HLB teams up with 2XE to support businesses with sustainability reporting

Accounting and advisory firm HLB Mann Judd has teamed up with Adelaide-based sustainability consultancy 2XE in a strategic partnership to support clients in achieving their net-zero agendas.
The arrangement between HLB Mann Judd – one of Australia’s top fifteen largest organisations of its kind – and 2XE, comes as the county institutes a new mandatory climate reporting regime, effective from the beginning of this year.
“We already work closely with our clients across areas of governance, measurement, reporting and assurance, and are therefore well-equipped to help them meet the new regulatory changes,” stated HLB Australasian chair Tony Fittler.
Designed in line with those set by the International Sustainability Standards Board, Australia’s new financial disclosure requirements will initially impact large corporations with consolidated revenues upwards of $500 million, but extend to medium-sized companies with over 250 employees and $200 million in revenues by next year, and businesses in the bracket down at the start of 2027.
“The new rules won’t just affect the big end of town – all businesses, regardless of size, will potentially be impacted,” Fittler continued. “By combining HLB’s financial expertise with 2XE’s sustainability knowledge, the firm is well-positioned to guide clients through the complexities of ESG compliance and sustainable growth, underpinned by our internal engagement strategy.”
Now with a team of more than one dozen professionals, 2XE was established in Adelaide by chief executive Nick Palousis in 2011, who has over the past two decades supported more than 1,000 government and business clients across industries in pursuit of their ESG and net zero ambitions, while adopting an approach described as seeking the “best possible holistic return on investment.”
“We’re excited to be partnering with HLB Mann Judd nationally to help their clients make real progress on their sustainability goals and climate-related financial disclosures,” Palousis said of the strategic hook-up. “Engineer + Accountant = kicking goals. This new partnership will provide comprehensive support for clients navigating a pathway to a more sustainable future.”
In alignment with HLB International’s 2027 global strategy, the local branch said the new partnership will support clients in the delivery of specialised services focused on decarbonisation planning, climate-related disclosures, and other technical services, while also strengthening internal sustainability education through staff training across its Australasian network.
Fittler concludes: “As businesses increasingly recognise the importance of sustainable practices, and with important legislation now in place, this collaboration between HLB Mann Judd and 2XE is perfectly timed. The collaboration will enhance HLB Mann Judd’s sustainability service offerings and expertise in supporting clients in sustainable business practices in many key areas.”