Graph showing growing use of ESG through relative popularity of Google searches for “CSR” vs “ESG” (UK)

It’s great to be working once again with our friends at leading North East law firm Muckle LLP. On this occasion they’ve asked for our help with the development of their new Responsible Business Strategy - a subset of their overall Corporate Strategy which is currently going through an update.

When it comes to developing strategy the overall framing of the narrative is really important. The core elements of the strategy - its objectives and goals - need to fit together in a cohesive whole that makes sense to all stakeholders. In the past Muckle, like many businesses, has tended to talk about CSR – Corporate Social Responsibility. However, within the new strategy, ESG offers a more helpful grid. For those unfamiliar with ESG, it stands for Environmental, Social and Governance, and is borrowed from the world of ethical investing. ESG can also be understood as three complementary pillars of value. The chart above, using Google searches as a proxy for interest, shows the way that ESG is rising in popularity vs CSR.

Muckle are always a great client to work for as they really do walk the talk. Their efforts in the arena of responsible business are long-standing and class-leading. Understandably, we’re excited to be able to help them to maintain and develop their position of leadership long into the future. This will involve re-stating a range of strategic ambitions from net zero targets, through to charitable giving from profits, expanding employee volunteering schemes and undertaking a greater volume of pro bono work. And a great deal more besides.

Commenting on our work Senior Partner Hugh Welch said:

We’ve twice used Matt to help us with the development of our CSR and, more latterly, ESG plans. On each occasion, the insights and knowledge that he has brought and the advice and direction that he has given us have simply been invaluable. There’s no doubt in my mind that our ESG programme is vastly better as a result of all the help he has given us.

If you aren’t familiar with Muckle and how they do business, take a look here.