Anne

Independent research consultant & Co-founder

Dr Anne Velenturf

I have facilitated circular economy transitions for fifteen years. With participation process management and engaged research, I bring diverse stakeholders together to explore, trial and realise a circular economy. I’m an action-oriented practical idealist, driven by sustainability values to collaborate pragmatically for real change.

My approach

Transition processes for a circular economy can be understood as a cyclical process in itself with several stages:

Envisioning and preparing for the transition
Analysing status quo
Co-producing transition pathways and actions
Piloting and implementing actions
Evaluating progress and preparing next steps

I support people and organisations through each step of the process, strategizing for the whole transition and delivering the qualitative and quantitative research with the best mix of stakeholders to complete each step successfully. Consider for example projects on:

Current and potential circular economy performance
Policy analysis, evaluation and development
Circular economy options review
Stakeholder analysis and trajectories

Stakeholder engagement will run throughout your circular economy transition. Being proactive, with a thoughtful engagement strategy and a series of actions to make the most of diverse perspectives, will result in better solutions that make a practical difference.

I love designing participation processes, grounded in a solid understanding of your stakeholders leading to meaningful communications and inclusive interactions. I can coach you in your direct engagement of stakeholders, or I can lead as an independent facilitator and communicator.

Building more action-oriented communities and networks is a big driver for me. With more than 50% of carbon emissions and 90% of biodiversity loss directly driven by resource use, it is essential to accelerate progress towards a circular economy. Everyone has to get on board!

Background

I bring over a decade of experience in participation process, project and programme management, carrying out research and consultancy with a wide diversity of stakeholders. I have delivered nearly 50 projects to realise a more circular economy together, across for example biobased, resources and wind industries in the UK and internationally. I have a huge amount of experience in public speaking, chairing of panels and workshops, and online and written communications.

During my BSc and MSc I specialised in integrated approaches to nature conservation and participation process management, taking a pragmatic approach to restoring the environment by including wider social and economic interests to create win-win-win solutions.

In my PhD I investigated how companies developed industrial symbioses, turning (bio)wastes and by-products from the one industry into resources for other industries, within constantly changing policy and market environments.

As a consultant, I completed various projects on policy evaluation and evidence reviews, circular business model innovation and stakeholder analysis across agri-food and renewables. I am the co-chair of the WFO End-of-Life Committee for the safe, sustainable, circular and inclusive end-of-use management of offshore wind energy infrastructure, on behalf of Engineering X at the Royal Academy of Engineering (2025-2027).

I am an Associate Professor in Circular Economy at the University of Leeds and, since 2016, have co-produced research that has supported the transformation of industries in Yorkshire, the UK and internationally. I am a leading top-cited author in the subject of sustainable circular economy.

Throughout my career I have been fortunate to meet a huge number of inspiring people, open to collaborate for a more circular economy. I count myself lucky to be part of a wide international network of thousands of contacts in government bodies, companies, civic organisations and universities making a real difference with positive change.