The chartered accountancy profession stands at a crossroads. As sustainability once again climbs the business agenda across the UK and beyond, chartered accountants are uniquely positioned to play a transformative role.
Yorkshire serves as a clear example of the wider shift towards sustainability in business and finance, with its mix of established industries and forward-thinking companies increasingly recognising that environmental and social factors have become fundamental to commercial success, as well as ethical conduct.
Sustainability is no longer a distant concern; it is a present-day necessity shaping business risks and performance, investment decisions, and regulatory requirements. Chartered accountants, once viewed predominantly as financial stewards, are now increasingly expected to act as trusted advisers on a much broader canvas in order to discharge their role strategically and on a day-to-day basis for their organisation and clients.
The emergence of sustainability assurance is both a challenge and an unprecedented opportunity for our profession. Sustainability criteria are rapidly becoming central to how organisations are evaluated by investors, customers, and regulators. This shift is opening new avenues for chartered accountants to add value, not just by verifying financial statements, but by assuring the accuracy and integrity of sustainability disclosures. As demand for reliable, decision-useful sustainability data grows, so too does the need for professionals who can interpret, audit, and communicate these metrics with confidence and clarity.
For the region’s chartered accountancy firms, embracing sustainability is about more than compliance, it’s about leadership. By proactively developing skills in sustainability reporting and assurance, practitioners can help clients create a resilient business, navigating the complex landscape of carbon footprints, social impact, and ethical governance. This positions our region at the forefront of a movement that is redefining what it means to be a trusted business adviser in the 21st century.
How, then, can chartered accountants in Yorkshire and beyond capitalise on these trends? First, by staying informed about evolving sustainability related regulations, standards and frameworks. Substantive changes are expected in the UK in 2026, including the introduction of the new Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) which will apply to large, listed entities and have with value chain implications. Second, by engaging with clients to help identify sustainability-related risks and opportunities particularly those relevant to business resilience. And third, by building multidisciplinary staff capable of delivering holistic advice that connects sustainability, finance, strategy, operations and reporting.
In a recent ICAEW survey, members noted that professional services are reviewing not only their own green initiatives but also investigating opportunities in sustainability reporting on behalf of clients and their supply chain. Additionally, ICAEW mid-tier accountancy firm research noted that last year 44% of firms indicated that they plan to start offering Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) services within the next three years. This is in sharp contrast to 2024 when only 10% identified this as a top three growth opportunity. At ICAEW, we are committed to supporting our members on this journey.
As we look ahead, Yorkshire’s chartered accountants have a golden opportunity to shape a more sustainable and resilient economy, one audit, one business, and one community at a time. I urge all professionals to seize this moment, invest in their sustainability knowledge, and lead the way towards a greener future.