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As a values-led organisation, Clarke Willmott prides itself on embedding positive environmental, social and governance credentials into our everyday practice.

It is also part of a long-term strategy to support our people and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

In Manchester, Clarke Willmott is involved in a number of game-changing ESG initiatives demonstrating that we recognise our responsibility to reflect the communities we serve.

Some of our highlights include:

Cyan Lines

CyanLines is one of the most ambitious green infrastructure projects currently proposed in the UK. In late 2025, Clarke Willmott became founding legal partner to the initiative, committing to provide pro bono legal, governance and strategic support to help bring it to life.

CyanLines is a bold vision to connect more than 100 miles of parks, waterways, canals, viaducts and public spaces across Greater Manchester into a single, coherent network. It is designed to make the city more walkable, healthier and better connected, linking communities, supporting biodiversity and strengthening the relationship between people and place.

Clarke Willmott is helping to build the legal and organisational framework that will enable CyanLines to move from concept to delivery. That includes supporting the creation of a dedicated not-for-profit vehicle, advising on governance structures, and helping partners navigate the complexities of land, funding and long-term stewardship.

For us at Clarke Willmott, CyanLines is an opportunity to contribute to a piece of civic infrastructure that will endure for generations.

Carbon Literate City

In 2025, the firm achieved Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation status, marking a significant step in embedding climate awareness across its workforce.

As part of this journey, Clarke Willmott has committed to Manchester Carbon Literacy City. This sees Clarke Willmott publicly declare and contribute the number of its Carbon Literate people towards Manchester’s city-wide target. We collaborate with stakeholders across Manchester to action on climate change and deliver on the city’s zero carbon objectives.

Good Employment Charter

We are committed to being a fair, inclusive and responsible employer, demonstrated through our support of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter.

The Charter is a voluntary initiative that encourages organisations to adopt and maintain best employment practices across Greater Manchester. By joining as a supporter, Clarke Willmott is committing to ensuring fair pay, promoting employee engagement and creating an environment where colleagues can thrive both professionally and personally.

This builds on our long-standing focus on diversity, inclusion and responsible business practices, ensuring that our people feel valued, respected and able to succeed regardless of background or circumstance.

For more information about Clarke Willmott’s ESG credentials, please visit our responsible business page.

Posted:

Your key contact

Ed Foulkes

Partner, Managing Director of the Corporate Division

Manchester
Ed is a ‘pragmatic and practical’ corporate lawyer dealing primarily with mergers and acquisitions. He has specialisms in the financial services, fintech and professional advisory sectors.
View profile for Ed Foulkes >

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