Professional investors in the UK expect to see small and micro caps more focused on ESG (environmental, social and governance) issues.
Most institutions believe the interest in ESG will rise over the next year, according to a study compiled by MBH Corporation PLC (FRA:M8H, OTCQX:MBHCF, ETR:M8H).
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The investment holding group surveyed UK-based professional investors who specialise in small and micro-cap investments and managing £83.2bn worth of assets in total.
Nearly half expect a dramatic increase over the next five years and no one reckons a decrease is on the card.
There will also be enhanced reporting and transparency from companies on their sustainability policies and strategies, with 92% of respondents expecting the level to increase.
ESG criteria are a set of standards for a company’s operations used by investors to screen potential investments focusing on environmental issues, social issues such as relationships with employees, suppliers and local communities and governance issues relating to a company’s leadership.
“ESG is not just something for major companies and our commitment to ESG is integral to our business as we continually look to find new ways to make sure we continue to have a positive impact on our people and the planet,” said Vikki Sylvester, chief executive at Acacia Training and executive director of MBH.