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Peter Rondel and Amy King of Alexforbes Investments and Paragon Impact explain why all businesses need to focus on ESG
SUSTAINABILITY isn’t a trend; it’s a deeply human concern. In a world of digital noise, misinformation and shifting narratives, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters.
Climate change often takes centre stage (record temperatures in June again), yet the social and governance aspects of ESG (how we treat people and how we make decisions) are just as critical.
For those managing portfolios, leading businesses or planning for retirement, sustainability is no longer a side issue. It’s central to long-term success. While ESG has become a familiar acronym, its real-world application often feels distant or overly technical, or someone else’s responsibility.
Therefore, set aside your news feeds and social media for a moment and let’s bring it closer to home.
Why ESG is growing, and why it matters
ESG is growing in importance because the world is changing. Investors and stakeholders are asking harder questions. Regulators are tightening standards, and businesses are recognising that long-term value depends on more than just financial performance.
ESG isn’t just about risk, it’s about opportunity. It’s about building resilient organisations, attracting talent and earning trust.
It’s about making decisions that stand up to scrutiny and deliver value across generations.
At Alexforbes Offshore, we’ve been integrating ESG into our investment processes for years. But we also see ESG as a lens for broader strategic thinking; how businesses invest in their future, their people and their purpose.
The missing piece: Impact
While ESG metrics help us understand exposure to risk, they don’t always tell us what those risks mean, or what to do about them. That’s where impact comes in.
Impact is the change, positive or negative, that results from an organisation’s actions.
It’s the ripple effect of a flexible working policy on employees and their families. It’s the choice to source from suppliers who pay living wages and reject modern slavery.
Measuring impact requires “systems thinking”: seeing connections, understanding consequences and making decisions with broader outcomes in mind. It’s not easy, but it is essential.
From complexity to clarity
Our Paragon Impact platform helps businesses and investors navigate this complexity.
Our approach combines ESG risk analysis with impact performance measurement, turning data into insight and insight into action.
We focus on what’s material, what’s measurable and what matters most. That means fewer buzzwords and more clarity. It means helping decision-makers cut through the noise and focus on outcomes that are both sustainable and strategic.
Trends, risks and opportunities
The ESG landscape is evolving fast. Key trends include:
- Regulatory pressure: Disclosure requirements are increasing, especially around climate and governance.
- Stakeholder engagement: Employees, customers and communities expect more transparency and accountability.
- Data-driven decisions: ESG and impact metrics are becoming central to investment and strategic decision making.
With these trends come risks: greenwashing, inconsistent data and the challenge of turning good intentions into measurable outcomes. That’s why a structured, repeatable approach is essential.
Turning insights into action
How do you move from ideas to impact?
Start by identifying the sustainability issues most relevant to your business or investment. Engage with stakeholders. Ask how decisions are affecting them. Look for feedback – not just data – and use it to guide your next steps.
Most importantly, make it repeatable. Sustainability isn’t a one-off initiative. It’s a mindset, a process and a journey.
Final thought
AI-generated content may be incorrect. In a world full of noise, clarity is powerful. By focusing on impact, embracing systems thinking and making thoughtful, informed decisions, we can build businesses – and portfolios – that don’t just survive, but thrive.
How we actually go about making money is a more important question than how much we can make.
If you would like to explore these topics in more detail or understand what Alexforbes Offshore can do for you or your business, please get in touch. Sustainability isn’t about giving something up. It’s about building something better.
For further details, email info@alexforbes.je or scan the QR code.
