Our team
Sustainability and why it matters
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, building a sustainable business is not just a choice—it's an imperative. Organisations that prioritise sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are better positioned to thrive in the long term, meeting their goals and objectives while contributing positively to the world. UHY is dedicated to "helping you prosper" by integrating sustainable practices into your business strategy, ensuring resilience, and fostering growth.
ESG is a framework that measures an organisation’s impact on the environment, the important work being carried out to benefit communities and society and the transparent and accountable nature of its governance. Yet, it is more than just compliance, it is about building a responsible and sustainable business that is committed to contributing to a more sustainable world and future.
By embracing sustainable business practices, your organisation can also:
- improve operational efficiency and cost savings
- strengthen stakeholder trust
- improve recruitment and retention
- enhance brand reputation
- gain access to new capital and investment opportunities.
Your reporting requirements and growth opportunities
The regulatory landscape is evolving, and ESG compliance is becoming essential for businesses of all sizes. While regulators are currently focusing their efforts on large, listed companies in the UK, the requirements for ESG reporting are making their way into the SME market. In fact, ESG reporting is already impacting SMEs who are:
- seeking finance to reduce CO2e emissions or for environmental projects, banks offer a pool of funds for these sustainable initiatives, which require a net-zero action plan to access them
- looking for investment; UK & EU laws require annual ESG reporting for many sustainable funds
- exporting to the EU; carbon disclosures are mandatory under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
- part of an EU based large company’s supply chain; sustainability data is required under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
- supplying to or tendering for UK government organisations; ESG reporting is crucial under Public Procurement Notice 06/21 (PPN 06/21)
- within the scope for Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR); requiring energy and carbon intensity metrics withing your financial reporting
- preparing climate action plan; academy schools are encouraged to prepare a climate action plan in line with the Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy by 2025 and are required to measure their current carbon footprint in order to do this.
We’re here to help
As you navigate the evolving sustainable business landscape of both measuring and reporting, ensuring accuracy and credibility in sustainability data is more important than ever – and we’re here to help. Our services include:
Advisory services
- We’ll work with you to identify and implement initiatives that promote sustainable business practices and compliance.
- We’ll ensure your business is ready to meet the growing demands of ESG accountability, whether that’s driven by your stakeholders, supply chain requirements or a change in regulations.
Reporting services
- We will manage the complexities of ESG data collection, ensuring all relevant information is organised and ready for reporting.
- We collect data using 23 key metrics across the ESG framework which enables you to identify trends, spot business opportunities and implement improvements.
Assurance services
- We can verify your ESG reporting in accordance with international accounting standards (ISAE 3000 to be replaced by ISSA 5000).
- Your data will be collated in a professional report showcasing your ESG performance to customers, investors and regulatory bodies.
- We can provide you with a limited assurance report to rubber stamp and provide assurance on your ESG credentials.
Treating ESG as an opportunity to improve efficiency, reduce waste and strengthen relationships can help your business gain a competitive edge.
How we can help you prosper
We can provide all the ESG data you need for success:
- Simple data collection process
- Compliance-ready (for new and evolving reporting regulations)
- Work with us, your trusted accountant, and our global network
- Avoid tedious line-by-line data entry and invoice uploads
- Access rich carbon and ESG data through assurable data auditors who can test and agree to supporting documentation
You can future-proof your business and be ready for integrated reporting. If you would like to hear more about the sustainable business services we can provide your business, please download our brochure or contact our team of experts today.
