THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ESG AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF UK FTSE 250 LISTED FIRMS.

Abstract

In this dissertation, the relationship between the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles in relation to the financial performance of FTSE 250 companies pre-and during COVID-19 was studied. Utilizing data from Bloomberg and to conduct regression panel models with fixed and random effects, a Hausman test was performed in order to choose the most effective model. The study reveals that ESG including its sub-dimension exhibit minimal influence on financial outcomes pre-pandemic with only slight improvements noted during the pandemic. The data corroborates the assertion that despite virtually no clear monetary advantages of ESG integration is seen at once, its contribution keeps increasing over time. The study emphasizes the complexities of ESG impacts and the need for companies to tailor their ESG strategy to specific operational and economic settings in order to maximize advantages. This study contributes to the nuanced understanding of ESG integration and encourages more research into its long-term effects in various businesses and regulatory situations.