On Wednesday 16th October 2019, Gary and the team hosted a seminar for our clients and professional connections on Sustainable Investments.
This is a phrase many of our clients had heard of but hadn’t appreciated exactly what it is and how it differs from the old ethical approach. Our seminar was about demonstrating the work we and our partners (LGT Vestra and Legal & General Investment Management) are doing to drive more money towards companies which have a positive impact on the environment.
Such an interesting topic, the feedback from attendees has been wonderful and our speakers, as always, were engaging and knowledgable. A really great day of learning and insight.
Here’s a summary of the day:
- Our attendees achieved an understanding of the more subtle changes underway in the tax system and how it’s important to understand what may impact them. Post Brexit there are likely to be huge changes and working with a tax specialist alongside a financial planner is paramount if clients want to manage their wealth effectively. Too many people look at these specialist areas of advice in isolation.
- Gary spoke about the tipping point on all matters environmental and how the wider public are driving change but he also highlighted the huge amount of work underway in the Sustainable investment space.
- Phoebe Stone, Head of the Sustainable Model portfolio at LGT Vestra spoke passionately about the role of strong corporate and social responsibility within companies and how this is driving change and impacting where companies like LGT Vestra invest. She gave some great examples.
- Ben Cherrington, a Key Account Manager at Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM) reinforced the work that LGIM have been doing in the sustainable space over the years and how they are driving change across companies because of their size and influence. Ben reinforced that investors don’t want to be ‘caught’ investing in companies which aren’t embracing environmental responsibilities because this could adversely affect returns.
- Gary spoke about both the opportunities and concerns when it comes to investing in general terms. He married the views of LGT Vestra and Blue Sky’s investment Committee in explaining that it is highly unlikely that we are facing a global recession. Yes, there may be lower, slower growth ahead but there are plenty of investment opportunities, depending upon appetite for risk.
Captain’s Club Hotel, Christchurch: Gary Neild, Managing Director of Blue Sky Financial Planning, speaking at the seminar held by his company at the Captain’s Club Hotel.
