Nature-Positive Investments Fuel Business Success and UK GDP Resilience
A new report from the Green Finance Institute and WWF reveals how nature-positive transition pathways (NPPs) are not only driving environmental improvements but also delivering measurable commercial gains.
- First Milk, a UK dairy cooperative, recorded a 38% sales uplift in 2023 after embedding regenerative farming practices, alongside reductions in water (5.5%) and energy (6%) usage.
- Wates Group and Velcourt have also embraced NPPs, resulting in enhanced biodiversity, stronger supply chains, and long-term resilience.
The report highlights a critical warning: inaction on nature could cost the UK economy nearly 5% of GDP. However, businesses actively integrating nature-positive strategies are demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
The People’s Pension Reallocates £28 Billion Toward Responsible Investing
In a decisive move, The People’s Pension, one of the UK’s largest workplace pension schemes, has withdrawn £28bn from State Street Global Advisors due to concerns over weakening ESG commitments.
The capital has been redeployed to:
- Amundi for equities
- Invesco for fixed income
Both managers carry explicit responsible investment mandates, ensuring members’ capital is aligned with stronger sustainability principles. This move represents one of the largest ESG-driven reallocations in UK pension history and sends a powerful signal to asset managers on the importance of ESG stewardship.2
St James’s Place Awards £5.2 Billion ESG Mandate to Schroders
Wealth management firm St James’s Place (SJP) has awarded a £5.2bn sustainability mandate to Schroders, underscoring growing demand for asset managers with robust ESG credentials.
Schroders will now manage the SJP Sustainable & Responsible Equity Fund, applying a clearer sustainability lens in line with FCA ESG guidelines. This bold shift illustrates how leading financial institutions are strengthening commitments to long-term responsible investment strategies.3
Why These Wins Matter for ESG Talent
These developments highlight a crucial point: as businesses and investors accelerate ESG integration, the demand for skilled sustainability professionals continues to grow. From carbon accountants to sustainable finance specialists and ESG analysts, organisations need the right talent to deliver on ambitious ESG mandates.
At ESG REC, we specialise in connecting forward-thinking companies with the top ESG and sustainability talent they need to succeed. Whether you’re building a team for nature-positive transition, responsible investment oversight, or sustainable operations, we can help.
Get in touch at info@esgrec.com to discuss how we can support your ESG recruitment needs.
Footnotes and References:
- The Guardian – Nature-positive investments driving UK business growth ↩
- Financial Times – The People’s Pension reallocates £28bn to responsible investing ↩
- FN London – St James’s Place awards £5.2bn ESG mandate to Schroders ↩
