Jude AlHajjaj

The Breaking Down the Buzzword event is led by CMS’s Scotland ESG Focus Group in collaboration with CMS Link, a networking group set up by the firm to help peers across all professions and industries build connections at the start of their careers. It takes place at CMS’s Edinburgh office from 17.00 – 18.30 on Thursday 23 April and will feature a specialist panel including ESG experts from the firm and high-profile external guest speakers.

The aim of the event is to demystify ESG and move beyond buzzwords to explore how these factors drive real decisions and shape day-to-day operations for businesses in practice. It will address common misconceptions, examine key challenges, and share practical steps organisations can take to turn ESG commitments into measurable action.

Moderated by Jude AlHajjaj, Energy and Finance Associate at CMS, Breaking Down the Buzzword will feature an expert panel including Ben Richtzenhain, Vice President, Infrastructure & Project Finance at Royal Bank of Scotland; Angus Niven, Senior Legal Counsel, Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games (seconded from the CMS Strategic Secondment Unit); Ben Carter, Account Director at Vattenfall, one of Europe’s largest producers and retailers of electricity and heat; and Sokratis Androutsos, Pensions Associate at CMS.

Jude AlHajjaj said: “We’re delighted to host this first-ever ESG event aimed at supporting junior professionals at better understanding and managing ESG challenges in the workplace.

“Drawing on sector specific insights from finance, energy, and real estate, our panellists will illustrate how ESG considerations materially influence commercial decisions. The discussion will also highlight emerging trends, and encourage attendees to consider how ESG shapes risk assessment, contracting, financing, corporate strategy, and client expectations.”

More details and registration information about the Breaking Down the Buzzword event can be found here