From 14 December 2021 the Premier Miton Ethical Fund will be renamed Premier Miton Responsible UK Equity Fund.
Changing the name of the fund, to reference the focus on companies that act responsibly and have a positive influence on society and the environment, will make the investment approach of the fund clearer for investors.
The fund is managed by Premier Miton’s highly successful UK growth equities team of Jon Hudson and Benji Dawes, who also manage the top performing Premier Miton UK Growth Fund. The fund managers work closely with Helene Winch, Premier Miton’s Head of Responsible Investing.
The fund is ranked 8 out of 245 funds in the IA UK All Companies sector since Jon Hudson and Benji Dawes became managers on 1 July 2019, returning 59 per cent versus 18 per cent from the sector and 5 per cent for the FTSE4 Good Index. The Premier Miton UK Growth Fund is ranked 6 out of 233 funds in the IA UK All Companies sector since Jon Hudson and Benji Dawes became managers on 1 July 2017, returning 83 per cent versus 27 per cent from the sector and 20 per cent for the FTSE All-Share Index.[1]
At the same time as the fund name change, the investment policy is being updated, adding more information on the fund’s aim to focus on companies with a strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) profile and those that we believe are part of long term themes that have a positive influence on society and the environment, including; health and education (physical health, mental health and well-being, education and social development), protecting the planet (clean energy, resource efficiency, sustainable infrastructure and cities) and enhancing society (good employment practices, reducing inequality, sustainable economy and finance).
Benji Dawes, co-manager of the Premier Miton Ethical Fund, says: “We are proud of the investment philosophy and performance of the Premier Miton Ethical Fund and we see the name change to Premier Miton Responsible UK Equity Fund, and the updated fund description, as important milestones in the fund’s development.
“Premier Miton Responsible UK Equity Fund will be clearly labelled as a dedicated responsible investing fund and clearly described as a fund focused on companies that act responsibly with a strong ESG profile and that are part of long term themes that have a positive influence on society and the environment.”
Jon Hudson, co-manager of the Premier Miton Ethical Fund, says: “We are excited about the level of investor interest in dedicated ESG funds and the investment opportunities we have found and continue to find. Our active investment approach will continue to combine our ESG focus with our assessment of a company’s quality, growth potential and valuation.”
Neil Birrell, Premier Miton’s Chief Investment Officer, says: “The renaming of Premier Miton Ethical Fund to Premier Miton Responsible UK Equity Fund and the updated fund description will provide more clarity for investors. We are very excited about the future for this fund with its impressive track record combined with the strong reputation of co-fund managers, Jon Hudson and Benji Dawes.
“The fund forms part of our range of ESG dedicated products which include the recently launched Premier Miton European Sustainable Leaders Fund, as well as our global equity sustainable growth and income funds, and global renewable energy investment trust.“
