Businesses in the hospitality sector have an opportunity to lead the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda and deliver prominently on social values, enabling positive change for their people, customers, and the wider community. This is according to a report produced by international law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP for the Energy and Environment Alliance (EEA), a not-for-profit coalition of hospitality sector leaders.

WBD and the EEA have been working together for a number of months to help businesses navigate the challenges and opportunities the ESG agenda presents. Core to this work is The “S” in ESG report, which launched yesterday.

The report provides an overview of the key social issues in the hospitality sector and seeks to advise businesses on how to maximise relationships with their workforce, customers, the supply chain and the wider community in order to make a tangible and long-lasting social impact.

The study looks in detail at some of the challenges facing the sector, from modern slavery prevention measures to diversity, equity and inclusion. It offers an overview of existing and upcoming UK legislation relevant to the “S” in ESG, including the Retained EU Law Bill, the Modern Slavery Bill and the Worker Protection Bill, as well as flexible working and family leave provisions for working parents and carers. It also includes a helpful checklist for businesses.

Claire Wilkinson, partner and head of retail and hospitality at Womble Bond Dickinson, comments: "When we look at the different facets of ESG, the “S” factor is a fundamentally important one, particularly in a sector that is so people-focused and also a major employer with a global footprint. In the war for talent and competitive advantage, both employees and customers want to engage with purpose-led organisations that share their values. The good news for the hospitality sector is that the opportunities are there for the taking and businesses need to start setting some ambitious targets, not only for themselves but for the good of their people, customers and stakeholders."

Ufi Ibrahim, CEO, EEA, said: “Hospitality is, at its heart, an industry of people serving people. Our businesses can and in many cases do act as platforms upon which employees, guests, and local societies thrive together. On the flip side, they’re exposed to negative social impacts which can destroy communities and businesses. The EEA thanks the Womble Bond Dickinson team for this excellent guide to legislative requirements in the United Kingdom and we are confident this report supports hospitality businesses (the majority of which are SMEs) to mitigate regulatory stewardship risk and harness social value and social equity opportunities.

WBD has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to ESG – the firm was named ESG Firm of the Year at The Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards and was included in the Legal 500 Green which highlights the top UK law firms leading the way on climate change, governance, and sustainability. The firm's full-service retail & hospitality sector comprises over 150 lawyers and represents many of the world’s best-known brands including ME&M, Footlocker, Ann Summers and New Look.

The “S” in ESG report, can be downloaded here.

For more information, please contact Soraya Thoemmes at Womble Bond Dickinson at [email protected] or on 0117 989 6924

About Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) is a full-service international law firm sitting amongst the Top 20 UK law firms and ranking 109th globally. In the UK, WBD has more than 120 partners and around 450 lawyers based in eight strategic locations, including the UK's biggest cities and legal hotspots. In the US WBD boasts 23 offices. The firm’s reach also extends to Europe where it has strategic partnerships with law firms in Germany and France, and through the Lex Mundi network, WBD can offer clients access to counsel in more than 120 countries.

Advising businesses across eleven key sectors of expertise, the firm's clients include over 40 FTSE 350 companies, including many of the largest businesses in the country, private clients, charities as well as UK Local and Central Government authorities.

WBD has a strong focus on innovation and has consistently ranked in the Top 30 most innovative law firms in Europe by the Financial Times. Its Innovation Group works with lawyers and clients to help identify new opportunities of delivering the best value and coordinate initiatives and projects across the firm that will help drive the business – and its clients – forward.

The firm was amongst the first law firms in the UK to announce its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2030 when it launched its Carbon Reduction Plan in October 2021.

WBD is heavily involved in a comprehensive responsible business programme and recognises the importance of supporting projects in its local communities. As a gold status member of the Law Society Diversity & Inclusion Charter and holders of the Investors in People Silver standard, the firm is actively engaged in the promotion of a more diverse legal profession.

About the Energy & Environment Alliance (EEA)

The Energy & Environment Alliance (EEA) is a not-for-profit global coalition of hotel investors, owners, developers, asset managers and operators, working to transition the industry to Net Zero Carbon and ESG compliance in a scientifically robust, timely and commercially sustainable way. The EEA Legal Workstream unites senior in-house counsels and prominent international law firms to drive change and equip the hospitality industry with the legal and governance frameworks for the adoption of ESG across every aspect of the business. The Workstream works to achieve the EEA’s exciting new vision of the hospitality industry, one that is sustainable for all future generations and where everybody can prosper. This is a vision that consumers and employees are increasingly demanding; it is one that investors are backing; and it is one for which governments worldwide are legislating.

For more information, please visit www.EEA.International or email Anja Spice at [email protected] or call on +447418 608166