River Capital
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Environmental, Social and Governance
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Environmental, Social and Governance

Across the investment industry, ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) issues have never been more important.

At River, we believe that we and the companies we invest in should behave responsibly towards the environment and society. We look to promote both ESG behaviour and Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) in both our own business and that of our portfolio businesses. We have taken a number of proactive steps to further these objectives including:

  • We are focussed on reducing our carbon footprint with a view to achieving net zero as soon as possible. In conjunction with John Moores University and its Eco-I programme, we continue to work to develop net zero policies such as green travel, use of ultra low emission vehicles and use of digital solutions to manage our carbon footprint

  • We have internally appointed ‘champions’ in the field of both ESG and D&I to drive focus on these key areas

  • We have adopted schemes to support both ‘Ultra Low Emission Vehicles’ and ‘cycle to work’ schemes for staff

  • We are a signatory to the Investing in Women Code which aims to improve female entrepreneurs’ access to tools, resources and finance, supporting diversity and inclusion in access to finance

  • All our office furniture is sustainably sourced and energy suppliers committed to ‘green energy solutions’

  • In our technology investments, we are focussed on supporting businesses providing a deliberate positive impact through the use of  ‘technology for good’

  • We actively work with local schools and universities to develop future talent by offering work experience programmes for students.

We look favourably on businesses that demonstrate Social Value in the conduct of their business, for example:

  • Connect with a secondary school and / or college to help inspire and inform the next generation about careers e.g. Give an Hour campaign

  • Develop skills and training plans that include an apprenticeship scheme

  • Offer training to low paid staff to help them up-skill and progress

  • Offer work opportunities and experiences to local people with disabilities or health issues

  • Provide sustainable green travel ways for employees to travel for business and to commute to work

  • Undertake an efficiency audit to identify ways to reduce waste and lower energy and water consumption

  • Undertake a supply chain audit to identify opportunities to buy more from local suppliers

  • Pay small business suppliers in line with the Prompt Payment Code, including a commitment to pay suppliers within 60 days and work towards adopting 30 days as a norm

  • Commit to paying employees the real living wage within an agreed timescale

  • Local community initiatives including supporting local charities and community groups and staff volunteering.

We are committed to supporting local charities through both our “Charity of the Year” scheme and other fund raising initiatives.

Our partners include: