We are pleased to share our latest report – Better boards for growth companies, written in conjunction with the Quoted Companies Alliance. The report is based on a study, which surveyed over a hundred Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) of smaller quoted companies.
Growing levels of water scarcity pose a significant risk to businesses and the broader economy – it has been estimated that business-as-usual levels of water productivity and economic growth will increase the likelihood of water-related production shortfalls and economic disruptions related to water shortages, putting nearly $63tn or 45% of global GDP at risk by 2050. However, adopting sustainable practices could allow $17tn of GDP to escape exposure to the risks from severe water scarcity.
Does history rhyme or repeat? If you apply the description of a company with "£24m ARR and 60% recurring revenue, a renewed focus on SaaS and ARR, and a drive to M&A", you could be talking about Ideagen in 2017 (sold for £1.1bn in 2022)....or Sopheon now. History seems to be repeating.
Transition risks refer to business-related risks that follow societal and economic changes towards a low-carbon economy. Transition risks can come in multiple forms that may include increased disclosure requirements or risks associated with carbon pricing.
The response to climate change can be categorised into two approaches - mitigation and adaptation. Climate change mitigation is already at the forefront of many businesses’ strategies, having gained traction over the past decade. Today, for example, 91% of the global economy falls under net zero pledges, up from 19% in 2019. Promises of net zero and an emerging 2-billion-dollar carbon credit market have invigorated action from governments and businesses alike. However, even under a best-case scenario, some degree of adaptation will be required. Physical climate risks pose a major yet often unappreciated threat to corporate assets and infrastructure.
How best can 192,000 hours be put to work? Ultimately, that is the question that management of a company with 100 staff working 8 hours a day must answer. Today's Tech Chat highlights companies that drive towards 'automation of the unglamorous' and save their customers compounded minutes of valable time.
We are a glass half full knowing that history doesn't repeat itself, but it often does rhyme. We take a look at influences on small cap tech in the coming year with our tech Top Picks and opportunity for AI as it becomes more and more accessible to the individual.
Despite the immense value of transactions facilitated in banking, the technology supporting its complexity has yet to catch up with the expectation. We consider the need for a Goldilocks approach to banking: not too human, not to automated, but just right.
No measures were implemented to reduce fossil fuel use at this year's COP. However, a significant step towards decarbonising the built environment was made as the cement and steel sectors joined the First Movers Coalition. We discuss the importance of this and explore how recent policy developments in the built environment will affect everyone.
As we outline, there are two key takeaways from COP27 – the Loss and Damage fund and a lack of action on emissions. Several talking points are also discussed, such as the appeal of blended finance and the new role of natural gas.
Henrik Persson, Head of PLC Strategic Advisory, looks at whether UK plc is up for sale and if it presents an enticing opportunity for overseas or opportunistic domestic raiders.
