ESG must be at the heart of business strategy

On March 5, 2025, finance leaders from across the North West gathered at the Farington Lodge Hotel for a discussion on the importance of embedding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into business strategy.

The immediate feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with lively networking before and after the event. The panel of specialists provided valuable insights into why ESG should no longer be viewed as an optional initiative but as a core component of any successful business strategy.

ESG as a whole, not in parts

A critical takeaway from the discussion was that ESG must be considered in its entirety. Businesses can no longer afford to selectively implement the easiest or most visible ESG aspects. Environmental, Social and Governance factors must work in unison to drive real, lasting change.

Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, partner and head of sustainability at MHA said: "The big takeaway from the finance leader’s session was clear, ESG has to be considered in full. It’s no longer enough to pick out the bits that are easiest to deliver on, or shout about. Environmental, Social and Governance factors all need to work together if we’re serious about driving real change."

Simon Speak, from AFR Consulting, said: "I work with a number of companies who are now including CSR and ESG objectives into their job descriptions and briefing documents that they supply to potential candidates.

"As a recruiter, I’m increasingly seeing businesses promote these elements as part of their talent attraction strategies. Job seekers want to feel good about the businesses they are hoping to join.

"Whilst salary and career development are still important, candidates also want to feel their values are aligned with that of the employer and are likely to ask questions around this during the interview process".

You can read a full recap of the key takeaways from the event here.

About MHA

MHA, ranked the 13th largest accountancy group in the UK and Republic of Ireland, has a turnover of £205m turnover 1,964 staff, 136 partners and comprises of 23 offices nationwide including England, Scotland and Wales, plus a further two in Ireland and also one in the Cayman Islands.

MHA is an independent member firm of Baker Tilly International, the world’s 9th largest international network of independently owned and managed accountancy and business advisory firms, with revenues of $5.62bn and 43,500 people operating across 144 territories.

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