You also head up Burgess’ mentorship programme
I understand how pivotal a mentor can be in life. I wish that I had more guidance at times, especially in the transition from rowing to ‘normal’ life. As a company Burgess can offer so much - by mentoring and partnering with the industry's social impact platform Legasea, we are giving the next generation a hand up when they need it, and we’re living our company values of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Tells us a bit about Burgess ESG…
ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) does what it says on the tin. Our industry needs to step up and show that we do 'give a damn’ about the impact we have on the environment – and so that is what Burgess is doing.
The Covid lockdowns showed us that nature can and will bounce back if given a chance. We had birds of prey nesting at the top of our building in Monaco – unheard of before. The message is clear – give nature a chance and it will amaze us.
So, we are working with Blue Marine Foundation, a charity that is making real, measurable changes to our oceans. Every Burgess charter or brokerage or new-build or yacht management client can say that they are part of that.
We are also paying a marine conservation fee on all company travel in 2022. Now more than ever we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard – so we are.