ESG Approach

Reflecting our straight-up, pragmatic and accountable approach, we do not want to approach ESG as simply a tick box exercise or words on a page. We look to set actionable initiatives with our portfolio companies to improve their ESG practices over the period that we are partners and beyond.

Environment

We have an ambition for a carbon-neutral portfolio, we do this through a 4 step process:

1. Understanding The Baseline

to understand the current emissions of the business. This establishes the baseline for us to improve from.

2. ESG Policy

We will work with management to define an ESG policy with priorities and targets.

3. Improvement Initiatives

With company management or external consultants, we will look at strategies to improve the company's CO2 footprint. This can be done through changes in the production process or switching to suppliers of green energy, as an example. We then look to offset emissions with carbon credits or reforestation initiatives through Land Life Company and Carbon Neutral Australia.

4. Review Annually

This involves re-testing the business to measure the reduction in CO2 emissions each year to test the effectiveness of the initiatives implemented.


Social

With regards to community and social issues, we believe it is important to improve the community profiles of the companies that we invest with. Given our focus is on South East Queensland growth companies, we work with management and encourage the companies to make a positive contribution to the communities where they operate.

Commercial value is created through making a positive impact in the community. This also has a follow on impact to increased employee attraction and performance as these companies become more aligned to our increasingly socially responsible society and become preferred companies to work for.

Governance

We understand at the stage Growth Story Capital invests in companies, typically founder built and owned, good governance may not yet be a high priority. Over the course of our investment, we look to make incremental improvements with the current board to improve governance structures and processes, tighten up board meetings and enhance business performance.

1. Review current board structure – undertake a board skills and composition assessment.
2. Address any issues or gaps and identify appropriate talent to strengthen the board.

LET’S GET GROWING

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