Meet John Keen: Guiding Blackpool Businesses on Their Net Zero Journey

For John Keen, sustainability isn’t just a professional focus, it’s a personal mission. As one of the newest sustainability consultants at the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy, John brings a wealth of experience helping organisations save money and become more energy efficient.

Over the decades, John has helped many organisations streamline operations, reduce waste, and embed best practice. His work has never been about ticking boxes; it’s about transformation, helping businesses become stronger, smarter, and more sustainable.

Leading the Way

Aside from his work with the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy, John is Managing Director of RKMS, or, as his children like to call him, “Chief Executive of Everything.” When he purchased the company in 2009, he set about practising what he preached. Under his leadership, RKMS became the first company in Blackpool to achieve a third-party carbon neutral certification. 

“I’m incredibly proud of this achievement,” John reflects. “It shows that you don’t have to compromise strong business performance to adopt greener practices, in fact, they can often drive each other. That’s what inspires me to help other businesses do the same.”

That commitment now underpins his role at the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy, where John supports local businesses on their own journey to net zero.

“My role is to work alongside business leaders to help them make sense of their data,” John explains. “I see many companies struggling to understand what the numbers are telling them, so I help identify opportunities and put practical steps in place to reduce energy use, cut costs, and improve efficiency. I’m passionate about making sustainability achievable for everyone. At its core, reducing carbon also reduces cost, it’s good for the planet and good for business.”

A Champion in Every Sense

John’s determination extends well beyond the office. A former British Karate Championships silver medallist, he has coached a junior football team and supports local charities, he is always finding ways to give back to the community he’s proud to be part of. 

Colleagues describe him as “a problem-solver, a motivator, and someone who leads by example.” When guiding a business through carbon reduction, John combines his decades of experience with a genuine desire to help others succeed.

From Factory Floor to Thought Leader

John’s career began far from where he is today. From working at a Pontins holiday camp to the bustle of a footwear factory, he developed an understanding of how businesses really work, from the ground up. Eventually rising to the position of Production Manager, he discovered a passion for quality, efficiency, and the systems that drive success. That passion inspired him to return to education and earn a master’s degree in Total Quality Management at the age of 29, an achievement that has provided him with a career dedicated to helping businesses achieve more sustainable practices.

Supporting Blackpool’s Greener Future

Through the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy, John is now helping local organisations unlock the financial and environmental benefits of sustainability. With fully funded audits, tailored action plans, and hands-on support, the Academy is empowering businesses to reduce emissions, save money, and futureproof their operations.

“Blackpool businesses are innovative, resilient, and full of potential,” he says. “Helping them reach net zero isn’t just about cutting carbon, it’s about building a stronger local economy that’s ready for the future.”

Take the Next Step

The Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy has already helped many local businesses through providing energy audits and personalised decarbonisation action plans, to reduce carbon emissions and save money. To access fully funded, practical, and friendly support from John or one of our other sustainability specialists, get in touch with the team today.