We are Certified B Corp
A Certified B Corporation, or B Corp for short, is a business that meets meets verified standards for social and environmental business practices.
When we became a B Corp in 2022, we joined a worldwide movement of businesses committed to balancing profit with purpose. For us, this wasn’t just about getting a certification – it was about formalising our belief that business can, and should, benefit people and the planet.
Read on to discover how we’re putting these principles into practice every day, from supporting our people and communities to reducing our environmental impact and helping our clients do the same.
Impact report
Discover how BKL is redefining success in business through our commitment to people, planet, and purpose.
At BKL, we’re not just accountants; we’re catalysts for positive change.
Our 2023-2024 Impact Report showcases our journey of growth and transformation, highlighting our achievements, challenges, and vision for a more sustainable future.
At a glance:
- Certified since: September 2022
- Overall B Impact Score: 85.2
- Pioneering for positive change in the accountancy sector and beyond
Our story: Why we becamea B Corp
Our journey to B Corp certification began during the challenges of lockdown. We discovered that focusing on human connections and genuine care for our people led to better outcomes – even in difficult circumstances.
This experience showed us there was a better way to do business, one that puts people and purpose at the heart of decision-making.
As a leading accountancy firm, we recognised our unique position to influence positive change. The B Corp framework provided us with a robust structure to measure and improve our impact across all areas of our business – from employee wellbeing and community engagement to environmental sustainability and ethical governance.
It wasn’t just about getting a certification; it was about joining a global movement of businesses using their influence to be catalysts for positive change.
Being a B Corp means committing to continuous improvement across every aspect of our business.
We regularly assess our progress, set ambitious goals, and hold ourselves accountable through transparent reporting.
Myfanwy Neville
Chief Governance & Sustainability Officer
Our impact highlights: April 2023 – March 2024
People first
- 7 new family-friendly policies created
- 102 employees now own shares through our Employee Benefit Trust
- 4 new employees joined through LTSB social mobility partnership
- 48 long-term employees celebrated for 10+ years of service
Planet positive
- Switched to 100% renewable electricity
- Increased recycling by 127%
- Added 9 new electric cars through our employee scheme
- Offset 65 tonnes of carbon emissions through social regeneration projects
Community Impact
- £55,640 donated by The BKL Foundation
- 690 good deeds completed through the OnHand platform
- 33 new charity and not-for-profit clients welcomed
- 2 annual volunteering days introduced for every employee
Better Business
- Appointed an independent Chair to strengthen governance
- Developed Good Work Code for client relationships
- Created 5 new roles focused on People and Planet
- Quarterly Skills Workshops with 88% immediate application rate
Our key commitments
Environmental Stewardship
We’re dedicated to reducing our environmental impact through concrete actions:
- Regular carbon footprint monitoring and reduction
- Smart Travel policy to encourage lower-carbon choices
- Comprehensive waste reduction strategy
- Energy-efficient workplace initiatives
Social Responsibility
Our commitment to people extends beyond our team:
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Partnership with social mobility organisations
- Active community engagement
- Regular employee training and development
Good Governance
We’re building better business practices through:
- Independent oversight
- Transparent reporting
- Ethical client relationships
- Regular stakeholder engagement
Looking ahead
We’re committed to continuous improvement across all areas of our impact.
Our B Impact Score improvement when we recertified in 2024 reflected our ongoing dedication to being a business that benefits people and the planet.
As we grow, we’re focusing on several key initiatives to amplify our positive impact.
We’re developing a comprehensive ‘Smart Travel’ policy, investigating energy-efficient home working solutions, and implementing waste reduction strategies across all our offices.
We’re also expanding our community reach through the BKL Foundation and strengthening our commitment to social mobility through partnerships like LTSB.
Ready to start your own B Corp journey?
Contact our sustainability experts today to discuss how we can help you turn sustainability challenges into opportunities for growth, including supporting you through the journey to becoming a Certified B Corporation.
Want to learn more about our sustainability services?
Our first-hand experience shapes how we support our clients – with practical, proven solutions that deliver lasting value.
