The Truth behind consumer interest in sustainable investments

By George Critchley, chairman, True Bearing Chartered Financial Planners.

There has been much discussion amongst Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs) claiming that less than 10 per cent of their investors are interested in considering ESG (Environmental, Social and Good Corporate Governance) and sustainable investments.

However following a recent survey by True Bearing, the outcome painted a very different picture.

The survey was commissioned in July of last year, looking into the current consumer attitudes to these investments and the results indicated that a much higher proportion of investors surveyed, would invest in ESG options.

Responsible for the management of funds worth hundreds of billions of pounds annually, IFAs play a vital role in influencing the market.

We understand that positive shifts influenced by IFAs can have a significant impact to world challenges. Together with our clients, we should be doing our bit to help the planet for the future of our children.

Statistically, the current ESG investment market reflects a very small 3 per cent.

The survey was designed around nine questions and 167 investors were invited to respond, of these, 72 (43.1 per cent) completed the questionnaire.

The survey results illustrated that 76 per cent of those that responded explicitly wanted their investments to have a positive impact and avoid damaging effects.

Assuming those that did not respond were not interested in ESGs, the survey suggested that 32.9 per cent of the investing public want to invest in positive investments.

So why do actual investments only total 3 per cent - are most IFAs behind the times? Why do attitudes contrast with current figures?

The survey showed that the majority of IFAs are not only behind the times, but missing a trick.

They are part of the problem, by not providing a route for their clients to fulfil their objectives. These figures suggest that IFAs are missing out on a large market share, of those keen to take up ESG investments.

The survey asked the investors if there was a perceived greater risk when thinking about ESG investments. However, the majority stated this was not the case.

Put simply, if their IFA made it easy and straightforward for them, they would invest at least some of their monies in a positive manner.

We believe that the results show a degree of certainty, that a change has taken place in the attitudes towards positive solutions and are now part of the everyday market process.

IFAs need to take on board these changes in public opinion and offer sustainable assets to their client investment programmes.The value of investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise. Investors may get back less than they invest.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Lancashire Business View

Latest news

1

20 years of 'outstanding education for Nelson and Colne College Group Nelson and Colne College Group celebration

20 years of 'outstanding education for Nelson and Colne College Group

28 Jan 2025

2

Different roads open up for the Issa brothers Zuber and Mohsin Issa

Different roads open up for the Issa brothers

28 Jan 2025

3

Ex-Mercia investor joins LCC’s fhunded team to support increased VC deal activity Kiran Metha and Rory Southworth

Ex-Mercia investor joins LCC’s fhunded team to support increased VC deal activity

28 Jan 2025

4

Blackpool Post Office hotel plan Abington Street Post Office

Blackpool Post Office hotel plan

28 Jan 2025

5

Assets from long established Blackburn business to be sold Community and Business Partners in Blackburn with doors shut

Assets from long established Blackburn business to be sold

28 Jan 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
The Lancashire Festival of Business
FOB 315
Exhibitions
30 Jan 2025

The Lancashire Festival of Business

Impact Conferencing, Burnley, BB12 6QP

09:30 - 16:00

Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 3
Blue-Modern-Land-Travel-Youtube-Thumbnail-2-1024x576.png.png
LBV Hub Awards
14 Jan 2025 - 18 Mar 2025

Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 3

Community & Business Partners CIC, Blackburn, BB2 3UA

09:30 - 13:00

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire
LBV Hub Event Image.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
30 Jan 2025 - 30 Jan 2025

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire

Strawberry Fields Digital Hub, Chorley, PR7 1PS

18:00 - 20:00

Police Apprenticeship event
Student Centre Autumn 2022.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Social
12 Feb 2025 - 12 Jan 2025

Police Apprenticeship event

University of Central Lancashire, Foster Social Space , Preston , PR1 2HE

16:00 - 19:00

February Preston Tech Connection Meet-Up: Tech & Our Planet
PRESTON TECH CONNECTION jan.ai.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
12 Feb 2025 - 12 Feb 2025

February Preston Tech Connection Meet-Up: Tech & Our Planet

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
13 Feb 2025 - 13 Feb 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Amber River True Bearing Quarterly Investment Seminar
LBV Hub Seminars
13 Feb 2025

Amber River True Bearing Quarterly Investment Seminar

Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, Blackburn Rd, Clayton-le-Moors, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB5 5JP

16:00 - 18:00

Sub36 Networking - Behind the beans
Sub36 Social1200Atkinsons New
Networking
14 Feb 2025

Sub36 Networking - Behind the beans

Atkinsons Speciality Coffee, Lancaster, LA1 1 EX

09:00 - 11:30

National Apprenticeship Week 2025 Celebration - Business Breakfast Showcase
Student Centre Autumn 2022.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
14 Feb 2025 - 14 Jan 2025

National Apprenticeship Week 2025 Celebration - Business Breakfast Showcase

Media Factory , Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 10:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Employment Law, Tax and Payroll Update - East Lancashire
Employment updates - LinkedIn East Lancs-01.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Feb 2025 - 26 Feb 2025

Employment Law, Tax and Payroll Update - East Lancashire

Accrington Stanley Football Club, Accrington, BB5 5BX

08:00 - 10:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV120 Online Graphic 1
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin