Today we are living with the consequences of the global pandemic and the stark reminder of human vulnerability. We have experienced a major shock to the world economy and face the important task of repairing the welfare of generations. From the physical needs of those less well provided for as a result of the financial stress, to the mental health challenges to all and the educational needs of a generation denied key support in their development, we are all affected in some way.

There have been positives. We have experienced how science and technology can be leveraged to solve intractable global challenges. We have been reminded of how the talents, determination and compassion of individuals can lead to better outcomes - how we can all make a difference. We have seen the power of global collaboration.

As we start the journey of rebuilding following the pandemic, we must take the lessons learned and harness them to address the pressing issues of our day.

Encouragingly there are signs of more collaboration in tackling climate change. 2021 has seen growing momentum in the number of commitments to meet net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Paris Agreement set the agenda, with COP26 representing the latest step on this journey, and we are seeing the largest organisations in the world joining in. Commitments are leading to actions, but this change is complicated and takes time as it filters through the economy. We should all persevere as we reframe the way we work and live to benefit the environment. This represents a massive cultural shift. Many argue that we are not doing enough, but we should celebrate the progress to encourage more.

In this report you will learn how Stafford is playing its part, by committing to the Net Zero Managers Initiative in March 2021. You will learn how we continue to align our products to help address these environmental needs whilst delivering the financial returns our clients seek. Through our capabilities in the timberland sector, we are drawing on nature as the most established and proven method for extracting carbon from the atmosphere. We continue to invest in the emerging carbon extraction technologies, alongside those that assist resource efficiency more broadly.

The financial services sector has a fundamental role to play in meeting the world needs, be they financial or indeed ESG-related. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to play our part as a member of the investment community, and we do so in the way we set out in this report. I hope you enjoy the read.

Angus Whiteley
CEO, Stafford Capital Partners