Exclusive: We need a business mindset shift and new tools to get us there, says City insider June 20, 2022 ESG commitments for 2030 are high on the boardroom agenda, but are we asking the right questions? The big money question is, even if we meet our sustainability targets, does that secure the social conditions and environmental resources that we will need for businesses to operate in the future? Across the City, a viewpoint on [...]
Insurers need more data to properly model climate risk, Bank of England insurance chief says June 8, 2022 The UK’s insurance sector lacks “comprehensive and high quality data” it needs to properly evaluate climate risk, the head of the Bank of England’s (BoE’s) insurance division has said. Speaking at the Association of British Insurers’ (ABI’s) climate summit 2022, Stefan Claus, the head of the BoE’s general insurance division, said insurers are struggling to [...]
City exclusive: Cordiant Capital’s co-CEO on how to make money in the crowded world of digital infrastructure May 19, 2022 Amid an increased focus on digital infrastructure, data transfers and online storage in practically every market around the world, investment giant Cordiant Capital listed its Cordian Digital Infrastructure arm in London last year. Time for City A.M. to catch up with Benn Mikula, co-CEO and managing partner at Cordiant Capital, to see how things are [...]
Exclusive: Forget expensive climate plans, low-cost solution to net zero is methane abatement, says Qnergy CEO May 17, 2022 It’s six months on from COP26 and the world is a very different place, but as the war in Ukraine continues and the cost of living crisis bites closer to home, the promises made in Glasgow still stand. Net zero is the big goal, but CEO of energy firm Qnergy, Ory Zik, told City A.M. today he [...]
PwC acquires London consultancy Pollen8 in bid to enhance innovation offering April 20, 2022 Big Four accountancy firm PwC has acquired tech-focused consultancy Pollen8. In a statement, the major auditor said its acquisition of the London-based consultancy will enhance its “technology innovation capability” and give it access to Pollen8’s “specialist innovation management platform”. Founded in 2016, Pollen8 describes itself as a “tech-led” innovation consultancy which uses “data-driven” analysis to [...]
US climate-tech startup plants dual HQ in London in a bid to woo Europe April 6, 2022 US climate-tech startup Watershed has planted a dual headquarters in London, in a bid to woo Europe. The San Francisco-based firm, backed by former US vice president Al Gore, has already partnered with tech heavyweights such as Klarna, Monzo, Wise and Revolut. Watershed, a software platform that helps companies with their net-zero emissions targets, has [...]
Britain’s very first 100mph battery-diesel hybrid train leaves Marylebone station in London today February 10, 2022 Britain’s very first 100mph battery-diesel hybrid train is entering passenger service to cut carbon emissions and boost air quality. Chiltern Railways will introduce the train on its 40-mile route between London Marylebone and Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, today. There are plans to use it between the capital and Oxford in the coming months. It was developed by [...]
Weekend chat: Many companies and investors fear greenwashing claims, says sustainability guru February 6, 2022 Increasing biodiversity and expanding nature-based solutions to solve the climate crisis through so-called voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) are currently a hot topic. VCMs, which encompass all transactions of carbon offsets that are not purchased with the intention to surrender into an active regulated carbon market, do include offsets that are purchased with the intent to re-sell [...]
How can the blockchain help tackle climate change? February 1, 2022 | City Talk When you think of all the use cases for blockchain technology, solving the existential threat that is climate change is probably not one of them. If anything, crypto has had to play defence in 2021 when it comes to environmental issues, as big questions have been posed about the industry’s energy consumption and sustainability. Well, [...]
Exclusive: Half of all UK bosses plan to hire new tech staff this year January 31, 2022 Digital transformation is a key focus for UK businesses in the coming months. While costs have been a deterrent to innovation over the past year for many firms, the majority are looking to funnel investment into new technology projects in 2022. Nearly half of those polled admit that the cost of development has impeded their firm [...]