ESG: Another quarter of success

Throughout 2024 our portfolio companies have taken great strides to embed environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into their strategies. Here’s a snapshot of progress from the past quarter. 

Amberjack: Diversifying the technology industry

Recruitment technology and services provider Amberjack took home the Diversity in Tech Impact Award at this year’s Thames Valley Tech & Innovation Awards. The judges commended how its proprietary online recruitment assessments have helped leading brands to improve the diversity of their workforce The business was also recognised for its internal diversity and inclusion strategy and initiatives, including its mentoring programme and mandatory Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) training.

Amberjack also published its new social impact report detailing how it is actively contributing to three UN Sustainable Development Goals: empowering women into meaningful employment; helping businesses grow through inclusive employment practices and reducing inequality in hiring through the lens of ethnicity and social mobility.

Aspire Technology Solutions: Achieving Carbon Neutral status 

IT managed service and cyber security provider Aspire  achieved Carbon Neutral status after calculating and offsetting its total emissions with Carbon Neutral Britain. Aspire’s Sustainability Network, founded by employees to support the business’ journey to net zero, played an important role in achieving the milestone, alongside its recent IS014001 environmental management certification.

Avantis: Reflecting on progress

Education technology specialist, Avantis, launched its inaugural ESG highlights report, marking an important milestone in its journey to advance its environmental stewardship, enhance its social responsibility and strengthen its corporate governance practices. In the report, the business will look back on successes to date  and outline near and long-term actions for the future.

Zip World: Reaching new heights

Outdoor adventure specialist Zip World secured B Corp certification, making the business one of only 47 Welsh businesses to gain the certification. Zip World achieved a score of 96 points, surpassing the 80-point threshold required, following an 18-month-long evaluation of its operations across governance, workers, community, environment and customers.

Talos360: Celebrating inclusivity in the workplace 

Human capital management solutions provider Talos360 secured first place in Great Place To Work’s   Best Small & Medium Workplaces in Europe list in recognition of its people-first culture. The business is no stranger to receiving recognition for its workplace culture and employee offer. This year it has Already won Best Workplace for Development and been named the seventh Best Workplace for Women in the UK by Great Place To Work.

 Pagabo: Giving back to the community 

Built environment-related software and services provider Pagabo has supported the launch of new partner Red Kite Learning Trust’s new fundraising initiative, the ‘Red Kite Foundation.’ The initiative aims to improve the experiences and opportunities of children in its care who are facing challenging circumstances. Pagabo’s funding enabled the Red Kite to launch the Foundation and its ongoing partnership reinforces the business’ goal to give back to the community.

Hybrid: Recognised for transformational growth

Digital media company Hybrid was recognised at this year’s BVCA’s 2024 Vision awards in the South West & London. These awards celebrate the standout management teams backed by private equity, taking into account growth, competitiveness, innovation, ESG, overcoming industry challenges. The judges commended Hybrid’s strong ESG principles, including its commitment to a two-year net positive roadmap, its dedication to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and its support of local charities.

Beyond the portfolio

Alongside our support of ESG initiatives across the portfolio, we’ve continued champion the importance of ESG for businesses and support local charities across the UK.

This quarter, LDC invited business leaders from across Yorkshire to attend an ESG dinner in Leeds. Ian Langley from Boston Energy and John Rastrick from Flotilla spoke at the event, which explored how ESG can drive growth and create shareholder value.

We also hosted a webinar on ‘Social Value: What you need to know and how to make it work for you,’ with Loop, Pagabo Group’s social value software platform and consultancy service. The session was attended by over 60 members from across our portfolio and attendees gained insight into how social value can be leveraged for success when tendering for new work and how it can enhance the resilience and improve the long-term success of a business.

Elsewhere, LDC employees attended a training on modern slavery and human rights. The session shed light on the hidden realities of modern slavery and the importance with which we should consider the subject as a responsible investor.

Our regional offices also continued to give back to the community. In Leeds, we hosted a charity walk in the Yorkshire Dales to raise £2,300 for Leeds Mind. Our East Midlands team also volunteered at Nottingham’s Food Bank, Hope House, on their allotment and made a sizable donation to support their food parcels.