Jess Etherington

Sustainability Manager, EY

Jess Etherington is a sustainability professional and Australian lawyer with extensive experience advising clients in the fashion and consumer goods sectors. 

As a Sustainability Manager at EY in London, Jess supports projects focused on regulatory compliance and risk mitigation with a particular focus on the fashion sector. Passionate about the role of regulation in driving positive change, Jess advocates for policy reforms that support the reduction of textile waste and circular business models in fashion. 

A recognised young leader in sustainability, she regularly speaks at industry events, including recently at Sustainability Live in London and guest lectures fashion and business students at institutions including Istituto Marangoni and the Jimmy Choo Academy.

Why do you support the work of The Entrepreneurs Network?

I support the work of The Entrepreneurs Network because I am deeply passionate about empowering and supporting entrepreneurs, particularly female founders and young entrepreneurs in the UK. 

The Female Founders Forum amplifies the voices of inspiring female founders and helps to foster a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UK. 

I had the pleasure of supporting the Female Founders Forum while working for The Entrepreneurs Network during 2020. Since then, I have been involved in supporting entrepreneurs in Britain through EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year and Entrepreneurial Winning Women programs. 

I truly believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurship and I am committed to championing the next generation of diverse leaders and visionaries.

Why is the UK an attractive place to grow a business?

The UK is an attractive place to grow a business due to its dynamic and diverse economy, robust infrastructure and access to global markets. As a leading financial hub, it offers an environment conducive to innovation and investment, particularly in industries like technology and fashion.