International business advisory group Azets has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability at a time when many businesses are retreating from their pledges – placing ESG at the heart of its long-term strategy.

As companies worldwide scale back their investments in environmental and social responsibility, Azets is taking the opposite approach – strengthening its investment in sustainability, social impact and responsible business practices, and driving measurable impact.

Chris Horne, Group CEO at Azets, said: "This is no time to slow down. Sustainability is not a trend or a checkbox exercise – it’s a responsibility we take very seriously and fundamental to how we operate. While some businesses may be retreating from ESG commitments under external pressures, we’re doubling down. Our focus is on meaningful action, not just rhetoric, and our latest ESG impact report is proof of that.”

Azets’ latest ESG impact report, Making an Impact in 2024, outlines key milestones and ambitious targets that set a bold direction for the future – with the ambition of positioning Azets at the forefront of responsible business practice. The report provides clear evidence of Azets’ strengthened commitment, demonstrating real action in tackling the environmental and social challenges facing businesses today.

Highlights of ESG impact report include:

• Accelerating towards Net Zero – Azets is cutting its carbon footprint, aligning with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and investing in renewable energy and waste reduction.
  

• Strengthening ESG governance – The Group has launched a double materiality assessment (DMA) under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to pinpoint key ESG impacts and financial risks.
  

• Investing in people – Thousands of colleagues have engaged in new learning and development programmes, such as the Azets Academy (Azets Ireland), while new values-based leadership behaviours set a clear framework for excellence.
  

• Driving social impact – Colleagues have raised over £100,000 for charities through Azets 4 Kids and other initiatives, while partnerships with Access Accountancy (Blick Rothenberg) and The King’s Trust (Azets UK) are expanding opportunities for underrepresented talent.
  

• Leading with integrity – Azets has strengthened leadership frameworks, increased accountability, and enhanced transparency to meet the highest ESG standards while helping clients embed sustainability into their businesses.

Azets recognises the unique challenges within professional services, a sector traditionally lacking diversity, and is owning this challenge openly. The Group has made measurable strides in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), acknowledging the work still to be done and committing to further change.

Claire Jepras, Group Chief People Officer and the Executive Committee member responsible for ESG, added: "We are proud of our progress but not complacent. The barriers that have existed in our industry for decades won’t disappear overnight, but we are committed to breaking them down."

“Through initiatives like the Azets Academy, expanded DEI leadership programmes, and the launch of values-based leadership behaviours, Azets is building an inclusive culture that supports underrepresented talent and ensures real progress.”

Amid increasing regulatory scrutiny and shifting global attitudes towards ESG, Azets believes that leadership in ESG is not about compliance – it’s about conviction. The Group is committed to meeting the future head-on – continuing to invest in net zero targets, DEI strategies, and governance frameworks.

Chris Horne concluded: "Real leadership means stepping forward, not stepping back. As a purpose-led organisation, we are investing in a sustainable future and re-setting ambitious goals for 2025 and beyond – not because we have to, but because we believe it’s the right thing to do, to improve the lives of our people, our clients, and our communities."