Ben Smith | Founder
Hertford Birch

Ben Smith is Co-Founder of Hertford Birch, an EV charging and power infrastructure consultancy advising local authorities and commercial property owners. Hertford Birch helps clients plan and deliver effective charging infrastructure—from site strategy and grid connections to commercial negotiations, operator selection and energisation. Its role is to simplify a complex market and ensure clients retain control throughout the process. Before founding Hertford Birch, Ben worked for a fast-growing EV charging operator, delivering infrastructure as the business developed from start-up to scale-up. He later moved into consultancy, advising property owners on the commercial and practical delivery of EV charging across individual sites and national portfolios. Ben is also completing an MSc in Energy, Environmental Technology and Economics at City St George’s, University of London. He combines hands-on delivery experience with a strong understanding of commercial property and the wider energy market.

Appearances:

Day 3 - 24th September @ 12:10

Leadership beyond the chargepoint: Workforce, customers and communities

How strategic leadership can build skilled and diverse teams, inclusive customer experiences and community-centred infrastructure to accelerate electric mobility.

This panel, organised by Solar+ Leaders and the Women in Solar+ Europe (WiSEu) Network, explores how putting people at the centre of EV charging can support a more inclusive, accessible and successful transition to electric mobility.

Building a skilled and diverse workforce: The technical, digital and human competencies the sector needs, and how diversity can strengthen teams, support innovation and better reflect the customers they serve.
Creating inclusive customer experiences: How accessibility, safety, usability and affordability can ensure charging infrastructure serves the full diversity of EV users.
Developing community-centred infrastructure: How engaging local communities and understanding their different mobility needs can build trust, expand equitable access and accelerate adoption.

Carmen Madrid, Founder, Women in Solar+ Europe