Responsible Investing

WestBridge understands the importance of responsible investing in creating and protecting value.

A strong approach to environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters delivers sustainable growth at portfolio companies and enhanced returns for investors.

WestBridge is a signatory of the UNPRI and actively incorporates ESG values, policies and procedures internally and across our portfolio of companies.

ESG is incorporated into our investment process – from origination and deal execution to portfolio management and exit.

Our aim is to create long-term value and protect value leakage for all stakeholders.  By identifying ESG opportunities – and risks – and effectively managing them, we can generate sustainable growth within our portfolio companies.

This approach improves the impact our investments have on the economy, society and the environment.

Principles for responsible investment logo

 
Benefits of implementing ESG practices
  • Increased top-line growth through more sustainable products and services
  • Improved employee engagement and talent attraction
  • Operational efficiencies and cost savings
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Risk identification and management
  • Enhanced brand reputation
WestBridge approach to ESG
  • Clearly defined ESG strategy
  • ESG diligence incorporated into investment process
  • Team trained in ESG best practice
  • Constant monitoring and data capture across entire portfolio
  • Transparent quarterly reporting to investors
  • ESG advocate on each portfolio board ensures ESG is always on the agenda
  • Procedures and policies constantly monitored and benchmarked
  • Performance metrics include ESG
 

ESG across our portfolio


new jobs created since investment

%

reduction in staff sickness days since investment

> %

EBITDA growth across the Fund II portfolio

> k

staff employed across the portfolio

£m

in salary, bonus and pension paid to portfolio companies staff

%

of companies have women on boards or senior management teams

*Data for 12 months to 31 March 2023

 
Environmental

By helping companies identify operational improvements, such as better management of their resources and supply chain, we help them become more efficient and minimise their impact on the environment.

Social

By assisting companies to operate ethically, safely and with respect for employee health and wellbeing, we help them create supportive and productive environments that retain and attract top talent.

Governance

By encouraging companies to implement policies and processes that improve critical business functions, we help them comply with the law and make decisions that meet the needs of all stakeholders.

 

ESG in action


 

Apem

APEM is now a certified carbon neutral company adhering to the International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance (ICROA) standards.

Aptus Utilities

The Aptus apprentice scheme was named Training Scheme of the Year in the North West Young Professional Awards 2022, and four Aptus apprentices were nominated for 'Young Apprentice of the Year' out of eleven nominees.

The business has been recognised as one of the UK’s “Best Workplaces for Wellbeing 2023” as part of the “Great Place To Work” accreditation.

Eque2

Eque2’s software solutions help save time, improve accuracy and governance oversight, and protect margins. The business is supporting its construction clients to improve technology adoption, address skilled labour shortages, adopt sustainable and green construction practices and engage in infrastructure development.

SCT

Through working with SCT, a telecoms client, who utilises 11,000 network switches, access points and routers, has been able to increase the average life of its assets by 20% whilst enhancing uptime. This clearly has the benefit of reducing consumption, whilst generating a financial saving of over 25%.