The voice of business in the Tees region | 39
2.
3.
4.
5.
different products and level of
ethical screening, hence the
new investment types becoming
available.
Environmental, Social and
Governance or ESG investing
focuses on companies
demonstrating their approach to the
environment, social responsibility
and their own governance
practices. This is the opposite
approach to item 1 with a focus on
positive screening.
SRI or Socially Responsible
Investing looks to provide positive
social outcomes through the
investments made, and is therefore
a blend of items 1and 2 but with
a more measurable approach;
screening stocks out first and then
concentrating on a company’s
ESG approach provides a more
comprehensive approach to
investing ethically.
Impact Investments can be made
in both emerging and developed
markets, focusing on an outcome
or impact that will be positive
in an ethical sense, while still
investing in certain companies.
They may be screened out under
other approaches as long as these
companies are working towards
being more sustainable.
Sustainable Development Goals or
SDG are part of the United Nations
blueprint set out “To achieve
a better and more sustainable
future for all. They address
the global challenges we face,
including those related to poverty,
inequality, climate, environmental
degradation, prosperity, and
peace and justice. The Goals
interconnect and in order to leave
no one behind, it ís important that
we achieve each Goal and target
by 2030” (source: https://www.
un.org/sustainabledevelopment/
sustainable-development-goals/).
ABOUT
ANDREW
Does it work?
The Global Sustainable Investment Review
2018 states that at the beginning of 2018,
global sustainable investment reached
$30.7 trillion in the five major markets;
Europe, USA, Japan, Canada and Australia/
New Zealand which is a 34% increase in
two years.
One of the arguments against ethical
investing has been the lack of product
development and suitable investment
solutions. There has, however been an
increase in availability and awareness in the
last few years with investment providers
promoting these product ranges more
frequently.
A further challenge has been regarding
performance. Although ethical investments
have been available for a number of years,
the impression was that investment returns
have to be sacrificed (due to the focus on
social/ethical impact).
While some investments do try to
prioritise the social responsibility over
performance, this will depend on the
individual investments.
Research undertaken by the Global
Impact Investing Network (GIIN) shows
clients are looking for a balance of achieving
a level of social responsibility whilst
maintaining average market returns.
From a financial performance point
of view, the majority of clients who are
investing in these products are either in line
with or outperforming their expectations
- with only 9% feeling the investments
are underperforming relative to their
expectations (Source: GIIN).
Want to know more?
If you would like to discuss the options available with ethical investments
please contact Active Chartered Financial Planners on 01642 765957.
www.activefinancialplanners.co.uk
#TheClearAdvantage
The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get
back less than you originally invested.
A
ndrew Gilmore is proof
that through hard work and
commitment you can realise
your potential.
Joining Active in 2007 as an
administrator through the North
East Chamber of Commerce
apprenticeship scheme, Andrew
worked hard to qualify as a financial
adviser in 2012 at just 23.
Continuing his study, in 2016
Andrew gained Chartered
Fellowship status; the highest level
of qualification awarded by the
Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).
Andrew is an extremely
knowledgeable financial planner,
gaining extensive technical
knowledge through his continual
study.
Although Andrew does advise
clients on a variety of areas, he has
exceptional expertise in investments
and pensions, specialising in
providing estate planning and long
term care advice.
Active director and Chartered
financial planner, Paul Gibson, said:
“It is vital that we continue to
develop our knowledge and keep
up to date with regulatory and
legislation changes so we can offer
the best advice to our clients.
“Andrew fully embraces this, and
has been instrumental in our growth
and success.”
Andrew’s recent accolades include
being one of Vouchedfor.co.uk’s (the
UK’s leading ratings site for financial
and legal professionals) ‘Top Rated
for 2019’ and was also named as
one of the top 35 New Generation
Advisers (in the UK) 2018 by CityWire
& New Model Adviser Magazine.
Andrew is now working towards
a Masters Degree in Business
Administration at Teesside University,
which focuses on management and
strategic leadership.
www.activefinancialplanners.co.uk
#TheClearAdvantage