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Fractional CRO | BID Consultant | FM Procurement Specialist | Helping organisations procure and win high-value contracts, and create successful, long-term partnerships | Founder: EMC

Sustainability not a priority for half of UK firms As COP29 continues (11-22 November), analysis from business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP reveals that fewer than half (43%) of UK mid-sized businesses have sustainability targets, such as net zero, in place.    According to data from the firm’s quarterly International Business Report, which surveyed 301 mid-sized businesses in the UK (3,748 businesses globally), only 43% of UK businesses have sustainability targets in place, this is found to be higher than the global average (39%).  While many of the UK firms surveyed have still not implemented core steps on their sustainability journey, they are outperforming the global average in several areas including: 🌍 60% have implemented a sustainability strategy (51% globally)  🌍 46% have implemented sustainability reporting (40% globally)  🌍 28% have implemented a sustainability policy (25% globally) The study shows that there are several challenges facing UK mid-sized businesses when complying with sustainability regulations. Top concerns are:  💡 The speed at which requirements change  💡 The capital investment   💡 Understanding the requirements for different jurisdictions  Three-quarters of the firms polled – in the UK and globally – agreed that the need to understand the sustainability requirements of different jurisdictions forms a barrier to international business expansion.  However, almost two-thirds (63%) of the UK businesses polled expect to maintain or increase their investment in sustainability over the next year - above the global (58%) and European (53%) average – to invest in renewable energy, carbon reduction and sustainable procurement.  💡 Brand reputation is identified as the biggest driver behind UK and global businesses’ investment and focus on sustainability initiatives. 

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