Born of a group with strong humanist values, Sofiouest has in its genes the characteristics of a responsible investor. As a logical consequence, ESG* is increasingly at the heart of its governance and investment processes.
To formalize its approach and amplify its action by involving its shareholders, Sofiouest's Board of Directors launched a number of initiatives in 2020 that are both structuring and concrete:
o The creation of an ESG Steering Committee: meeting quarterly, this committee informs the work of the Board of Directors in this area, and is involved in both the monitoring of best practices and the design of tools and approaches. Chaired by Sonia Trocmé-Le Page, Founder of Nantucket Capital Conseil, an impact investment consultancy, and also a Sofiouest Board member, the Committee is made up of 7 members, both internal and external, chosen for their experience of CSR issues.
o Finalization of an ESG charter to be published shortly;
o Systematizing ESG audits, both upstream of investments and for all existing holdings;
o The launch of specific support for investments, with the aim of implementing ESG action plans in more than half of them by 2021;
o Holding the 3rd Rencontres du réseau Humain & Capital (a platform for exchange between entrepreneurs supported by Sofiouest, the SIPA Ouest-France group ecosystem and Arkéa's ecosystem to collectively improve the impact of their activities on society and the environment). Gathered together in September 2020 for a day called "Business for good, Good for business" around the theme of "ESG & Economic Performance", they highlighted their shared interest in now-strategic subjects such as the company's mission, the introduction of more "open" management practices, the sharing of value with employees or even the optimization of the environmental footprint linked to digital technology.
The ramp-up of ESG initiatives within Sofiouest's scope of action will continue in 2021, and will be the subject of specific communication as part of the company's Annual Report.
