eCommerce merchants sway towards ESG-focused providers

A recent survey by Ecommpay reveals that a majority of eCommerce merchants are significantly influenced by a payment provider's commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles when choosing a partner.

The research, which involved a sample of merchants with annual payment volumes ranging from GBP £16 million to GBP £40 million, found that 61% of respondents would "definitely" favour a payment provider based on its commitment to ESG. An additional 38% of merchants indicated they might consider ESG factors in their decision-making process.

Further insights from the survey show that the sustainability values of a potential partner have at least some impact on all respondents, with 41% reporting they are strongly influenced and 53% somewhat influenced by these values. When evaluating specific payment providers, 86% and 94% of participants felt that the providers, including Ecommpay, are sustainable and demonstrate societal care.

Miranda McLean, Chief Marketing Officer of Ecommpay, commented on these findings: "Businesses have been increasingly prioritising their own sustainability for some time, and it is clear that this focus now extends to their partnerships. Payment partners are being chosen based on their sustainability and overall commitment to Equality, Sustainability and Governance. It is important that providers can demonstrate their ESG credentials to prospective clients."

Contrasting the priorities of payment providers with those of their clients, data from the Payments Association indicates that merely 5% of payment businesses currently see ESG as a priority within the coming 12 months. This suggests a notable disparity between what clients are looking for and what providers are prioritising.

In response to this trend, Ecommpay is emphasising its commitment to increasing accessibility and equality for its clients and their customers. "As part of our goal of reaching ultimate financial inclusivity, we have made significant commitment to increasing accessibility and equality for Ecommpay clients and their customers," noted McLean.

"Our payment solutions are inclusive and sustainable, and our new website has been designed with accessibility at its core. We are now calling for others in the industry to take similar action. Together we can ensure that affordable, convenient and flexible payments can be made accessible to everyone."

Ecommpay has also launched an initiative called "Ecommpay for Good," which promotes inclusivity within and across its partner businesses. This programme seeks to support businesses aiming to improve accessibility to their websites, products, and services.

Ecommpay's efforts are particularly directed at enhancing financial inclusivity for mid-size and enterprise businesses, enabling a wider reach in domestic and international markets. Through "Ecommpay for Good," the company aims to support businesses in integrating ESG values into their operations, benefiting customers and their business growth.