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DJH has announced it has secured B Corp certification for the first time, marking a “significant moment” for the firm as it looks to transform into a “purpose-driven, high-growth” organisation.
The accountancy firm scored 83.5 points in a review by B Lab on its social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
Its effort include:
- Working with Carbon Neutral Britain to become carbon neutral through UN-certified offset projects spanning four countries
- Supporting 205 of its 700-strong team who are currently undertaking apprenticeships to achieve their professional qualifications
- Delivering more than £20,000 of community impact through its Great Ideas Grants programme
The firm said its Great Ideas Grants programme “exemplifies our grassroots approach to community impact”.
Powered by an annual fund, it encourages employees to pitch creative ideas supporting environmental and community initiatives, such as education, health programmes, and sporting clubs.
Hayley Plimley, marketing and communications director who led the two-year journey, said: “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.
“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.”
She added: “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.
“We have implemented comprehensive improvements including enhanced family-friendly benefits, volunteering days, salary sacrifice green car schemes, and major green facility refurbishments.”
James Beardmore, chief operations director, said: “Our philosophy is simple: put the team first, and everything else follows. 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.”
He added: “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. 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.”
