Collingham-based Gusto Group founder Steff Wright named as a Deputy Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire

A businessman with a life-long passion for the climate has been appointed as a deputy to the Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire.

The county’s Lord-Lieutenant, Veronica Pickering, has commissioned Steff Wright as a Deputy Lieutenant for the county, effective from today (December 6).

He will hold the role for a minimum of three years, and will join a network of other deputies from a broad range of backgrounds, including business leaders, military personal, and educational leaders, who use their different expertise to to further the King’s working priorities.

Mr Wright’s appointment as a Deputy Lieutenant marks a continuation of his life-long passion for the climate, as well as his belief in the importance of organisational collaborations and partnerships in the transition to a low carbon economy.

He is the founder and chairman of Collingham-based B Corp-accredited business Gusto Group, which has companies in the manufacturing, construction, and architecture sectors.

These include Gusto Construction, one of the first companies to make sustainable housing commercially viable, which has been successfully building sustainable communities for over 25 years.

Mr Wright said: “Not only am I excited to join this network of experienced individuals, but I also look forward to sharing my experiences as an entrepreneur and business owner. I hope to bring the perspective of someone local to the area who has built a family business, which focuses on innovation, sustainability, and enriching the community it serves.”

Lord-Lieutenancies are the monarch’s representatives across each county, and play a role in key events, such as royal visits, as well as presenting awards to important community figures and advising on honours.

They also contribute to working groups in order to find solutions and drive innovation within the county.

Mr Wright’s more than 30 years of experience in building low-carbon homes and sustainable communities is set to allow him to contribute towards a number of climate and community projects that will further the King’s mission.

He added: “To facilitate the transition to net zero, we must put climate change at the centre of everything and rebalance the economy to be focused on low carbon outcomes. But to realise targets like this, we need innovators willing to find solutions and make change happen.

“This is why non-political organisations able to facilitate connections and partnerships are crucial. I hope that in this role I can help to progress the King’s ambitions to shape the fair transition which is needed within the county, our country, and the wider commonwealth.”

He is also passionate about empowering young people — much like Veronica Pickering, who was appointed the Lord-Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire in March — and Gusto Group is currently transitioning to a 100% employee ownership trust (EOT) to allow employees of all ages to become co-owners in the company.

Mr Wright also runs grassroots football club Newark and Sherwood United FC, a plant-based club that aims to inspire football talent within the Newark area as well as promote sustainability within the sport.