Director's Corner
By Amit Agarwal, Managing Director, Outbooks UK
By Ajeet Agarwal, Managing Director, Outbooks India
ESG And The Future Of Outsourcing: How Outbooks Is Leading Sustainable Business Practices
Introduction: The Growing Importance of ESG in Business
You’ve probably heard a lot about ESG recently – it stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. These three pillars represent the standards by which businesses are increasingly being measured. But ESG isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a set of criteria that came into focus around the early 2000s, when both investors and regulators began demanding more accountability from companies on their environmental impact, social practices, and governance structures.
By 2021, over $35.3 trillion in global assets were being managed with ESG considerations, demonstrating how integral these principles have become to modern business. At Outbooks, we have fully embraced ESG because we understand that companies like ours need to lead by example, helping our clients operate more sustainably while still meeting their financial goals.
ESG and the Evolution of Outsourcing
Outsourcing has historically been about cost savings and efficiency, but the narrative is shifting. Today, companies are seeking outsourcing partners that align with their values, especially around sustainability and ethics. This shift towards value-driven outsourcing is inevitable. In the future, businesses will look beyond price and prioritise partners who are committed to reducing their environmental footprint, maintaining fair labour practices, and ensuring robust governance.
According to KPMG’s 2022 Survey of Sustainability Reporting, which analysed data from 5,800 companies across 58 countries, 96% of the world’s largest 250 companies (G250) produce some type of sustainability report, while the reporting rate among the N100 (the top 100 companies in each country) has risen to 79%. This growing trend reflects how sustainability and ESG reporting have become essential for global businesses, driven by increasing regulatory pressures and stakeholder demand for transparency.
At Outbooks, we have witnessed this shift first-hand. Our UK-based clients, particularly in the accounting and financial sectors, are increasingly focused on finding partners that help them meet ESG standards. By offering services that reflect this need, we ensure that they can outsource responsibly and meet the evolving expectations of their stakeholders.
How Outbooks is Leading Sustainable Outsourcing Practices
As a company, we have made significant strides in reducing our environmental impact. For example, by leveraging technology and automating our workflows, we have significantly reduced our paper usage across our global offices. This shift has not only made our operations more efficient but also minimised waste.
Social responsibility is another area where we are making a real difference. Outbooks employs over 500 professionals across our offices in the UK, Australia, and India. We are committed to providing fair wages and growth opportunities for our employees, regardless of location. Moreover, we believe in giving back to the community, which is why we have partnered with Evertreen and Carma Earth to plant over 2,000 trees around the world – a reflection of our deep-rooted belief in creating long-term social impact.
On the governance front, transparency and accountability are at the heart of our operations. We have implemented stringent compliance measures and reporting standards that not only ensure our clients' trust but also help them achieve their own ESG goals.
ESG-Driven Benefits for Clients of Outbooks
Our commitment to ESG brings a host of benefits to our clients. By partnering with Outbooks, businesses can meet increasing regulatory requirements related to sustainability and social responsibility. Our transparent processes give clients peace of mind, knowing that their outsourced operations align with ESG frameworks.
The Future of Outsourcing in an ESG-Focused World
The future of outsourcing is undeniably ESG-driven. As more businesses commit to sustainability, ethical supply chains, and transparent governance, outsourcing providers will need to evolve. At Outbooks, we are already seeing an increase in demand for services that support these objectives.
Looking ahead, I believe we will see increased integration of green technologies and automation to streamline operations while minimising environmental harm. AI-driven governance systems will provide real-time reporting and monitoring, ensuring compliance with global ESG standards.
Ethical supply chains will also become a focal point, as companies demand that every partner in their value chain upholds the same ethical and environmental values.
Conclusion: Outbooks’ Commitment to ESG and the Future
At Outbooks, we are incredibly proud of how we have embraced ESG principles in our business. We are not just an outsourcing provider; we are a partner in helping our clients achieve their objectives in a responsible, sustainable way. ESG isn’t just a trend – it’s the future of business, and we are fully committed to leading the way.
For firms looking for an outsourcing partner that shares their values, Outbooks offers not only cost-effective services but also ESG-compliant solutions that will future-proof your business for years to come. Together, we can build a more sustainable, ethical, and transparent future.
Amit Agarwal
Managing Director, Outbooks UK
Building A Talent First Culture: How Leadership Shapes Organisational Success
Recently, a lot of people have been reaching out on social media, expressing their views about the work environment and the significant issues they face daily. I’ve also been following the statements made by leaders of various reputed companies and the subsequent outrage from employees. As I read through these discussions, I found myself reflecting on how essential it is to cultivate a positive working environment, especially since we spend a considerable portion of our lives at work.
At Outbooks, we've always believed in putting our people first. This philosophy has been ingrained in our culture since day one, and it's something we've strived to uphold throughout our journey. When employees feel appreciated and engaged, they naturally become more productive and innovative. This engagement translates into better service for our clients - something we strive for every day at Outbooks.
The Importance of Building a Talent First Culture
It has a big impact on both our employees and the entire organisation. Research shows that companies that focus on their people are not only more productive but also work more efficiently.
A study by McKinsey found that top performers can be up to 400% more productive than average workers. Just think about how much this can help us meet deadlines and reach our business goals! At Outbooks, we’ve seen this in action. When we invest in our team members, it leads to better service for our clients and helps us succeed as a company.
The connection between talent and value
Talent and value goes hand in hand while taking care of our employees and creating value for our company. A report from TAFE NSW shows that businesses with skilled workers can finish projects much faster than those without. For example, one company might take three years to complete a project, while another could do it in just one year, all because of the talent driving those projects.
At Outbooks, we understand that when we invest in our employees through training and development, it not only improves their individual performance but also helps the entire business succeed. When our team members feel supported in their growth, they are more likely to go the extra mile for our clients. This commitment strengthens our reputation as a reliable outsourcing partner.
Leadership's Role in Shaping a Talent First Culture
One of the key factors in building a talent-first culture is leadership. Leaders set the tone for the entire organisation, and their actions have a profound impact on employee morale and productivity. When leaders prioritise their team's well-being, it sends a powerful message that their contributions are valued.
At Outbooks, we've always focused on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to share their ideas and take ownership of their work. We encourage open communication and provide regular feedback to help our employees grow and develop. We also offer a variety of perks and benefits to ensure our team is happy and healthy.
But it's not just about offering perks and benefits. It's about creating a culture where people feel connected to the company's mission and values. When employees feel like they're part of something bigger than themselves, they're more likely to be engaged and motivated.
One of the ways we plant this sense of connection is by celebrating our successes together. We organize team-building activities, social events, and recognition programs to acknowledge and appreciate our employees' hard work.
Another important aspect of building a talent-first culture is trust. When employees trust their leaders, they're more likely to take risks, be innovative, and go the extra mile. We've built a culture of trust at Outbooks by being transparent, honest, and fair. We also empower our employees to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
I believe that a talent-first culture is not just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have in today's competitive business landscape. By prioritizing our people, we're not only creating a better workplace, but we're also driving innovation, boosting productivity, and ultimately achieving long-term success.
As leaders, it's our responsibiity to create a positive and supportive work environment where our employees can thrive. By doing so, we're not only making a difference in their lives, but we're also making a difference in the world.
Ajeet Agarwal
Managing Director, India
Outbooks
Events and Updates
Accountex Manchester 2024
Following the success of Accountex London, we also attended Accountex Manchester 2024. Outbooks took the stage to connect with even more professionals and discuss the value of outsourcing accounting services in today’s fast-paced business environment. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making Accountex 2024 an unforgettable experience for Outbooks! Everyone’s participation and enthusiasm made all the difference.
Outbooks at Fortem UK 2024: Empowering the Hospitality Sector with Outsourcing Solutions
We also participated in Hotel and Resort Expo, an event hosted by Fortem International which in itself is fastest growing trade exhibition organisation in the world. The event brought together hospitality industry leaders.
At the event, Outbooks showcased how our outsourcing services can revolutionize the hospitality sector. We highlighted how partnering with us can simplify operations, reduce costs, and improve financial outcomes for hospitality businesses.
The positive response and valuable connections we made reaffirmed our commitment to helping businesses in this industry thrive. We look forward to building on the meaningful conversations started at the event and continuing to support the hospitality sector in all means possible.
Looking Ahead: Outbooks at Upcoming 2025 Events
Looking ahead, Outbooks is excited to announce our participation in LABS 2025, a premier event focused on business and accounting technology, Outbooks will showcase how our services can help firms and accountants stay ahead of the curve. We will highlight how our services are designed to enhance operational efficiency, optimise workflows, and leverage technology to drive success in the accounting sector.
Outbook’s Star Performers Enjoy a Memorable Getaway to Thailand!
At Outbooks, we believe in celebrating exceptional contributions, and this time, it was our star performer’s turn for an unforgettable experience. As a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication, we took them on a special 3-day trip to Thailand.
The trip was filled with rich cultural exchanges, mouth-watering multi-cuisine experiences, and breath taking visits to some of Thailand's most iconic places. From the vibrant markets to serene temples, the journey offered a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
We’re proud to nurture such talent and are excited to continue inspiring our team to aim higher with every milestone achieved.
Employee Spotlight:
Let's get to know Sonali Mittal, an Senior Executive from the bookkeeping department.
Sonali Mittal
Job Title: Senior Executive - Bookkeeping
Department: Bookkeeping
Years with Outbooks: 2 Years - Joining Date - 25.10.2022
Questions and answers
Question: 1
How do you usually start your day which helps you to stay productive all day long?
Answer:
A healthy breakfast and a quick morning workout help me stay energised.
Question: 2
How do you feel about being highlighted in the employee spotlight section?
Answer:
It motivates me to continue putting my best foot forward and to contribute even more to our collective success.
Question: 3
What motivates you the most in your work?
Answer:
Continuous learning and the chance to grow professionally and financially motivates me.
Question: 4
What advice would you provide to individuals who are beginning their careers as Trainees?
Answer:
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as they are often the best learning experiences.
Question: 5
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Answer:
In the next five years, I hope to have grown both professionally and personally, taking on more responsibilities and contributing to strategic initiatives. I aim to develop my leadership skills, possibly managing a team.
Client Testimonials
