A Manchester business leader and founder of the Better Business Summit is set to embark on an extraordinary personal mission to tackle the climate crisis.
In autumn 2025, Hannah Cox (pictured) will run 110 marathons in 110 days along India’s historic 4,030km Inland Customs Line – a bold initiative aimed at raising £1 million for 1% for the Planet to support communities most affected by climate change.
Project Salt Run is deeply personal for Hannah, tracing her family heritage while shining a spotlight on individual responsibility in the fight against climate change.
“For me, this run is about stepping out of my comfort zone to create change. We can’t just rely on big businesses; every individual has a role to play in safeguarding our planet,” said Hannah.
“This run holds great personal meaning for me. Along the way, I’ll pass Fort William in Bengal, where my great-grandfather was married, and I’ll finish at my father’s childhood home in Calcutta. It’s a journey that connects my family’s history with my mission to create a better future for our planet.”
Hannah’s mission is part of the wider Better Business Summit, a flagship event championing action against climate change.
From January 15 – 17, Manchester will host thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers at the Summit, showcasing its commitment to sustainable events and positioning itself as a hub for global collaboration on climate issues.
This year’s theme, Future Proof, will explore how businesses and individuals can thrive while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, with a particular focus on food, fashion and the future of business.
Confirmed speakers include senior management from companies including TOMS, Allplants, Swizzels, Co op Live and Patagonia.
Hannah said: “The Summit and the run share a common goal of empowering people to make a difference. Both demonstrate that by taking ownership of our impact, we can inspire collective action and create a sustainable future.
“We all have a role to play in combating climate change. We have a moral responsibility to future generations to act, using what we have, when we can. Whether it’s businesses embracing sustainable practices or individuals pushing themselves to take bold action, the path to a better future starts with personal responsibility.
“Manchester is the perfect home for the Better Business Summit, as it’s a city with a rich history of innovation, activism, and industry. Manchester’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sustainability align perfectly with our mission to empower businesses to drive meaningful change.”
Manchester’s selection as the host city highlights its growing reputation as a hub for sustainable innovation and action. By gathering global brands, national businesses, and local leaders, the Summit reinforces Manchester’s position as a driving force in the movement toward systemic change.
The event will be held at Manchester Metropolitan University. Professor Hannah Holmes, Dean of the Business School and deputy pro-vice Chancellor, Faculty of Business and Law, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the Better Business Summit. It’s a really inspiring, uplifting event and it’s fantastic to see so many entrepreneurs and innovative businesses coming together to explore ways to tackle climate change.
“Our students and research teams are committed to working across projects that seek to solve the environmental and societal challenges our world is facing, and collaboration is key to this journey.
“By sharing ideas, research expertise, and our technical facilities with the local community and businesses, we can address some of the urgent climate change issues collectively.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for founders and their teams to look at the ways sustainability can drive business growth. Whether it’s through green energy or carbon reduction, protecting biodiversity or creating a circular business model, there are many ways each business owner can make a positive impact on the planet – we’re looking forward to hearing the ideas that come out of this year’s conference and exploring how our students and researchers can help to make these happen.”
The Better Business Summit will take place 15-17th in January 2025 in Manchester Metropolitan Business School, hosted by The Better
Business Network, an inclusive network for purpose-led business owners and leaders advocating for systematic change.
