In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus is joined by Mark Horsley, Chief Executive Officer of Northern Gas Networks, which serves 6.8 million people across Northern England and has become a leader in the UK’s net-zero transition. Since his last appearance in 2021, Mark has been driving bold change—investing £25 million in partnership with JCB, and leading major collaborations such as East Coast Hydrogen, a collaboration between National Gas, NGN, and Cadent to connect hydrogen production and storage with industrial users in the region.

Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector, Mark shares how NGN is navigating the controversy around hydrogen for heat, the government’s growing focus on electrification, and the need to diversify energy sources for security and resilience. At the same time, he highlights the cultural shifts inside NGN.

This conversation covers:

·       Why hydrogen remains central to industrial energy, even as electrification dominates government priorities.

·       The importance of pragmatism in balancing net-zero ambitions with affordability for customers.

·       How industry collaboration and leadership are critical in times of adversity.

·       NGN’s approach to culture: accountability, citizenship, and listening to communities.

·       Building resilience through supply chain development, job protection, and sector-wide cooperation.

·       Why putting people first—customers, communities, and colleagues—is the foundation for lasting impact.

Northern Gas Networks: https://www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk/

MenKus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/