Business as usual is unsustainable. Whether you are providing advice or evaluating companies to invest in, clients are increasingly interested in how their money is invested. In this context, it is time to consider the role of business and the assumptions about what business traits make a company an attractive investment. This two-part series is based on our research How can businesses thrive in a sustainable economy? In part two we discuss five areas where business models can evolve to thrive in a sustainable economy.

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought both opportunities and risks for Big Tech companies. This article explores the current landscape of Big Tech and AI, highlighting their dominance in the field, the ongoing debate over responsible development, the opportunities presented by increased automation, and the risks associated with trust, liability, and legal uncertainties.

Business as usual is unsustainable. Whether you are providing advice or evaluating companies to invest in, clients are increasingly interested in how their money is invested. In this context, it is time to consider the role of business and the assumptions about what business traits make a company an attractive investment. Part 1 of a two part series outlines the five unsustainable characteristics that need to be addressed if a business is to thrive in a sustainable economy.

This paper highlights the limitations and misalignment of current business models with the objectives of a sustainable economy as defined by the Doughnut Economics model. Drawing from case studies, the report investigates how business models need to change to fit into a sustainable economy, and presents a new framework for companies and investors to assess an organisation’s alignment with a sustainable economy.

Nuclear power generates 70% of energy in France, 30% in Sweden and 19% in the US. Policies aiming to phase out nuclear power in Japan and South Korea have recently been reversed while 19 countries have nuclear reactors under construction. In Australia, however, nuclear energy has been banned since 1998. Do we need to rethink nuclear?

Gender equality continues to be a key issue that companies are being called on to address with public attention focused on issues like the gender pay gap, harassment, and a lack of representation. However, like other Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues, some companies have been accused of overstating their progress or ‘gender washing’.

Impact investing seeks to add value to society whilst also achieving financial returns. It is different from sustainable or ethical investing as it explicitly seeks to make a measurable positive social or environmental impact from the investment. Impact investing in recent years has begun to gain traction, with young investors most notably taking part. This article will explore impact investing, recent trends, and what the future holds for impact investing.

When considering the rush of net zero commitments we need to ask whether it marks a positive signalling exercise which will drive real change, or is it a delusion that makes us feel good for now but will collapse when greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise? Commitments can set the stage for action, but they can also provide escape hatches for guilt free failure. Humanity has a small window through which a stable climate can still be achieved. Only if we can distinguish the bullsh*t from the actions driving real and equitable change at the scale and speed required will we make it through.