation, sustainability, and enriching the community it serves.”
Veronica Pickering, who was appointed Lord-Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire last March, is a social entrepreneur enthusiastic about empowering young people — a passion that Steffo shares.
Gusto Group is currently transitioning to a 100% employee ownership trust (EOT) to allow employees of all ages to become co-owners in the company.
Steff also runs a grassroots football club — Newark and Sherwood United FC — a plant-based club that is inspiring footballing talent within the local area, alongside promoting sustainability within the sport.
Wright has long believed that issues like the climate are too important to become embroiled in party politics.
He argues that in order to drive change, there must be collaboration between all parties on the single issue of the climate and transitioning towards science-based targets.
He has always been eager to remain non-party political, and to work proactively with any government or institution to propel the climate agenda forward.
Steff added: “To facilitate the transition to net zero, we must put climate change at the centre of everything and rebalance the economy to be focused on low carbon outcomes.
“But to realise targets like this, we need innovators willing to find solutions and make change happen. This is why non-political organisations able to facilitate connections and partnerships are crucial.
“I hope that in this role I can help to progress the King’s ambitions to shape the fair transition that is needed within the county, our country, and the wider commonwealth.”
