Albert Goodman secures B Corp status

South West-based accountancy firm Albert Goodman has secured the coveted B Corp status.

The Taunton-headquartered chartered accountants, tax consultants and financial planners has earned the B Corp status due to its commitment to environmental and social goals.

It follows a “rigorous” assessment of the firm’s commitment to its ‘Triple Bottom Line’ of people, planet and profit.

As a Certified B Corporation, Albert Goodman, which recently opened a new Bristol city centre office, now forms part of the B Corp movement which comprises 7,000 companies worldwide.

Led by Albert Goodman Technical and Training Partner Sophie Parkhouse, the company launched its bid for B Corp status as part of its efforts to work towards Net Zero by 2030, but also to be community-focused.

To achieve the sought-after seal of approval, a comprehensive assessment of the company’s practices required detailed evidence and supporting data.

Among a range of ESG benchmarks, frameworks and certifications, B Corp set out to be a widely recognised gold standard, with businesses challenged to meet high levels of social and environmental performance.

Albert Goodman is currently working on a series of initiatives to enhance its environmental impact including:

• Leading the Blackbrook Green Forum to make the Taunton business park a better place to work
• Working with the Somerset Wildlife Trust to encourage local wildlife
• Introducing a Cycle to Work Day in August
• Recruitment, training and development of apprentices
• Helping other businesses to achieve their ESG ambitions

Iain McVicar, managing partner at Albert Goodman, said: “We are immensely proud to become one of the very first accountancy firms in the South West to secure ‘B Corp’ status, which is not only a huge honour but also a strong endorsement of our determination to be a business which is a true force for good.

“B Corp status confirms we are doing the right thing across governance, people, community, environment and clients. It will also help us to grow as a company and have a positive impact on the environment as we work towards Net Zero.”