BVCA recognises leading firms across private capital for Excellence in Sustainability

Outstanding contributions to Sustainability across private equity and venture capital were recognised at the BVCA’s ‘Excellence in Sustainability’ awards which celebrate the firms that are spearheading outstanding sustainability initiatives across the private capital industry. 

Now in its sixth year, the Awards took place as part of the BVCA’s annual Summit, which gathered 1,000 professionals from across the industry in central London.

A judging panel of multi-sector Sustainability experts including; Maria Carradice, Former Managing Director, Specialist – Environmental, Social and Governance, Mayfair Equity Partners; Michelle Lamprecht, Head of Corporate Affairs, Cambridge Innovation Capital; Eimear Palmer, Partner, Pantheon assessed the top entries across five categories.
 

Top recognised firms included:

LP Category – Federated Hermes Private Equity

The judges praised the organisation’s tailored approach to sustainability, noting how it sets bespoke targets for each GP. These targets are carefully aligned with the maturity of each firm’s existing ESG strategies, ensuring that progress is both meaningful and achievable.
 

GP with Assets Above £1bn – CVC

CVC stood out to the judges for its leadership in embedding sustainability across its portfolio. The panel highlighted the firm’s ability to deliver tangible value creation in critical areas such as decarbonisation, regulatory preparedness, workforce resilience, and supply chain integrity. This comprehensive and forward-looking approach demonstrates a deep commitment to long-term sustainable growth.
 

GP with Assets Below £1bn – NorthEdge

The judges commended the firm’s innovative efforts to quantify the economic and social value generated by its activities in UK regions. This work not only measures impact more effectively but also highlights the role of private capital in driving meaningful outcomes for local communities and economies.
 

VC – All Sizes – Oxford Science Enterprises

The panel recognised the breadth and maturity of the firm’s sustainability approach, noting that it extends well beyond traditional ESG practices. In particular, the judges praised its innovative initiatives in relation to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which serve as a model for the wider venture capital industry.
 

Portfolio Company Backed by a BVCA Member Firm – Medik8 backed by Inflexion

Judges highlighted the company’s strong sustainability leadership, especially its pioneering work on sustainable packaging and responsible supply chain management. These initiatives set a high benchmark for portfolio companies across the industry, showcasing how innovation can drive both commercial success and positive environmental impact.
 

Commenting, BVCA Chief Executive Michael Moore said:

“We are proud to recognise the firms and companies setting new standards in sustainability. This year’s winners demonstrate how private capital is driving progress on decarbonisation, DEI, and sustainable supply chains, reinforcing our industry’s commitment to a more sustainable future.”
 

Commenting, Lucie Mills, Partner at NorthEdge said:

“We’re thrilled to receive this recognition from the BVCA. At NorthEdge, we see sustainability as a driver of long-term value creation — for our portfolio companies, their people, the communities they serve and for all of our stakeholders. This award reflects our commitment to building better businesses alongside our management teams, that deliver real-world impact across the UK regions and beyond.”
 

Commenting, Emily Matthews, Responsible Investment & ESG Manager at Oxford Sciences said:

“We are delighted to be selected as the Top Recognised VC at the BVCA’s Excellence in Sustainability Awards for the second year in a row. We are proud of the progress we have made this year, driven by continued engagement and collaboration with our portfolio and peers, and we’re excited to build on this momentum for the work ahead."
 

Commenting, Alexandra Florea, Head of Sustainability at Medik8 said:

''Winning the BVCA Excellence in Sustainability Award is a fantastic honour and a huge credit to our entire Medik8 team. It’s a powerful validation of our belief that strong financial performance and ESG leadership go hand in hand. This award proves that our dedication to sustainable practices is making a real impact, and it energises us to keep innovating and setting even higher standards for ourselves and our industry."
 

Commenting, Jennie Galbraith, Sustainability Director at Inflexion:

“Medik8 is a great example of a highly successful business that has sustainability at its heart. It’s been a true privilege to support Medik8 on their sustainability journey.”
 

Commenting, Cameron Payne, Co-Head of European Investment at Federated Hermes said:

“We are honoured to have been recognised by the BVCA as the Top Recognised Firm in the LP category. We are committed to taking an active role within the industry through allocating capital to areas that foster sustainable growth and by encouraging sustainability best practices, with the aim of building resilient portfolios for our clients.” 

Notes to Editors:

For further information, please contact:
BVCA Press Office 
Email: [email protected] 

Background: 

About the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association

The British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) is the industry body and public policy advocate for the private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) (private capital) industry in the UK. With a membership of over 600 firms, we represent the vast majority of all UK-based private capital firms, as well as their professional advisers and a large base of UK and global investors. The private equity and venture capital industry has a vital role to play in driving national and regional growth. Currently over 13,000 companies, employing more than 2.5 million people, are backed by private equity and venture capital investment in the UK.