PKF Francis Clark secures B Corp certification as Bristol office expands
PKF Francis Clark has become a Certified B Corporation™, joining a global network of businesses recognised for meeting verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
The accountancy firm, which is currently doubling the size of its Bristol office, said the certification marks a significant milestone in its work to make a positive impact for clients, colleagues, communities and the environment.
Certified B Corporations, known as B Corps, are assessed by B Lab across five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment and customers.
PKF Francis Clark said the process prompted a detailed review of its operations and led to a number of changes across the business, including embedding environmental, social and governance considerations into board-level discussions and managers’ responsibilities.
Paul Crocker, CEO of PKF Francis Clark, said:
Becoming a B Corp is a significant milestone for our firm and one I’m extremely proud of. It shows we meet verified standards for social and environmental business practices and reflects the hard work many colleagues have put into improving how we operate. We know this matters to our clients, not least because a significant number of them are also B Corp certified.
The firm said it has invested heavily in improving the experience of its people, including enhanced wellbeing support, regular engagement surveys and expanded learning and development opportunities.
Around 200 professional qualifications are funded by PKF Francis Clark each year, alongside a suite of leadership programmes.
PKF Francis Clark has also increased its community activity. Every office now has a dedicated charitable budget through the PKF Francis Clark Community Fund, allowing colleagues to support local causes.
The firm and its people donated and raised more than £100,000 for good causes last year, including YMCA Plymouth, Rowcroft Hospice, Children’s Hospice South West, Forest Holme Hospice, Salisbury Hospice, Love Musgrove, the Stanley Beau Foundation, Gympanzees and the Wave Project.
Colleagues also contributed 2,384 volunteering hours, while partnerships with schools, colleges and universities have expanded to help widen access to careers in accountancy across the South and South West.
In Bristol, colleagues have volunteered at Woodcroft Community Orchard as part of the firm’s community work.
Environmental improvements have also formed part of the firm’s B Corp journey. PKF Francis Clark has set a target to reach carbon net zero by 2035, with offices upgraded through measures such as renewable energy, LED lighting, solar panels and smart plugs to reduce energy consumption.
PKF Francis Clark said it is now one of the largest B Corp accountancy firms in the UK.
Chris Turner, CEO of B Lab UK, said:
We are delighted to welcome PKF Francis Clark to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies that are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good. We know that PKF Francis Clark is going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.
