Bishop Fleming hits £500k milestone in community contribution

Bishop Fleming has delivered over £500,000 in community support just a year after launching its 1% for Communities Initiative, which pledges to give back the equivalent of 1% of its turnover.

The firm has contributed £514,325 to charitable causes since July 2024 through volunteering, fundraising and partnerships. 

Meanwhile, staff have donated 1,889 hours of time and helped raise more than £70,000.

The initiative was created to align Bishop Fleming’s business growth with its social responsibility goals, supporting local communities and boosting employee engagement.

Activities in the programme’s first year included employee participation in the Great West Run, beach clean-ups with Surfers Against Sewage, and a range of local events such as charity quizzes, bake sales, and conservation work. 

Staff also held more than 100 external roles such as trusteeships, board memberships and local coaching positions.

In 2024, Bishop Fleming launched annual partnerships with six regional charities, including Southmead Hospital Charity in Bristol and Bath, FORCE Cancer Charity in Exeter and Torquay, and Cornwall Hospice Care in Truro. 

The firm has since announced new partners for 2025/26, such as Let’s Feed Brum in Birmingham, and aims to raise £100,000 over the coming year.

Looking ahead, the firm plans further fundraising and wellbeing initiatives, including the Bristol Bridges Challenge, a 13-mile walk across 29 bridges, and a return as official sponsor of Run Cheltenham.

Bishop Fleming also plans to publish its fourth annual Impact Report later this year, tracking progress on its responsible business commitments.

Fleur Lewis, partner and responsible business lead, 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. Hitting our target in the first year shows what’s possible when there’s both structure and commitment behind the work.”

Lucy Fairclough, Birmingham partner, added: “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.”