Unlocking Competitive Advantage Through ESG

Speakers:

• David Schofield, Sustainability Director, Aviva; and Chair, UN Global Compact Network UK
• Steve Kenzie, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network UK

As global consumer and investor expectations around sustainability continue to grow, leading businesses are stepping up efforts to embed ESG considerations into their core strategies and operations. This fireside chat brought together sustainability leaders from two household names, Asahi and Aviva, to explore how organisations are turning sustainability commitments into action.

Through a candid conversation, Asahi shared lessons from the company’s journey to align business practices with ESG principles and highlighted the competitive advantage of building a sustainability-first culture across a multinational enterprise. Moderated by Aviva, the discussion unpacked the strategic, operational, and reputational value of embedding ESG and offered practical insights for organisations at all stages of the journey.

Speakers:

• Preeti Srivastav, Group Head of Sustainability, Asahi Group Holdings

How are companies engaging with their upstream and downstream value chains to scale action on their sustainability targets?

This session explored how leading companies are driving progress on their environmental and social sustainability targets by working more effectively across their value chains – both upstream (e.g. suppliers, raw materials, etc.) and downstream (e.g. distributors, customers, etc.). The objective of the session was to demonstrate how deeper, more strategic engagement across the value chain can accelerate sustainability performance, enhance business resilience, and unlock new opportunities for value creation.

Through practical examples and discussion, panellists shared how they are partnering with stakeholders to deliver impact in key areas such as climate action and fair labour practices. Speakers presented tools, strategies, and innovative approaches their organisations are using to build sustainable, inclusive, and efficient value chains – ultimately demonstrating how these efforts contribute to both commercial success and meaningful progress towards sustainability goals.

Speakers:

• Katy Reid, Head of Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility, Menzies Aviation
• James Payne, Global Strategy Director, Purpose of Business, Forum for the Future
• Paul Lockwood, Group Managing Director UK&I, SEKO Logistics Ltd
• Robert Williams, Senior Director, Sustainable Procurement, AstraZeneca

How can businesses improve access to capital and reduce costs by advancing their sustainability performance?

Sustainability is no longer a trade-off; it is a catalyst for growth, resilience, and profitability. Companies with strong ESG performance are unlocking better access to capital, lowering borrowing costs, and attracting long-term investors who are seeking credible, future-fit business models. As the market evolves, it is increasingly clear that sustainability pays its own way – strengthening the bottom line.

This session brought together business leaders, investors, and policymakers to explore how aligning finance with sustainability creates real business value. Panellists shared practical strategies for using ESG to reduce risk and boost investor confidence – from accessing capital through green, social, and SDG-linked bonds to leveraging blended finance models that de-risk investments.

Speakers:

• Mitch Reznick, Group Head of Fixed Income, London, Federated Hermes Limited
• Ulrika Leverenz, Head of Green Investment, H&M Group
• Andrew Howard, Global Head of Sustainable Investment, Schroders
• Kerry King, Executive Director of Capital Markets, Accounting for Sustainability

How can reducing workforce inequalities, upholding fair labour practices, and unlocking inclusive economic growth improve profitability and enhance long-term business performance?

This session explored how integrating fair work principles into business strategies can drive sustainable success. By embedding inclusion into ESG efforts, companies can enhance productivity, attract diverse talent, foster innovation, and strengthen brand reputation, contributing to a more equitable economy.

Our expert panel provided insights on closing gender and racial pay gaps, improving working conditions, and preparing employees for future skills, while addressing the risks of AI and automation on inequalities.

Attendees left with actionable strategies to create fair, productive workplaces that enhance profitability, attract top talent, and improve long-term business performance, while also reducing inequalities and fostering inclusive growth for positive social impact.

Speakers:

• Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs Institution of Occupational Safety and Safety, IOSH
• Matteo Squire, Global Sustainability Manager - Livelihoods & Human Rights, Unilever
• Uzma Hamid-Dizier, Sustainable Business Director, Slaughter and May
• Ori Chandler, Group Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Aviva
• Amanda Powell-Smith, Chief Executive, Forster Communications

Speakers:

• Dr Matt Winning, Lecturer in the Economics of Sustainability and Climate Comedian, UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources

In collaboration with UCL, Newcastle University, Euromonitor International, and SDSN UK, we launched Trailblazers & Transformers: UK Business Sectors Redefining Sustainability, a sector-focused report examining how UK industries are progressing against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Drawing on rigorous research and market data, it explores the unique challenges faced by six high-impact sectors in the UK, alongside the action areas, policy asks, and frameworks that can unlock progress. Learn more about the report here.

Speakers:

• Polina Pencheva, Senior Research Fellow, UCL
• Gail Taylor, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences and Chair of SDSN UK, UCL

How can businesses achieve long-term growth with breakthrough solutions to global challenges?

Innovation and technology are critical for unlocking transformative solutions that deliver measurable business benefits and societal impact. This panel explored how businesses are harnessing cutting-edge technologies, disruptive business models, and transformative partnerships to enhance competitiveness and tackle global challenges. From artificial intelligence (AI) and IoT to blockchain, participants learned how these innovations are transforming industries and scaling impact.

Speakers discussed how disruptive business models, such as the circular economy, are reshaping markets and unlocking new revenue streams, and highlighted the power of collaboration, where strategic partnerships amplify innovation and create shared value.

By spotlighting leading organisations that are redefining the boundaries of business-led sustainability innovation, this session revealed actionable strategies for leveraging technology and innovation, demonstrating that bold ESG solutions can deliver measurable impact and strengthen business performance.

Speakers:

• Gavin Shipley, Director, Sarginsons Technology Centre, Sarginsons Industries Ltd
• Charlotte Harrington, Co-CEO, Belu Water
• Keith James, Director of Behaviour Change & Business Programmes, WRAP
• Anthony Levy, Founder and CEO, Circularity First

Speakers:

• Sir Chris Bryant, Minister of State, Department for Business and Trade

How can bold policy better support your company’s ESG targets and make sustainable business practices more competitive?

This session explored how businesses, as influential actors in the global economy, can align their strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to not only drive sustainability but also position themselves as market leaders. The discussion highlighted the importance of corporate responsibility in advocating for transformative policies that promote sustainable practices, ethical governance, and stakeholder engagement.

Key themes included how corporations can work alongside governments, NGOs, industry associations, and chambers of commerce to advance policies that address climate change, social equity, economic development, and environmental protection – all of which, in turn, support business priorities. The panel examined how strong corporate policy can leverage both influence and resources to create systemic change that makes sustainable business more competitive in the long term.

By showcasing leading organisations that are shaping the policy landscape for sustainable business, this session revealed actionable strategies for driving policy alignment and demonstrating how bold ESG leadership can deliver measurable impact and strengthen long-term business performance.

Speakers:

• Faye Holder, Head of Special Projects, InfluenceMap
• Professor Miranda Barker OBE, Chief Executive Officer, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce
• Fiona Duggan, Global Sustainability Senior Manager - Climate Advocacy, Unilever
• Glenn Barber, Director of Corporate Affairs, SSE

Should increasing communication about sustainability efforts be seen as a strategic power play for competitive advantage, or does it risk fuelling backlash in today’s polarised environment?

Communicating your business’s sustainability efforts can unlock new markets, build trust, and enhance brand value, even amid growing ESG scepticism. However, a measured approach may be required, as heightened communication can expose companies to accusations of greenwashing and potential public backlash. In today’s climate, missteps in sustainability messaging can quickly erode trust and damage reputation.

In this formal debate, experts examined how organisations can communicate their sustainability ambitions effectively and authentically in a complex, often divided environment.

Speakers:

• Solitaire Townsend, Co-Founder & Chief Solutionist, Futerra
• Matt Sparkes, Sustainability Director, Linklaters LLP
• Hannah Pathak, Chief Executive Officer, Forum for the Future
• Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, Global Executive Lead, Sustainability and Development, MHA
• James Murray, Editor-in-Chief, BusinessGreen
• Emily Luscombe, EMEA Strategic Communications Agency Lead, ERM
• Sam Fankhauser, Professor of Climate Economics and Policy, Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment - University of Oxford

The Responsible Business Conduct in Supply Chains: Policy Feedback Roundtable convened UK businesses to provide structured input into the UK Government’s current Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) Review. Responsible Business Conduct is an integral part of the Government’s mission to grow the economy. Announced in June’s Trade Strategy and led by the Department for Business and Trade with cross-government support, the RBC Review is an appraisal of the UK’s current policy approach and potential options to strengthen RBC. It focuses on the global supply chains of businesses operating in the UK and draws on the insights and expertise of businesses, investors, trade unions, academia, civil society, and the UK’s trading partners.

This roundtable served as a forum to explore business practices related to RBC, gather perspectives on the existing policy landscape, and consider the merits of alternative approaches. It was organised in a workshop format, with officials from the UK Government’s Office for Responsible Business Conduct facilitating small-group discussions.

In collaboration with the Green Finance Institute (GFI) and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), this breakout session fostered a rich conversation on how businesses are assessing their climate and nature-related risks, and the challenges they face when seeking to invest in mitigating these risks.

The aim of the session was to share learnings and consider several solutions, including Nature Positive Transition Pathways, the role of nature markets such as carbon and BNG, and regional aggregation co-investment models. Through discussion, participants explored whether there are clear steps that policymakers, businesses, and the finance sector can take together — and how we can collectively move beyond risk analysis and disclosures towards investment.

The session featured a short presentation to set the scene on key policies and government initiatives designed to unlock private sector investment in nature, before moving into discussion and the sharing of experiences.

Speakers:

• Helen Avery, Director, Nature Programmes and GFI Hive, Green Finance Institute
• Helen Edmundson, Deputy Director, Green Finance, UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

In collaboration with the Better Than Cash Alliance, IOSH, the Living Wage Foundation, the UNDP FAST Initiative, and the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, the UN Global Compact Network UK hosted a world café-style roundtable discussion to explore various topics relating to decent work and how business can be a force for good in ensuring the workplace is fair, safe, and inclusive for all.

Speakers:

• Dr Christopher Davis, Thought Leadership Manager, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)
• Lauren Wetherilt, Senior Manager, Living Wage Foundation
• Katherine Rickard, Lead - Private Sector Digitisation, UNDP Better Than Cash Alliance
• Jill Huinder, Finance and Human Rights Specialist, UNDP Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking (FAST) Initiative
• Anithra Vari, Labour Rights Researcher, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre