The Alchemist Awarded ESG Champion 2019

The BVCA Responsible Investment Awards are Europe’s only awards that recognise and celebrate outstanding ESG practices within private equity and venture capital. Beating off strong competition from private equity backed businesses across the UK, the judges praised The Alchemist’s commercial rationale behind pursuing ESG commitments showing “clear year-on-year improvement”.

At the time of investment in May 2015 the incoming MD welcomed our ESG baseline review as an opportunity to learn about the agenda and map out where the company could optimise value creation and minimise negative impacts. Working alongside the management team we have anchored ESG around five key areas which include; recruitment and retention, health, safety and wellbeing, impact on local communities, managing environmental impacts and sustainable supply chain. Four years on and the transformation the business has made is standout within their industry.

To hear highlights on how The Alchemist have successfully embedded ESG practices and the impact these have made, please view our short video above.

We have been embedding ESG management across  our Buyout funds and Impact fund portfolio companies for over 10 years. Our evidence shows there is a correlation between ESG performance and financial return. We also believe with the right investment partner, profitable businesses that embrace and execute ESG best practices will build a strong brand and market position, therefore reaping the benefits of improving efficiencies, enhancing employee engagement, attracting top talent, retaining customer loyalty which will in turn lead to value creation realised on exit and beyond.