Bishop Fleming raises over £500,000 for charity in first year

Launched in 2024, the 1% for Communities initiative aims to support local causes and foster employee engagement while underscoring the firm’s ambition to be recognised as the most rewarding accountancy firm in the UK for clients, employees, and communities alike.

In its first year, Bishop Fleming exceeded expectations by not only raising substantial funds but also engaging in environmental and community-focused initiatives. These included activities such as skydives, charity quizzes, and a charity marathon, in addition to sponsoring the Great West Run, which saw 125 of its employees participate.

The firm’s environmental efforts were also noteworthy, with employees taking part in the Surfers Against Sewage Million Mile Clean, where over 125 miles of coastline were cleared, removing 162 kilos of waste.

Other community events included bake sales, netball tournaments, and conservation efforts at Paignton Zoo, illustrating the firm’s commitment to a wide range of charitable activities. Furthermore, over 100 employees held external positions such as trusteeships and board roles, helping to contribute professional skills to a variety of community causes.

Commenting on the success of the initiative, Fleur Lewis, Partner and Responsible Business Lead at Bishop Fleming, said:

“We’re so pleased to have reached the ambitious target we set for our 1% 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% 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.”

As part of its community outreach, Bishop Fleming also launched annual partnerships with six regional charities in 2024. These include well-established causes such as St Richard’s Hospice Foundation, Longfield Community Hospice, and Southmead Hospital Charity, all of which have made substantial contributions to their respective communities.

The firm’s charity partnerships are not only intended to raise funds but also increase visibility and support for these organisations.

Lucy Fairclough, Partner at Bishop Fleming in Birmingham, expressed excitement about the firm’s new partnership with Let’s Feed Brum, a charity focused on tackling homelessness and food insecurity.

“With our growing presence in Birmingham, it’s fantastic to welcome Let’s Feed Brum into our charity programme. Their work is making a real difference, and we look forward to supporting their mission through fundraising, volunteering, and visibility,” said Fairclough.

Looking ahead, Bishop Fleming has set an ambitious £100,000 fundraising goal for the coming year, driven by the success of its first year’s efforts. In addition to its ongoing community work, the firm will continue its programme of wellbeing initiatives and is planning new events such as the Bristol Bridges Challenge, which will bring employees, clients, and local community partners together for a 13-mile walk across 29 of the city’s bridges.

The firm will also sponsor Run Cheltenham again, aiming to increase the number of participants from last year’s 70 runners.

Ewan McClymont, Head of Responsible Business at Bishop Fleming, noted:

“The new £100,000 fundraising target is another ambitious goal, but we’re really excited to start working towards it, building on the momentum of our first year and continuing to make a meaningful difference in the communities we’re part of.”