New British Standard for the circular economy

Governance and Transparency

Standards body BSI has launched a new standard for the circular economy, "BS 8001: 2017: Framework for implementing the principles of the circular economy in organisations – guide".

Most European pension funds ignore climate change risk

Ninety-five per cent of European pension funds haven’t considered the financial impact of climate change on investments, Mercer has reported.

Body Shop sold

Pioneering ethical retailer the Body Shop is changing hands, having been purchased by Brazilian group Natura.

FCA publishes report on asset management

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published the findings of its asset management market study, and set out a series of ‘remedies’ to address the concerns identified in the interim report into the sector.

Co-op future ‘secured’

The Co-operative Bank has agreed a financial package to prevent its closure after a debt-for-equity swap with hedge funds.

AbbVie Employees donate 26,000 hours in a week

Biopharmaceutical company AbbVie has celebrated its fourth annual ‘Week of Possibilities’ with over 6,000 employees in more than 50 contributing to their communities.

Santander and Crowdfunder partnership

Santander’s Changemaker Fund has been granted increased funding, providing social enterprises and community projects the chance to present on the Crowdfunder website and unlock matched funding if the crowd support their ideas.

Law Commission calls for amended regulations

The Law Commission has called for reform of responsible pension scheme investment in order to allow for greater social investment.

Institutional Investors invest in companies with ESG disclosures

A white paper from public relations and communications agency Burson-Marsteller reveals that 77 per cent of institutional investors believe building ESG initiatives into a company's business model is better for the long-term success of the business.

Tesco joins Sainsbury in Fairtrade change

According to reports in "The Grocer", Tesco has moved some of its products away from the Fairtrade label.

Govt defeated in High Court over LGPS divestment

A High Court ruling has deemed guidance from the Department for Communities and Local Government for Local Government Pension Schemes “unlawful” and not in the interests of pensions.

Virgin Atlantic announces carbon reductions

Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays have published their joint sustainability report with an emphasis on carbon savings and a sustainable food project.

Standard Life recognised for social mobility

Standard Life has been ranked as one of the fifty employers in the UK’s Social Mobility Employer Index, entering the new Index in fourth place.

Aviva dumps tobacco

UK life insurance company Aviva is to withdraw from tobacco investing. The firm had around £1bn invested in the tobacco industry and its divestment affects securities that it manages on behalf of its own shareholders.