Finnegan: “We want to be a one-stop shop for all ESG and sustainability related advice for the IT industry”

Following Arete Zero Carbon’s recent acquisition by PNZ Group, managing director Steve Finnegan explains how newly combined consultancy service will bring benefits to channel customers

PNZ (Powering Net Zero) Group’s recent acquisition of carbon and sustainability consultancy Arete Zero Carbon will create a dedicated end-to-end Net Zero channel service, its new boss has claimed.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, was finalised late last month to create PNZ Advisory. It is the third strategic acquisition by PNZ Group, and will join PNZ Carbon and PNZ Energy under the PNZ umbrella. The parent company now employs 50 people across its three businesses, but has ambitious plans to expand further in the coming 12 months.

Led by Arete Zero Carbon’s former boss Steve Finnegan, the newly-formed PNZ Advisory will continue to help its customers measure, manage and reduce carbon emissions both internally and across their wider supply chains.

Arete already worked with a number of IT channel players including HP, Exertis and TD SYNNEX, and also a number of leading brands in other sectors including retail and hospitality, legal, not-for-profit and government organisations. Finnegan said PNZ Advisory now has plans to significantly increase its customer base across all sectors.

He added that the deal was a natural evolution for Arete, and will enable them to deliver ‘measurable climate impact at every stage’.

"This move to the PNZ Group enables Arete Zero Carbon to offer more than just advisory services,” he explained. “We can now offer the industry, and in particular the IT Channel, a holistic end-to-end service to help them reach Net Zero, from the initial advice, through to support on delivering renewable energy projects and eventually offsetting their residual carbon.”

“We want to become the one-stop-shop for all sustainability and ESG related advice and support for the IT industry. We have already supported over 60 businesses, and this move to PNZ will bolster our offering,” he added.

PNZ Group CEO Martin Smith, added that the acquisition fills a critical gap in PNZ’s proposition, with businesses now requiring expert, strategic guidance to build and deliver credible decarbonisation plans.

“We now offer clients a complete solution that spans advice, action, and accountability. This is a major milestone in our mission to be the UK’s go-to net zero partner,” he said.