Rachel Stanton

The firm today launched its global Unlocking Opportunity in Sustainability report, which includes the findings of its survey of 700 C-suite and investor clients from across Europe, the US, the Middle East and Asia, spanning the financial, healthcare and life sciences, TMT, asset management and investment funds, energy and real estate sectors.

Rachel Stanton, Simmons’ country head for Ireland, said: “ESG should be a consideration at the forefront of every businesses strategy. Our report found over 60% of both senior executives and investors say that businesses playing a more active role in creating a sustainable economy will outperform those who are simply minimising their impact.

“We conducted this research to help the business and investment community understand where opportunities lie, barriers that are in the way, and identify ways to overcome them.”

The report also says businesses must navigate a labyrinth of swiftly evolving regulations, and that uniting both businesses and investors will be essential to unlocking capital and creating opportunities that serve both profit and planet.

Derek Lawlor, head of regulatory for Ireland, added: “A majority of firms think regulatory overreach could harm efforts to improve sustainability — yet businesses also think there are gains to be made from going beyond reporting requirements for sustainability.

“Investors want businesses to embed sustainability into their strategies, not simply meet their minimum requirements. Asset managers must make sure portfolio companies ‘do no significant harm’ to environmental or social objectives.”