14 IN VIEW
GIVING A HIGH-FIVE FOR A DIGITAL SUCCESS STORY
Described at the time as a ‘digital game- changer’ Fraser House is celebrating five years since plans for its creation as a cutting-edge hub for tech-based companies were first revealed.
Following the announcement, a £1.5m Lancashire County Council investment helped
to transform the former linoleum factory on Lancaster’s White Cross business park into a modern workspace which today is home to more than 130 members.
The co-working hub’s existence also owes a lot to the lobbying efforts of Lancashire tech entrepreneur Michael Gibson, who in 2019 was
the chair of the Digital Lancashire business group.
He argued that a lack of office space for growing digital companies was holding the county’s economy back, pointing to Lancaster as a prime example.
County Hall listened, and following an extensive refurbishment, Fraser House opened its doors in spring 2021.
Fraser House’s ground floor offers a mix of open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, desks, private ‘phone-booth’ pods, social spaces, and a presentation theatre, while a second floor features more traditional offices.
Members include freelancers, micro-businesses and scaleups – as well more established businesses looking to grow – working across a diverse range of tech of digital sectors.
Michael Gibson’s own business, the cloud- based electric vehicle charging software business, Fuuse, is based at Fraser House.
Sense of community
WHY ESG IS CRITICAL TO PERFORMANCE
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are increasingly recognised as critical elements in driving long-term business performance.
Organisations that excel in ESG practices often outperform their peers, demonstrating greater resilience, higher value generation, and stronger reputational benefits.
In recent years, corporate reporting has evolved to meet the changing information needs of an ever-widening range of stakeholders, with an increased focus on non-financial reporting information, which includes sustainability reporting.
One common aim is for non-financial information to increase transparency. This should also enable investors and other stakeholders to have a better understanding and more confidence in an organisation’s risk management, governance, strategy and performance.
However, the approach to sustainability reporting varies greatly, so in recent years, a growing body of regulations, standards and guidance has emerged with the overall
They can guide them in navigating and adopting these complex reporting frame- works, ensuring that ESG reporting aligns with industry standards and complies with evolving regulations.
Chris Brown, Brown & Co
aim of helping companies to communicate important information about sustainability in a meaningful way.
Created with the backing of the G7, the G20 and others, the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has produced the first two reporting standards – IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information and IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures.
Many businesses struggle measuring and communicating their ESG performance. Chartered accountants have the skill set that is crucial for supporting businesses in their ESG journeys.
www.brownandco.uk
They can also support in analysing and providing credible data, especially related to environmental impact, carbon footprints, and social responsibility.
Perhaps more importantly, chartered accountants are critical in risk management. ESG-related risks, such as climate change or regulatory changes, can have material impacts on a company’s financial health. Accountants can help organisations in identifying these risks, assessing their financial implications, and integrating them into long-term strategic planning.
Chartered accountants are well-positioned to help businesses navigate the complexities of ESG reporting, integrate sustainability into financial planning, and use business as a force for good in achieving long-term sustainable growth.
Michael, who also sits on the Lancashire Innovation Board, said: “Digital Lancashire undertook a concerted campaign to highlight the county’s lack of office space for ambitious digital companies.
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