Meet the North West Resources Forum Executive Team: Jo Holmes

In April 2025, we launched the North West Resources Forum, a community for waste and resources professionals across the North West to share best practice, hear the latest innovations and network with colleagues from across the sector.

We are supported by a brilliant Executive Team, who meet prior to each NWRF meeting to set the agenda and drive the forum forward. Jo is the Managing Director of Genee Consulting Ltd, an Environmental Consultancy based in Gateshead, which works with clients across the North East and North West of England. Jo is the Chair of the NWRF, and Genee act as the secretariat for the forum.

How did you first get into the waste and recycling sector?

Jo Holmes, Managing Director, Genee Consulting Ltd and NWRF Chair

I first started working with the sector in 1999, when I joined an environmental trade association and helped to organise the North East Recycling Forum (NERF). I took over the secretariat for the NERF in 2008, when I set up my first environmental consultancy. Waste has been a huge part of my career since then and watching it evolve and develop has been fascinating. Its role in managing the climate crisis and developing a more circular economy is where my interest lies today.

Can you tell us a bit about your current role?

I run a B Corp certified Environmental Consultancy Genee across the North of England. We deliver Investors in the Environment a nationally recognised environmental accreditation scheme across the North East and North West of England. We started the North West Resources Forum at the beginning of 2025 after demand from North West organisations attending the NERF. I work closely with Net Zero North East England to co-ordinate efforts across the North East in

tackling climate change. My days are busy and varied, just how I like it.

What do you see as the biggest opportunities in the sector right now?

The move to a more circular economy and the drive to reduce emissions across the sector are a huge opportunity for innovation, new skills and bringing young people in to the sector. Collaboration is key and forum like the North East Recycling Forum and the North West Resources Forum have an important part to play.

Why did you want to support the NWRF as part of the Executive Team?

The North East Recycling Forum has been a part of the North East Waste sector for over 35 years, bringing a North West Forum to life has been a huge privilege and I’m excited to support it and drive its development and growth for many years to come.

How do you see the North West waste and resources industry evolving in the next 10 years?

The industry will further develop technology and AI, and the importance of stakeholder engagement will become ever more important. There is no substitute for human connection and forums like the North West Resources Forum will have key role into the future.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting in this industry, what would it be?

There is a wealth of opportunity at all levels and skill sets, a super exciting industry to be part of!

The North West Resources Forum is supported by our Friends of NWRF - view our Current Friends here.

Our next NWRF meeting is taking place on Wednesday 1st October, in Liverpool. To be the first to hear about upcoming meetings, join our mailing list.