Accountants deliver on responsible business pledge
Leading audit, accounting, tax, and advisory firm, Bishop Fleming, has successfully delivered on its pledge to give back the equivalent of 1 per cent of its turnover, just a year after launching its flagship ‘1 per cent for Communities’ initiative.
The South West and Midlands-based firm contributed 1,889 volunteer hours and raised over £70,000 in funds, reaching a total community contribution of £514,325 through fundraising, volunteering, and support for charitable causes.
Launched in July 2024, the 1 per cent for Communities initiative pledged to give back the equivalent of 1 per cent of the firm’s turnover through impactful, community-focused volunteering, fundraising and related activities.
The commitment aims to support local communities, foster employee engagement, and contribute to meaningful causes, while underpinning the firm’s ambition to be the most rewarding accountancy firm in the UK for its clients, people, and communities.
The milestone reflects the firm’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond business, aligning its growth with purpose and social responsibility.
Fleur Lewis (pictured), partner and responsible business lead at Bishop Fleming, said: “We’re so pleased to have reached the ambitious target we set for our 1 per cent for Communities pledge - it’s a testament to our shared belief at Bishop Fleming that business success should go hand in hand with social impact.
“The 1 per cent for Communities pledge has given us a clear framework to measure and focus our efforts, and hitting our target in the first year shows what’s possible when there’s both structure and commitment behind the work, and it’s something we’re determined to build on."
From high-energy physical challenges to meaningful local volunteering, the first year of the initiative saw exceptional employee engagement and community impact.
Activities ranged from charity quizzes and skydives to the firm’s title sponsorship of the Great West Run, where 125 of its people participated.
Environmental action was also a focus, with employees participating in the Surfers Against Sewage Million Mile Clean, covering over 125 miles of coastline and removing more than 162kg of waste.
Further community events, such as bake sales, netball tournaments, and conservation work at Paignton Zoo, showcased the power of collaboration between professional networks and local causes.
Employees also held over 100 external positions of responsibility, including trusteeships, board roles and local coaching. These roles reflect the firm’s broader influence and commitment to giving back professional skills to society.
Alongside the commitment, in 2024, Bishop Fleming announced annual partnerships with six regional charities, selected for the tangible impact they make in their local communities and for the broad recognition and support they have earned.
The charity programme is set to expand further with the addition of Let’s Feed Brum, a Birmingham-based charity tackling homelessness and food insecurity.
Bishop Fleming is set to continue its dynamic programme of fundraising and wellbeing initiatives.
Plans include the Bristol Bridges Challenge, a 13 mile walk across 29 of the city’s bridges, bringing together employees, clients, intermediaries, and community partners, and culminating in a summer celebration.
The firm will also return as the official sponsor of Run Cheltenham, with ambitions to surpass last year’s participation of 70 runners.
In addition, Bishop Fleming is preparing to publish its fourth annual Impact Report, offering deeper insight into its Responsible Business commitment and the progress being delivered across its communities.
