Frontier

In this episode of Frontier Conversations, hosts Richard Kelly and Robert Guest, Co-Leads of Foresight Natural Capital, explore how investing in nature is moving into the mainstream. Richard and Rob discuss the policy and market developments shaping the space - from EU deforestation regulation and emissions trading schemes to England's Biodiversity Net Gain legislation - and explain how these frameworks are fundamentally changing land use economics. The episode also looks at natural capital investing in practice, including afforestation, sustainable forestry, carbon credits and biodiversity outcomes, alongside the critical role of community engagement in delivering projects at scale. Richard and Rob explain why pension funds, family offices and other institutional investors are beginning to allocate capital to natural capital - and how these strategies can deliver competitive returns while supporting climate resilience, biodiversity recovery and rural economies. This conversation offers a practical…

In this episode of Frontier Conversations, host Alex McMullen is joined by Andy Bloxam, Partner at Foresight and lead of its Ventures strategy, for an in-depth discussion of the fast-evolving world of deep tech. The conversation explores cutting-edge breakthroughs - such as hyperspectral imaging that can detect conditions like anaemia from a single photograph - and what they signal for the future of science-led innovation. Andy outlines the most investable areas within deep tech, including AI, biotechnology, and climate tech, and explains why collaboration with universities, research institutions, and governments is often essential to scaling these technologies. The episode also tackles common misconceptions around deep tech investing, particularly the longer time horizons and higher uncertainty compared to traditional software investments. Andy discusses how investors can better understand the unique risks of deep tech and why conventional metrics such as ARR often fall short in this space. Drawing on…

Season 2 of Foresight's Frontier Conversations opens with a discussion on the most powerful force reshaping infrastructure investing today: the energy transition. Hosts Richard Thompson and Dan Wells, Partners at Foresight Group and Co-Managers of Foresight's flagship energy transition funds FEIP I and FEIP II, explore the realities behind deploying capital into renewable generation, storage, and the grid infrastructure needed to support a decarbonised power system. They unpack why the energy transition has become the largest subsector in infrastructure, the challenges of integrating variable renewable energy into ageing grids, and why regulatory frameworks are now make-or-break for investor confidence. From the valuation of renewable assets to the emerging role of long-duration storage and flexibility solutions, this episode sets out the investment landscape that will define the next decade. If you're looking for clarity on where the opportunities lie - and what stands in the way - this is where to start.…

In this episode of the Frontier podcast, hosts Dan Wells and Chris Holmes are joined by Laura Sandys and Juliet Rose to unpack insights from Foresight's recent Frontier Forum at the Eden Project. This thought-provoking conversation addresses some of the biggest challenges of our time: 🌱 Mobilising capital into sustainable infrastructure ⚡ Decarbonising energy-intensive industries 🌳 Unlocking natural capital to drive resilience and growth 💡 Exploring innovative financing models, policy certainty, and the power of systems thinking to accelerate the energy transition Visit foresight.group/frontier for more information. The podcast is for information purposes only and without limitation, does not constitute an offer, an invitation to offer or a recommendation to engage in any investment activity. Listeners should not construe the content of this podcast as investment advice and no reliance may be placed upon the content. The opinions of speakers are their personal opinions and not necessarily those of their…

In this episode of the Frontier podcast, Foresight hosts Dan Wells and Chris Holmes discuss the vital role of interconnectors in the energy transition with Simon Ludlam, CEO of Mares Connect. They explore how interconnectors facilitate a fully integrated energy market, enhancing energy security, enabling cross-border electricity flow, and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources. The conversation highlights the European Union's strategic prioritisation of interconnectors as part of its energy policy, underscoring their importance in achieving decarbonisation goals. However, significant investment in infrastructure is essential for scaling interconnector projects, as regulatory barriers and cross-border coordination challenges often delay project timelines and increase costs. Simon emphasises that MaresConnect is focused on leveraging wind patterns for energy export, optimising routes to align with peak renewable production times. While cable technology has advanced, it remains relatively…

In this episode of the Frontier podcast, hosts Chris Holmes and Dan Wells discuss the role of hydrogen in the energy transition with special guest, Vice President of NextChem, Adamo Screnci, a hydrogen expert with over 20 years of experience. They explore hydrogen as a clean energy solution, the importance of creating market demand, and the need for regulation to drive the hydrogen economy. Key topics include the hierarchy of hydrogen applications, challenges in transportation and storage, and the significance of political and geographical factors in shaping energy choices. The episode wraps up with a focus on impactful projects and a global vision for the hydrogen sector. Visit foresight.group/frontier for more information. The podcast is for information purposes only and without limitation, does not constitute an offer, an invitation to offer or a recommendation to engage in any investment activity. Listeners should not construe the content of this podcast as investment advice and no reliance may be placed…

In this episode of Frontier: Listen, we explore the intricate connections between climate change, sports, and sustainable food systems. Dan and Chris kick off with a discussion on how climate change impacts sports, leading into an interview with Antony Yousefian, Partner at The First Thirty and leading figure in sustainable investments and agri-food tech innovation. Antony shares his insights on the future of food production, the role of technology, how our approach to food can significantly impact both human health and the planet, and how he sees the role of private markets evolving in supporting sustainable food systems. Visit foresight.group/frontier for more information. The podcast is for information purposes only and without limitation, does not constitute an offer, an invitation to offer or a recommendation to engage in any investment activity. Listeners should not construe the content of this podcast as investment advice and no reliance may be placed upon the content. The opinions of speakers are…

Join hosts Chris Holmes and Dan Wells, Partners at Foresight, as they kick off the Frontier Podcast. In this inaugural episode, they discuss their roles, backgrounds in sustainable infrastructure, and personal interests. Topics Covered: Recent events, including the Olympics and political happenings The podcast's purpose as a platform for private market investors Insights on the energy transition, AI's role, and green hydrogen The importance of sustainability reporting and avoiding greenwashing Results from a recent investor poll on market priorities Key Takeaways: Significant investment in the grid is crucial for the energy transition Green hydrogen holds great potential Sustainability reporting and compliance are essential for fund managers Visit foresight.group/frontier to learn more. The podcast is for information purposes only and without limitation, does not constitute an offer, an invitation to offer or a recommendation to engage in any investment activity. Listeners should not construe the content of…

Earlier this year, we launched our sustainability data platform: PACT (Platform Advacing Change Together) - powered by Salesforce and delivered by PWC. The platform allows us to gain access to AI and data-driven insights to enhance reporting across our global corporate business and private equity portfolio. Businesses are under growing pressure to capture broader ESG data, as new regulations, accounting standards and rules aimed at accelerating the drive to Net Zero come into force. SMEs, which account for 99% of UK businesses, often do not have the resources to effectively manage their emissions and broader sustainability imapct. PACT will revolutionise this and transform the Private Equity sector's approach to sustainability, making new forms of data and reporting accessible to smaller companies - a previously underserved market. In this episode, Lily Billings, Head of Group Sustainability at Foresight, is joined by Keiran Bell, Senior Account Executive at Salesforce, and Matt Cook, Partner at PWC. The…

The Foresight Sustainability Forum, held over two days at the Eden Project, brought together leading experts and visionaries to address the fundamental challenges facing our planet and explore innovative solutions to these challenges. The event provided a platform for insightful discussions, thought-provoking panel sessions, and enlightening keynote speeches, all aimed at shaping a more sustainable future for our planet. In this episode, Dan James, Development Director at the Eden Project, Lily Billings, Head of Group Sustainability and Henry Morgan, Infrastructure Sustainable Investment Lead at Foresight unravel some of the key initiatives, thought-provoking discussions, and innovative ideas that emerged from the two days. The podcast is for information purposes only and without limitation, does not constitute an offer, an invitation to offer or a recommendation to engage in any investment activity. Listeners should not construe the content of this podcast as investment advice and no reliance may be placed…

Hydrogen is increasingly being recognised as a key player in the transition towards a low-carbon future. As a clean energy carrier, it has the potential to decarbonise a wide range of sectors including transportation, industrial processes, and heating. Hydrogen can be produced using renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar, and can be stored and transported as required. Its versatility and flexibility make it a useful alternative to direct electrification, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industry, aviation and shipping. However, scaling up the use of hydrogen requires significant investment in infrastructure and technology, and regulatory support from governments to enable its widespread adoption. In this episode, Joe Davis, Associate Director at Foresight Group and William Mezzullo, Head of Hydrogen at Centrica explore the development of hydrogen as a vital part of the energy transition, what stands in its way, and what needs to be done to realise its full potential. Key Takeaways…

Accelerating resource consumption, biodiversity loss and climate change are damaging the planet's ability to support life. In order to secure a sustainable future, we must adopt new ways of thinking and addressing complex problems. System thinking represents one of society's best bets for making real progress towards the sustainability transition by viewing all natural and human systems as interdependent. In this episode, Sophie Warren, Sustainability Manager at Foresight Group and Lola Bushnell, Sustainable Futures Strategist at Arup, discuss what is meant by system thinking, and how the Earth's natural and built systems can be designed in a way to co-exist and co-evolve to benefit society and the environment. Key Takeaways include: Understanding what systems thinking is and how can it help us to achieve a sustainable future Understanding how well systems thinking principles are currently integrated within industry Identifying what policies are driving systems thinking Understanding what is meant by…

Soil is the foundation upon which life is built. Soil puts food on the table, purifies our water, stores vast amounts of the worlds carbon, and protects us against floods and droughts. We are intrinsically linked; when soil's health is at risk, so is our own. In this episode, Lily Billings, Head of Group Sustainability at Foresight Group discusses why soil is so essential to life, and what needs to be done to protect it with Mark Nason, head of professional practice at the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. Key Takeaways include: Understanding what soil actually is and why it's so essential to life Understanding the different ecosystem services that soil provides Addressing some of the key threats facing soil health Understanding what we can do to improve the health of soil Mark Nason is Head of Professional Practice at the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), and has over 25 years of experience in environmental research and education. The podcast is…

In this episode, Molly Galloway, Sustainable Investment Associate at Foresight Group discusses the importance of engaging, enabling and empowering people and organisations to work together in the pursuit of social, economic and environmental wellbeing with Guy Battle, CEO of Social Value Portal. Key Takeaways include: Understanding what social value is, and how this differs from the 'S' in ESG Addressing the controversial shelving of the EU's proposed Social Taxonomy Understanding why quantifying social value in financial terms will accelerate capital toward sustainable outcomes Guy Battle is the Chief Executive of Social Value Portal – an online solution that allows organisations to measure and manage the contribution that their organisation and supply chain makes to society. The podcast is for information purposes only and without limitation, does not constitute an offer, an invitation to offer or a recommendation to engage in any investment activity. Listeners should not construe the content of this…

As corporations set net zero targets, they must demonstrate credible science-based strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of their activities. To do this, many companies are buying carbon credits to offset unavoidable and residual emissions on their decarbonisation journeys. As interim emission reduction targets are approaching, corporate demand for carbon credits is increasing. In response to this, the London Stock Exchange launched the Voluntary Carbon Market ("VCM") in October 2022 to facilitate financing at scale into projects that mitigate climate change and generate carbon credits. The VCM designation will be applied to funds or operating companies that are admitted to the London Stock Exchange's Main Market or AIM and which are intent on investing into climate change mitigation projects that are expected to yield voluntary carbon credits. In this episode Managing Director of Foresight Group LLP ("Foresight") and Co-Lead of Foresight Sustainable Forestry Company Plc, Richard Kelly, discusses the…

As demand for ESG investing spreads across geographies and investor types, the role of the investment manager and their ability to drive change for the future of the planet is in the spotlight now more than ever. In this episode, Hugi Clarke, Partner at Foresight, talks with Simon Holman, Partner at Castlefield, an employee-owned investment and financial advisory group, with a focus on ethical and sustainable investments. The pair discuss the key questions arising around sustainable investment today, and how advisers can be best equipped to help their clients invest with impact, without compromising financial returns. Key Takeaways include: Understanding what ESG means in investment How investors can deliver a greener, fairer future without compromising on financial returns Navigating the risks of greenwashing Addressing some of the issues in the sector including regulation, jargon and reporting The opinions of speakers are their personal opinions and not necessarily those of the company.

In this episode, Natasha Frost, Investment Manager at Foresight, is joined by Rachael Nutter, Director of Nature-Based Solutions at ClimateCare, to explore some of the latest developments in carbon markets, and to provide an introduction for those looking to get to grips with this exciting new field for the first time. ClimateCare is a leading B-Corp which finances and delivers a wide variety of carbon reduction projects across the globe. Today, voluntary carbon markets are experiencing a boom as the wider private sector embarks on a net-zero journey. In this episode, the pair consider carbon credits, the distinction between different carbon markets, and potential challenges and opportunities to future carbon market development. Key Takeaways: What the carbon market is and how it functions A distinction between Voluntary Carbon Markets and the Compliance Market The investment case for carbon credits How the mainstreaming of carbon credits will drive trends in the different carbon markets Some of the risks to…

Dan Wells, Foresight Infrastructure Partner, talks to social entrepreneur and writer Jeremy Leggett, about the global climate challenge, evolving climate policy in 2021 and his work championing sustainability and more recently rewilding. Jeremy is a leading figure in the global climate movement. He founded Solarcentury and founded and Chairs SolarAid, a charity that builds solar lighting markets in Africa. Jeremy has also written five books that address the energy transition and the pathways to decarbonisation. Jeremy will be joining us at our inaugural Foresight Sustainability Week, hosted in partnership with the Goodwood Estate, later in the year. This episode was recorded in the days leading up to Joe Biden's inauguration. The opinions of speakers are their personal opinions and not necessarily those of the company.

Andrew Norris, the Founder of The Alpha Adviser, a recruiter of leaders in energy and infrastructure, joins the podcast to explore the concept of a 'just transition'. With over 20 years of experience recruiting, he has witnessed the sustainability transition and its impact on working lives close up and gathering pace. What you can expect in this episode: Insight into the often overlooked human impacts of the energy transition, on both labour supply and demand as the market evolves An overview of what it takes to be an active job searcher looking to enter a career in sustainability The opinions of speakers are their personal opinions and not necessarily those of the company.

Julia Dreblow, Founding Director of SRI Services and Fund EcoMarket, joins us to discuss developments within responsible investing, as the movement gains momentum, and explore the rise of greenwashing. What you can expect in this episode: An overview of 'greenwash' and ESG ratings Advice for investors wanting to play an active role in managing their finances and avoid greenwashing We discuss regulation and who is responsible for driving greener standards as the investment landscape evolves The opinions of speakers are their personal opinions and not necessarily those of the company.

Simon Whistler, a Senior Specialist from the Principles for Responsible Investment, joins us to discuss the global uptake in ESG investing and explore some of the factors that are affecting the pace with which ESG is being embraced by the investment world's international community. What you can expect in this episode: An in-depth overview of the uptake of ESG investing explored regionally and in terms of drivers and barriers We explore leadership in this space and consider how advanced investor practices are driving regulatory reform We discuss what movement is taking place in emerging markets and how this is reshaping the conversation around responsible investing The opinions of speakers are their personal opinions and not necessarily those of the company.

Dan Wells, Infrastructure Partner at Foresight Group articulates what is meant by 'sustainability' and shares his views on some of the trends that are set to shape both businesses and, more broadly, society over the course of the coming years. What you can expect in this episode: Language is a key barrier to the wider integration of sustainability considerations into business; we set out key industry terms We explore the role sustainability has played in shaping business agendas We consider the significance of 'sustainability' when addressing grand challenges like climate change, poverty and health equity, that threaten systems and demand cross-sector engagement The on-going health crisis has highlighted the need to approach grand challenges holistically. To ensure long-term industry resilience, sustainability and ESG considerations will need to be mainstreamed into business strategies. The opinions of speakers are their personal opinions and not necessarily those of the company.