Beyond the Buzzwords: Why Carbon Measurement Matters for Growing Businesses

At YFM, we believe that ESG should be more than just a box-ticking exercise – it should be practical, impactful, and commercially smart. That’s why last week we hosted a portfolio-wide carbon webinar, co-led by our sustainability partners Positive Planet.

The session brought together 15 companies from across our portfolio – including a mix of existing and new investments – and was designed to demystify carbon measurement and spotlight the tangible value it can unlock for ambitious, scaling businesses.

While many attendees cited “doing the right thing” as their primary motivation for carbon measurement, the session focused on why it’s also the smart thing to do:

✅ Win More Work
As ESG credentials increasingly feature in public sector and corporate tenders, having robust carbon data can give businesses a real edge – especially with procurement teams now asking the tough questions.

✅ Future-Proof Your Business
Understanding your emissions baseline now helps you get ahead of regulation, manage risk, and demonstrate transparency to customers, investors, and future acquirers.

✅ Drive Operational Efficiencies
The process of tracking carbon often uncovers energy, travel or supply chain inefficiencies – which can lead to real cost savings and performance gains.

✅ Stand Out to Talent and Investors
Credible sustainability data signals maturity, responsibility, and intent – all things that matter to purpose-led talent and ESG-focused investors.

What really stood out was the energy in the (virtual) room – insightful questions, peer-led discussion, and a real appetite to do more, not just say more. We’ve already seen three follow-up conversations between portfolio companies and Positive Planet off the back of the session – a clear sign that this kind of engagement works.

It’s part of our wider commitment at YFM to practical, value-driven ESG support – helping businesses not just to keep up, but to get ahead.

At YFM, we don’t just invest capital – we invest time, insight and practical support to help our portfolio companies grow in the right way. Our partnership with Positive Planet is one of the ways we add value beyond the cheque, helping businesses turn carbon measurement into a commercial advantage.

Whether it’s securing new contracts, improving efficiency, or building a more resilient business, we’re here to ensure our investments are ready for what’s next – and that sustainability becomes a growth driver, not a distraction.