The Liminal Letter: September/October

Celine Moran chats with James Byrne, CEO at Beyond Words, about how smart storytelling, data clarity, and sector insight are transforming ESG reporting ahead of 2026.

From your perspective as a copywriter, what are the “must-dos” and “definite don’ts” when drafting an ESG report?

I think the first thing is to be an informed writer. Many copywriters switch from one subject to another, confident in their ability to write insightful and relevant content, without taking the time to learn about the client. That’s why all our copywriters receive regular, bespoke ESG training, ensuring our report writers understand the ESG context for every sector and subsector. In short, a great ESG report writer is more than a writer; they should be brimming with ideas, fully immersed in the materiality process.

What mistakes do you see organisations making most often in their ESG reporting?

Many organisations treat sustainability and ESG reporting as a side note to their business activity, with stories that sound nice but are ultimately irrelevant to their business model. This is a huge mistake. A powerful ESG report is not a CSR report; it is a business asset that links ESG success with value creation.

Are there any ESG reporting trends you’re seeing emerge for 2026 that companies should be aware of?

As we approach 2026, we are seeing more and more clients looking to find win-win stories when reporting on social and environmental impacts. The best reports in 2026 will highlight connections between the business and the value chain by harnessing closer dialogue with suppliers and stakeholders. This approach makes the report a real asset for building long-term trust with stakeholders. It can even create added value by building momentum and motivating employees to improve impact and report positive progress.

How do you approach translating technical data and metrics into language that resonates with stakeholders, from investors to employees?

A poor ESG report relies on data tables to impress the reader with complexity. Conversely, a great ESG report humanises key data into succinct messages that demonstrate ESG success. Data-rich reports are valuable, but impactful stories can bring the data to life while acting as memorable proof points that can resonate with different stakeholders. Choosing stories that can appeal to more than one stakeholder group can also help keep reports shorter, and more accessible.

What advice would you give to companies preparing their ESG reports for next year?

We advise our clients to start early with ESG reporting so they have time each year to communicate a joined-up ESG story. It is also crucial to fully harness ESG reporting frameworks for business success. For instance, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) helps organisations understand ESG issues using double materiality, which can lead to better risk and opportunity management. In short, a great ESG report is not just a report; it is a catalyst for accelerating impact and ensures de-risked growth. This takes time, but it is time well spent.