ESG

Net zero and the government U-turn – what will you do?

The government announcement on 20 September 2023 has derailed several climate change commitments including in relation to reducing carbon emissions from residential properties. The argument is that this relieves some financial burden for property owners. However, commentators suggest the U-turn on EPCs not only stores problems for the climate crisis but also creates a longer term …
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People and culture group discussion: climate change & the workplace

We recently hosted a discussion with a range of HR professionals from fellow B Corps. The session focussed on the issue of climate change & the workplace and what employers can do to support their employees in this space. This note covers: We also hosted group discussions about: Download the below summary of the discussion to find …
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Fuelling positive change: NCVO launches new campaign encouraging charities to divest from fossil fuels

NCVO has launched a campaign encouraging charities to ‘consider moving investments away from businesses involved in the extraction, production, transportation, refining and marketing of fossil fuels. Examples of these are coal, tar sands, oil and gas.’ NCVO will be hosting a series of events over the Autumn to explore the ways in which charities can …
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Purpose-driven business: Focusing on responsible supply chains

Bates Wells convenes a regular Impact Counsels’ Forum for senior counsel within impact investors, B Corps, and other purpose-driven businesses. A recent meeting of the forum discussed how purpose-driven businesses are approaching the impact of their supply chain, particularly on the environment. Inspired by the forum discussion, we share our thoughts on how businesses can …
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What ESG lessons can businesses learn from impact investing firms?

Nirav Patel, our new Corporate Partner, shares some thoughts on how businesses can learn Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) best practice from impact investing firms. Nirav Patel is a corporate partner at Bates Wells and has experience advising on Corporate M&A (including with deals featuring international / cross-border elements), Corporate Real Estate M&A, corporate structuring …
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Real estate services for B Corps

What impact are your premises having on the environment? The B Impact Assessment asks you to consider this, whether you own the freehold to your premises or are a tenant. Regardless of what stage you are at in the life cycle of property, our real estate team are ready to review your options through a …
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Responsible supply chain management – what you need to know

According to McKinsey, 90% of companies’ environmental impacts come from their supply chains. So there’s no better way to manage the effect that your organisation has on the environment than by understanding and managing your suppliers’ impact. Last week (8 November), Richard Marke, Head of Corporate & Commercial at Bates Wells, spoke about responsible supply …
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Bates Wells rewrites fellow B Corp Planit IE’s articles of association and employment contracts to better reflect its values

Planit IE is a design practice that pioneers sustainability and puts the long-term health of the environment and communities it works with at the heart of everything it does. Earlier this year, we rewrote their articles of association and employment contracts to better reflect their B Corp values. Our first step was to gain a …
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