Case Study

Aligning wealth with values through responsible investing.

Simon Briggs
Guided by Simon Briggs, Chartered Financial Planner, Director & Compliance Manager

Client profile

A young entrepreneurial couple running a family business approached us for support with general financial planning, including pensions and investment strategy. A key part of their brief was to ensure their investments reflected their personal values – particularly around sustainability and ethical considerations.

Initial position

While financially astute, the clients were cautious about how their money was invested. They were aware of the risks of greenwashing and were particularly keen to avoid exposure to industries such as tobacco. However, they also wanted to ensure their investments had strong potential for long-term growth.

Their objectives

The couple wanted to build a robust investment and pension portfolio that reflected their ethical views, without compromising on performance. They recognised that some level of exposure to less preferred sectors might be unavoidable, but they were determined to minimise it as far as realistically possible.

Our approach

We began by exploring the different approaches to responsible investing – from deep green investment models with stricter exclusions, to broader ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategies. We discussed:

  • How negative and positive screening works in fund selection
  • The difference between in-house models, mainstream portfolios, and discretionary solutions
  • What areas of the market they might be exposed to in each approach, so they could make informed decisions

 

We also explained how our in-house research process ensures investments are aligned not just with ESG criteria, but with long-term financial sustainability.

Strategies implemented

We built a new investment portfolio tailored to their values and objectives. This included:

  • Transferring a former employer pension that did not meet their sustainability criteria
  • Selecting investments with reduced or no exposure to sectors they wished to avoid, such as tobacco
  • Using our in-house research to support fund selection, giving them clarity and confidence in the choices made

Interested in the outcome?

Simplifying the complex

Responsible investing can be nuanced, so we took care to explain key concepts such as screening, ESG scoring, and the implications of balancing ethics with expected returns. We helped the clients understand what they were compromising on, and what they weren’t, so they could proceed with clarity.

The outcome

The clients are now invested in a portfolio that reflects their principles while aiming to deliver strong financial outcomes over the long term. They were particularly pleased to reduce their exposure to sectors they were uncomfortable with, and felt empowered by the transparency of the process.

Client reflections

The couple expressed satisfaction in knowing their money is working for their future and aligned with their values. They appreciated the honesty and rigour in our approach, and are looking forward to building a long-term professional relationship as their business and family continue to grow.

When you're ready, so are we

If you’re looking to grow your wealth without compromising your values, we can help. Like this couple, you can invest with purpose – and confidence in where your money is going.

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