Who we are
7Forward was founded by me, Louise Whitaker.
As a collective, 7Forward has expertise in sustainability strategy, business impact assessment, values based behaviour change, quantitative and qualitative analysis, design, visual identity and sustainability report writing. As a team we’re united in our belief that businesses want to (and can) do better for people and our planet. We really enjoy collaborating on projects and do get in touch if you are interested in joining us.
You can learn about the significance of our name here
Louise Whitaker
My background is over twenty years in ethical business in the food and drink sector, mainly coffee. I’ve also worked with an adventure travel company where I made recommendations for their sustainability strategy and most recently I worked for a technology hardware company that is pioneering the circular economy.
I’ve worked across marketing and sustainability in businesses on every scale: a FTSE 20 with £20bn turnover, a £20m Fairtrade pioneer brand, a start-up challenger brand and in fast growing international SMEs. My expertise is in the out-of-home food and drink market and in technology and eWaste.
I understand the pressure on all of us to achieve the next quarter’s figures and have witnessed the short-term thinking that this often brings. Getting businesses to stop and think about their impacts thousands of miles away, or even closer to home, is hard. I’ve learnt that change happens when those at the top are committed and engaged.
Business is part of the solution to the global climate crisis and our job is to facilitate your response.
Click through to my LinkedIn profile to read more
Kat Lehane
Californian grown and now proudly settled in the South East of England, I’m a creative designer who gets my kicks from colour swatches, paper samples, clever copy and a brand new pack of fine liners.
My work in the creative industry has had me illustrating packaging for Mini Milk, designing modern chocolate moulds for M&S, tracking home trends to develop national retail lines, building brands at the top end of the coffee market, directing in house and in the wild photoshoots and everything in between.
Working with a variety of brands and business sizes over the years, the challenge remains the same: - how do we communicate our important, often complex messages in an instant and leave an impression that lasts?
My pride as a creative comes from achieving a true understanding of your mission and refining that into a visual identity that cuts through the noise and engages the viewer, leaving them walking away with just the right feeling.
Professor Ian Walker
I’m an environmental psychologist specialising in behaviour change across a range of areas such as transport, energy and water consumption.
An expert in human research methods (interviews, focus groups, surveys and more), I have also written two international text books on research methods and statistics.
I work full time at the University of Swansea but my interest and experience means I can make myself available where projects require specialised input.
I have recently written a book about my 2019 Endurance Cycling World Record.
By happy coincidence, I live with Louise.
Click through to my website here to learn more about my work.
Our beliefs & behaviours
We’re proud members of 1% for the Planet. As part of the initiative we donate 1% of our sales to organisations that align with our values.
We’re building strong foundations. Our energy is sourced from renewables. We bike to meetings where possible. For meetings further afield, we’ll always start by planning a route using public transport. Driving is our least favoured choice.
It goes without saying (given Louise and Kat’s background) that we’re usually fuelled by a reusable cup of Fairtrade coffee!
Collaborating, sharing and participating
Collaborating and Learning
Careers are a journey and it’s energising to surround yourself with positive influences. That’s why we’re members of the Women in Sustainability Network. Louise mentors with Catalyse Change, a Bristol based CIC that empowers young women for sustainable futures.
Sharing
To address our planet’s challenges businesses need passionate and knowledgeable people. Want a career in sustainability? We’re always happy to have a chat and would love to talk to you. We’re particularly interested in hearing from people who are under-represented in sustainability careers.
Participating
We love to discuss issues facing business at Edie Sustainable Leaders Club roundtables and beyond.