The Fleet Street Quarter’s first-ever ESG Summit, on Tuesday 11th February, was attended by over 50 businesses to share best practices and explore challenges in advancing sustainability efforts. The event was structured into three sessions, each focusing on a key pillar of Environmental, Social, and Governance, supplemented by presentations from experts in these fields.
Guided by skilled facilitators at each table, participants shared insights on which ESG actions had the most impact, what areas they wished to explore further, and how the FSQ BID could support businesses in achieving their ESG goals.
Across the three themes, the summit highlighted innovative actions being undertaken by local businesses, some of which are featured in this article.
On environmental measures, discussions underscored businesses’ efforts to foster circular economy practices, including initiatives to eliminate single-use plastics from workplaces. Companies were also found to be adopting energy-saving behaviors by switching to renewable energy and LED lighting. Additionally, FSQ BID was pleased to note the success of its partnership with Love to Ride, with many businesses utilizing this platform and other cycle-to-work schemes to promote active travel.
Internally, businesses have embedded social value strategies to support and develop employees by enhancing wellbeing services and introducing employee focus groups. However, there was a shared acknowledgment of the need to do more in empowering marginalized communities and supporting local charities. Participants highlighted valuable opportunities such as Re-Engage, which is available on the volunteering platform, Neighbourly.
A key barrier to improving businesses’ sustainability efforts was identified as a lack of engagement with supply chains. This complex issue not only reflects the challenges of collecting data from local and international suppliers but also the difficulty of maintaining ESG commitments amid rising costs, limited resources, and inadequate support. Closer to home, businesses recognized the need for a comprehensive ESG framework to help educate and train staff, ensuring that ESG principles are fully embedded in company culture.
As a next step, the findings from the summit will be presented to the Clean and Green Steering Group, shaping FSQ BID’s sustainability activities for the upcoming year. Businesses are encouraged to stay informed about future ESG initiatives in the next edition.
If you attended the ESG Summit, please let us know you’re thoughts and feedback by filling out this short questionnaire.
Watch our highlight video from the summit, featuring keynote speakers Jennie Colville, Alison Gowman, Suzanne Ornsby and Giulia Trabbacchin, as well as Fleet Street Quarter CEO, Lady Lucy French.
