For journalists and media only

4.00pm

Increasingly, retail and institutional investors are looking at how their money can benefit society while also making a healthy return.  During Good Money Week our media business briefing with Hotel Chocolat will look at recent developments and current thinking in responsible and impact investment.

According to Deloitte, “87% of Millennials, polled across 29 countries, believed business success should be measured by more than financial performance”.  Recently we have seen a shift toward impact investing – so instead of looking at what is screened out based on negative criteria (like weapons or tobacco), investors are looking for companies that have a measurable positive impact on the environment and society. This means buying shares in a company that is delivering positive benefits to society through their services, products and behaviour, in a way that will also deliver a financial return.

Simon Howard, CEO, The UK Sustainable Investment & Finance Association, who was Group CIO of Liverpool Victoria and Head of Investment at Friends Provident, will introduce the session with a discussion on the current depth and breadth of sustainable investment and finance in the UK. 

Amanda Young, Head of Responsible Investment, Standard Life Investments, will take an in-depth look at the recent developments in ESG investment, using customer insight to highlight the move from ethical to impact investing.  Investors and investment companies are becoming increasingly aware of the important role they can play in order to help address the world’s various environmental and social challenges.  Good management of these risks can have a significant impact on a company’s valuation, which can lead to better investment outcomes.

Matt Pritchard, Chief Financial Officer, Hotel Chocolat,  joined Hotel Chocolat as Chief Financial Officer in 2014 and is responsible for the finance function and retail operations.  He has worked in retail finance for over 20 years, and will draw on his vast experience in the front line of corporate responsibility to look at the future of sustainable business practices. 

The presentations will be followed by a Q&A session.

Tea and coffee will be available before the presentations.  There will be a drinks and chocolate reception after the presentations when there will be an opportunity for networking with the presenters.  Please aim to arrive promptly to allow time to get through security at The Gherkin, where you will need to show ID.  Please note that business dress is required in The Gherkin.

RSVP:

Please confirm your attendance (or otherwise) no later than Tuesday, 25th October, by e-mailing megan_stewart@standardlife.com 

Places will be allocated on a first come basis.

For further information, please contact:

Megan Stewart, Standard Life Investments, 0131 245 0585