Welcome to my first...
Impact Report as CEO of Paradigm Norton.
In April 2025, I succeeded Barry Horner after his remarkable 24 years in the role. What a transformative year it’s been!
This Impact Report highlights our key achievements and plans, with links to articles for a deeper dive, providing a snapshot of our impact on our clients, our team, and our community.
At a glance
Clients
Supporting a values-driven evolution
For a long time now, we’ve been embracing a structure that allows us to prioritise long-term client relationships over short-term gains. We wanted to build a different kind of firm and transitioned to employee ownership in 2019. Alongside becoming a B Corp™, this further established our values-driven foundations.
Discover more about our employee ownership resources, our new Stake & Soul podcast and being a specialist advisor for companies during employee ownership transition
Coaching that deepens client relationships
Our people are critical to achieving our goals, and it’s important that we invest in them to better serve clients and develop more meaningful relationships.
In May 2025, we launched our Coaching Academy to help senior team members develop coaching skills and self-awareness to have more meaningful client conversations that go beyond technical financial knowledge.
Discover more about becoming curious advisers: inside our coaching academy with Tracey Reed.
Conversations that change how we see wealth
In our Conversations on Money and Meaning series, we talk to four remarkable women to explore their evolving relationships with money. Through candid conversations, they share how financial success reshaped their purpose, unlocked new possibilities, and challenged their mindsets.
Discover more about Conversations on Money and Meaning and our four-part webinar series for women on life and money – Life is a Revolution.
A platform for purpose-led voices
These conversations were so powerful that we wanted to bring this perspective to a wider audience, expanding the conversation beyond clients to thought leaders. Our new podcast, Life Matters More, launched in 2025. Hosted by our CEO, Philippa Hann, it aims to provide thought-provoking insights on the world of environmental, social, governance and sustainability.
Discover more about the ‘Life Matters More’ podcast.
Navigating the realities of responsible investing
Talking about values is just the beginning. Many clients need confidence that their investments truly make a difference. Investing has the potential to play a vital role in addressing global issues like climate change. But how do you know that you are truly investing your money responsibly? Or is ESG and sustainable investing all just an elaborate hoax?
Discover more about our thoughts on ESG investing.
Supporting clients with complex financial journeys
Responsible investing matters to clients, but certain groups face unique challenges. Some have complex needs that require specialised support. Law firm partners have a unique journey and face specific financial planning challenges.
Discover more about financial planning for law partners.
Through all these client-focused initiatives, we’re building a community of impact. We’re not just managing client wealth; we’re helping them build legacies that matter. Impact isn’t just about returns; it’s about living aligned with your values at every stage.
Investment
Responsible investing is the preferred choice
Five years ago, we launched PNr, our responsible investing portfolio, designed to deliver the same returns as our traditional portfolio, while integrating ESG principles. This meant prioritising organisations with well-managed environmental, social, and governance risks and favouring asset managers with strong engagement and stewardship approaches. Today, PNr accounts for 57% of assets under management, with most clients choosing to invest responsibly.
Discover more about this significant change
Raising the bar on stewardship and accountability
As our clients’ understanding of responsible investing has deepened, so have their expectations – and so has the sense of urgency.
We recognise that asset managers, who control capital and vote on corporate boards, have the power to demand change by supporting organisations focused on long-term global impact rather than short-term gains.
That’s why we’re holding them accountable. Building on our own 2023 research, we completed a rigorous stewardship assessment of asset managers in our PNr portfolio, evaluating engagement activities, voting habits, and net-zero commitments through detailed questionnaires and meetings.
Discover more about whether investments are making a difference.
Advancing high-conviction investing with purpose
This commitment to accountability and transparency informed our search for the right partners to take responsible investing even further. In our last Impact Report, we outlined our plans to revamp our intentional investment (PNi) portfolio to meet client demand for high-conviction investments aligned with the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which prioritise people and planet.
We’re pleased to announce our partnership with Tribe Impact Capital, chosen for its strong impact focus, willingness to create a bespoke portfolio tailored to our mandate, and commitment to the transparency and responsiveness that clients value alongside portfolio returns.
Discover more about finding our Tribe.
This ethos of continuous improvement – driven by client values and real-world urgency – defines our approach to responsible and intentional investing.
People
Strengthening our people-first culture
Since Philippa Hann became CEO, we’ve maintained a laser focus on putting people first – both our employees (partners) and clients. We want to ensure people have a positive experience of Paradigm Norton.
We rolled out several meaningful initiatives this year to create an environment where every partner feels heard, has growth opportunities, and enjoys genuine connections with colleagues. Weekly one-to-one meetings, knowledge sharing, town halls, and our new Partner Voice Forum initiative have all improved communication and relationships.
Discover more about why every voice matters at Paradigm Norton.
A landmark moment of recognition
When you build a culture centred on purpose and people, the impact extends far beyond the walls of our offices. September 2025 marked a milestone moment – not just for Paradigm Norton, but for the entire sustainable finance community. For the first time in a decade, the Global Good Awards introduced a dedicated finance award: the Global Good Finance Awards. We’re proud to say we made history with two incredible wins on this inaugural stage!
Discover more about our win at the Global Good Finance Awards.
“We’re honoured our work was recognised so highly by the judges, and we’re inspired by how the Global Good Awards are shining a light on the vital role finance plays in shaping a better future.” Steve Watters, Head of Impact
Environment
Discover the truth about ESG investing
Does ESG investing truly drive positive change, or is it merely greenwashing? To address this critical question, we hosted events for clients and professionals to engage in a meaningful dialogue about sustainable investing. Joined by speakers from Legal & General Asset Management and Tribe Impact Capital, we explored how investing can actively shape a better future while delivering financial returns.
Discover more about our Is ESG investing a con? event.
Cutting through greenwashing and mistrust
Beyond understanding the principles, clients need concrete evidence of what their choices mean in practice. Our growing community shares concerns about making their money work for positive change without compromising their retirement goals. We presented a comprehensive report examining ESG myths, the roots of distrust in sustainable investing, the FCA’s approach to greenwashing, and how our responsible investment portfolios are designed to create real-world impact.
Discover more about this our white paper – Is ESG investing a con?
Understanding the real-world impact of portfolio choices
As investors increasingly seek to avoid greenwashing, understanding how to differentiate investment portfolios becomes essential. We have three distinct portfolios with differing carbon emissions and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Of course, there is a trade-off between these metrics, and while most clients have transitioned to responsible investing options, we continue to support those who prefer traditional portfolios.
Discover more about the key differences between our investment portfolios.
We continue to track our operational carbon emissions against the reduction pathway we set in 2019 and are pleased that our emissions remain on track for our 2030 net-zero ambition.
Community
Building communities rooted in purpose
Communities are born from a shared belief; the conviction that together, we can create something meaningful. It starts with a few conversations, a common purpose and a commitment to make a difference. The most important thing is simply to begin. Imagine what that first step could become in a year, two, or three – a thriving network of people connected by purpose, driving meaningful change together. This was exactly our aim with two ESG events, our first Women’s Community Lunch, and the launch of our Life Matters More podcast.
Discover more about Conversations on Money and Meaning and the Life Matters More podcast.
Deepening our commitment to charitable giving
Supporting communities at home and further afield is a big priority. The Paradigm Norton Trust continues to make a meaningful impact through charitable giving and longstanding partnerships. Since 2007, the Trust has donated over £600,000 to charities across the UK and overseas. This includes a Christmas initiative to donate to the Trust instead of sending Christmas cards, with funds directed to local food banks. These initiatives underline the Trust’s commitment to improving lives and strengthening the communities we serve.
Discover more about the Paradigm Norton Trust.
Walking together to create a lasting impact
We also take proactive action to raise money for causes close to our hearts. Across 26 miles, one incredible team from Paradigm Norton took a coastal walk from Torquay to Exeter, full of breathtaking views. Thanks to the generous support of the Paradigm Norton Trust, our families, friends, and professional networks, we raised £8,800 (including Gift Aid) for Petals to help bereaved parents access the counselling support they need and deserve.
Additionally, ShareGift issued a grant of £10,000 to Petals, which will greatly impact the lives of over 35 families.
Discover more about our fundraising.
Growing our philanthropic ambitions
As we look to the year ahead, we’re excited to build on the powerful idea that generosity grows when people feel inspired, connected, and confident to speak about giving. We believe there is huge, untapped potential for more people to embark on a journey of purposeful generosity.
We’ve seen how powerful it can be when individuals speak openly about their giving and the causes they care about, and that real change can happen when people see themselves – whatever their means – as able to make a meaningful difference.
Discover more in our The power and potential of philanthropic investing white paper.
We’re committed to playing our part: in addition to this work, Paradigm Norton will continue to support the Paradigm Norton Trust with a further £60,000 annual donation, enabling more charitable projects to thrive across our communities.
Governance
Strengthening our foundations
This has been a transformative year for Paradigm Norton, following five years of strategic planning and significant governance restructuring. We appointed a new CEO and senior partners and redefined our executive committee and board structure.
In April 2025, Philippa Hann succeeded Barry Horner as CEO after 24-years, with Barry transitioning to Chair to ensure leadership continuity. Through transparent communication, weekly executive meetings with a monthly strategy focus, and bi-annual deep-dive sessions involving regional directors, we’ve created the conditions for sustained success while maintaining alignment across the firm.
Discover more about our impact through governance in 2025.
Our strengthened governance framework includes a consistent employee ownership trust board and a new Partner Voice Forum initiative for firm-wide feedback.
What's next?
Looking ahead with purpose and bravery
We’ve truly stretched our boundaries this year, encouraging clients to invest in ways that match their values. The results speak for themselves: we’ve had more growth in the number of clients than ever before. The new board structure and initiatives have injected energy and drive into our team and client relationships, setting us up for sustained success. This positive momentum reflects the boldness and bravery that have defined our approach throughout the year.
Looking forward, we’ll continue building the conditions for outstanding work – internally, with our clients, and in the wider world. Our focus remains on relational and technical excellence, guided by our clear philosophy. Over the coming year, we’ll continue to challenge ourselves and others by:
- Launching a new philanthropy service
- Continuing to embrace our client coaching approach
- Building engaged communities
- Demanding that investments support meaningful global change
- Championing employee ownership
- Using our governance framework to support sustainable growth.
Driving change together
We believe we can create meaningful impact, but we can’t do it alone. While we’re leading the way in many areas, there’s still so much that needs to change across our industry. That’s why we’re looking to collaborate with other B Corps and like-minded people – to communicate what we know and find others who share our vision for change.
At the heart of everything remains our commitment to clients – helping them understand how much is ‘enough’ and giving them the freedom to do good with their money. We’re building a bold movement for change. And we’re just getting started.