The Future of Business

What's happening in Europe in terms of ESG reporting and what will significant ESG reporting look like in the future? Vincent and Mark Kennedy, Managing Partner Mazars in Ireland are joined by Maud Gaudry, Director of ESG Services, Mazars Group. Maud is based in Paris and has extensive knowledge of ESG reporting and Investment Banking.

Banking and finance is key to the European Green Deal. It is key to how the world works in many ways so in this podcast; we are delighted that Leila Kamdem-Fotso, Partner in Mazars in the UK and expert in sustainable finance was available to discuss the relationship between financial institutions and ESG.Mazars and the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF) produced a global report providing unique insight on current and upcoming financial regulatory evolutions aimed at tackling climate change. What policy adjustments are being undertaken in different jurisdictions around the world to assess and control climate risks? How are these actions likely to develop in future? Check out the report: https://www.mazars.ie/Home/About-us/Publications/Surveys-Studies/Tackling-climate-change-Mazars-OMFIF-Report

In this episode, we focus on inequality and the impact on people, businesses and society. Vincent is joined by Mark Kennedy, Managing Partner of Mazars and Jim Clarken, CEO Oxfam Ireland and Executive Director of Oxfam International to discuss the consequences of inequality, and what we as individuals and organisations can do now that will have an impact. 

In this episode Vincent and Mark Kennedy, Managing Partner Mazars in Ireland, are joined by Professor Mary-Lee Rhodes, Co-Director of the Trinity Centre for Social Innovation as they discuss human rights reporting.The panel discusses the principle elements of human rights reporting and how those elements are informing how companies are examining and attempting to embed appropriate awareness of human rights in their operating practices.2020 Trinity Benchmark study:Irish Business and Human Rights. A snapshot of large firms operating in Ireland UN Guiding Principles:The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

In this series of the Future of Business, Vincent Wall and Mark Kennedy, with the help of several specialist guests will be assessing the growing importance of ESG, that's Environmental Social and Governance issues for businesses. They will discuss how regulation and legislation at home and abroad and the rapidly evolving engagement of investors and other key stakeholders with ESG related policies and practices will increasingly determine operational success, reputations and the ability to attract customers and to recruit and retain talent.Each episode aims to bring you a greater knowledge of the critical aspects of ESG and why it is crucial for people doing business in the modern world.In this first episode of the series, Mark and Vincent discuss why we have chosen to create a series focusing on ESG and why it is important for people to take note of it. The majority of us nowadays accept climate change is caused by human activity, and we're far more conscious today of the consequences of inequality on the well being of the whole planet and all its population. We hope you enjoy the series. Please rate us and leave a review where ever you get your podcasts. You can also contact us at thefutureofbusiness@mazars.ie 

In part two of our look inside the Irish third level education system, we focus on the issues of equality, diversity, inclusion, the #MeToo movement and the question of consent. Vincent is joined by Mazars Consulting Partner, Dr Graham Love (former Chief Executive for Higher Education Authority) and Dr Annie Doona President of IADT(Institute of Art, Design and Technology) as they give their insights on how Ireland rates against its international counterparts.

There are approximately 250,000 students enrolled in third level education in Ireland, and the €2.5 billion system is struggling to keep pace with demand. With more people than ever returning to college during their professional career, Mazars Consulting Partner, Dr Graham Love (former Chief Executive for Higher Education Authority) and Dr Annie Doona President of IADT(Institute of Art, Design and Technology)give their insights into the future of the Irish education system as well as what's in store for "lifelong learning" in Ireland.

In order for people to pass assets or wealth onto the next generation efficiently it is vital that a plan is in place. In this week’s episode Alan Murray, Private Tax Partner, Mazars and Dominic Conlon, Head of Corporate, Leman Solicitors, talk to Vincent about succession planning. When a successful business has been built or wealth exists inside a family hard decisions sometimes have to be made in the latter part of our lives, Alan and Dominic discuss the option available and give some practical advice when creating a succession plan.

Ireland’s tech start-up sector continues to flourish but increasing tax and talent challenges are forcing such companies to consider leaving Ireland and highlights there is still room for improvement. Cormac Kelleher, International Tax Partner, Mazars and Barry McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer discuss the obstacles faced by growth stage digital services companies and how tax incentives like Research and Development (R&D) tax credits, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and share-option schemes can help foster entrepreneurship and attract talent.