We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve achieved B Corp certification for the first time – a major milestone in our journey as a purpose-driven professional services firm.
We secured 83.5 points in our review by B Lab on our social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. This high-profile certification marks a significant moment for our firm as we continue to transform from a traditional accountancy practice into a purpose-driven, high-growth organisation.
Our Journey to B Corp
Operating across 16 offices, we’re committed to delivering exceptional client results and exponential growth whilst being a powerful force for good. This includes:
- Working with Carbon Neutral Britain to become carbon neutral through UN-certified offset projects spanning four countries
- Delivering more than £20,000 of community impact through our Great Ideas Grants programme
- Supporting 205 of our 700-strong team who are currently undertaking apprenticeships to achieve their professional qualifications
“Our B Corp certification isn’t just about meeting standards – it’s about fundamentally reimagining what it means to be an accountancy firm that puts its passion for people and sustainability at its heart,” explains Hayley Plimley, our Marketing & Communications Director who led the two-year journey.
“We’ve proven that when you put your team first and operate with honesty, passion, and shared ambition, everything else follows – including exceptional client results and a strong M&A strategy that has seen us complete sixteen acquisitions since 2021.”
Why B Corp Matters
Like many professional services firms, we faced the challenge of demonstrating that success extends beyond financial metrics. Today’s clients increasingly expect their advisers to share their values around sustainability and social responsibility, while top talent seeks organisations that make a positive difference.
Our Great Ideas Grants programme exemplifies our grassroots approach to community impact. Powered by an annual fund, we empower our team members to pitch creative ideas supporting environmental and community initiatives, such as education, health programmes, and sporting clubs.
Our People-First Culture
“Central to our success has been building a culture that earned us recognition as an Outstanding Place to Work, ranking in the top ten UK accountancy practices, plus number one SME apprenticeship employer,” continues Hayley.
“We have implemented comprehensive improvements including enhanced family-friendly benefits, volunteering days, salary sacrifice green car schemes, and major green facility refurbishments.”
“Our philosophy is simple: put the team first, and everything else follows,” adds James Beardmore, our Chief Operations Director.
“This approach has not only driven our rapid growth over the last four years, but has created deeper, more trusted partnerships with clients. The B Corp framework has provided us with tools to make improvements to our governance, facilities, culture and client care – every decision is now assessed through its impact on achieving great things together for our team, clients, communities and the planet.”
Looking Forward
Our B Corp certification represents the beginning of our journey as a purpose-driven business committed to sustainable impact, with an improvement plan already in place to make further positive changes.
“We aren’t perfect, and we have a long way to go, but like all businesses, we have a responsibility to be a force for good,” concludes James.
“Our certification demonstrates that professional services firms can achieve commercial success while making a positive impact. And the best thing is…we are investing in the next generation of accountants and auditors, with a record-breaking 205 apprentices currently learning their trade with us.”
