What we do

Our work resides at the intersection of innovation and sustainability. We support forward-thinking business leaders to catalyse change that benefits people and the planet, while working to future-proof their organisations for the next chapter.

We work on projects that...

lead to systemic change cultivate regeneration activate networks create the conditions for life to flourish

Our approach

The time of quick fixes, black and white solutions, and management by spreadsheet is over. Our approach embraces complexity to build the resilience necessary to handle tomorrow’s disruptions.

Robust and human

We integrate in-depth information gathering and research with emotional intelligence and personality.

Provocative and understanding

We push ourselves and our clients to expand horizons and ambitions while meeting each client where they are and understanding their aspirations.

Structured and emergent

We employ models and frameworks to structure our creative processes, while our co-creative approach encourages emergent outcomes.

How the process feels

Setting the stage for magic to unfold

Capacity building

We offer a different approach to problem-solving and reaching solutions. The goal is for the organisation to emerge equipped with the tools, confidence and actionable processes to keep driving positive systems change.

Co-creative

We guide and challenge leaders, creating a safe space to enable them to unlock the potential of their organisation. We create opportunities for regeneration and design solutions fit for future transformation.

As an active participant, you have the agency and ownership to play a key role in the process of evolution.

Challenging

Change usually requires getting uncomfortable. We challenge and question, helping clients lean into the future. Encouraging them to stretch their thinking, reimagine their approaches, and think the currently unthinkable.

Partnerships

We work with...

  • Companies ready to push boundaries
  • Financial institutions investing in the future
  • Platforms aiming to catalyse change
  • Non-profits who share our mission
  • Educators inspiring the next generation of leadership

“I’ve never experienced anything like the Imaginariums in all my career. The expansiveness of output has been remarkable, especially given we continue to use the blueprint to this day. Yet, it was the way in which Volans consistently held up a narrative that really captured what we were producing that made it so unique, instilling a real sense of co-creation and co-ownership”

Andrew Keith, CEO, Selfridges UK 

Our services

Bespoke solutions that help organisations make sense of the emergent future

Explore examples of how we can support you in navigating the complexities of change and innovation.

Case studies

With our partners, we cultivate an ecosystem where big ideas thrive and change happens. Take a look at our projects.

Developing a sustainability master plan and playbook with Acciona

We partnered with Acciona to design the eXponential Leaders Programme, helping emerging leaders co-create the 2021-2025 Sustainability Master Plan, which earned global recognition. Building on this, Volans collaborated with Acciona to create a Regenerative Playbook embedding regenerative thinking into Acciona’s operations, already resulting in successful project tenders.

“Our work with Volans has been illuminating thus far. Having brought far greater clarity to our understanding of regeneration, Volans has been pivotal In making sense of the potential steps Acciona must take now and in the future.”
José Luis-Blasco, Global Sustainability Director, Acciona

Reinventing retail with the Selfridges Group

We launched the Navigators Programme to help Selfridges Group leaders explore the future of retail. The focus was on creating a space for playful, creative exploration leading to practical innovation ideas to achieve their strategic objectives. Using our Imaginarium format with the Selfridges UK team, we crafted a vision and strategy together that set circularity targets, aiming for 45% of revenue from circular models by 2030.

“I’ve never experienced anything like the Imaginariums in all my career. The expansiveness of output has been remarkable, especially given we continue to use the blueprint to this day. Yet, it was the way in which Volans consistently held up a narrative that really captured what we were producing that made it so unique, instilling a real sense of co-creation and co-ownership.”
Andrew Keith, CEO, Selfridges UK

Powering a net zero future with ESB

Volans partnered with Ireland’s largest utility ESB to help define sustainability leadership and shape their ‘Driven to Make a Difference: Net Zero by 2040’ strategy. Through workshops and research, we co-created a Sustainability Leadership plan, addressing biodiversity, circularity, and community engagement. We also worked with ESB to develop a sustainable procurement vision and action plan, positioning procurement as a catalyst for sustainability and regeneration across the organisation.

“The Sustainable Procurement collaboration with Volans has equipped us with the insights, framework and confidence to build on our sustainable procurement roadmap, embed it in the organisation and enable wider ESB sustainability leadership.”          CONOR O’REGAN, CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER, ESB

Accelerating Neste’s renewable and circular transformation

Volans was tasked with shaping a connected-yet-separate body to provide insight and act as external eyes for Neste. We designed and convened the Neste Advisory Council on Sustainability and New Markets, supporting their transition from oil refining to global leadership in renewable and circular solutions. The Advisory Council continues to provide crucial insights, strengthen Neste’s network, and help the company navigate new market complexities.

“The creation of an Advisory Council has been transformative for us both internally and externally. Acting as a sounding board for our ideas, it has given us the confidence to push further into the horizon.”
Salla Ahonen, Former Vice President, Sustainability, Neste

Setting the standard in corporate climate advocacy with Unilever

The Volans team worked with Unilever to develop a Climate Policy Engagement Review, establishing a gold standard for corporate climate lobbying disclosure. The methodology assessed trade associations’ alignment with Unilever’s ambitious climate goals, and the review has since been hailed as a new best practice. Unilever now leads the field in climate lobbying disclosure, scoring 100% with InfluenceMap and committing to annual reviews.

“This is a wonderful example of what a review should look like and a watershed moment. Danone recently topped the charts scoring 50%, which everyone was pleased to see, so for Unilever to then meet every single element of InfluenceMap’s Methodology with its first report really should be applauded.”
Rachel Crossley, BNP Paribas Asset Management, Head of Stewardship

Pioneering sustainability in finance with FAB, First Abu Dhabi Bank

We partnered with First Abu Dhabi Bank to develop a strategy and roadmap transition to becoming a recognised regional pioneer and leaders in the sustainability and ESG space.

As a regional leader in sustainability and ESG. Over three months, Volans helped co-create the plan, boosting internal capacity and setting clear KPIs. FAB became the first Gulf bank to commit to net zero and join the Net Zero Banking Alliance, with significant progress made on their sustainability roadmap.

Working with the economic and development agency in the South of Scotland

South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) contacted Volans early in 2023 for help in designing and piloting an engagement process that would bring stakeholders together to co-create a transformation narrative; a story of change for a resilient region working towards Net Zero.

Cultivated colourful fields with a path running through them.

“Our work with Volans has been illuminating thus far. Having brought far greater clarity to our understanding of regeneration, Volans has been pivotal in making sense of the potential steps Acciona must take now and in the future.”

José Luis-Blasco, Global Sustainability Director, Acciona