One of Bradford’s leading accountancy firms, Watson Buckle, has attained the prestigious ESGmark having focused on its environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) approach.
The firm has undertaken many strategic steps in recent months to achieve the high standards set by ESGMark – creating a dedicated team who meets regularly to push new ideas that drive improvements across the practice.
Already the firm has implemented an eco-conscious campaign within its office to try and reduce electricity and gas usage, while also making staff more aware of their impact on the environment.
To support this aim, Watson Buckle is making improvements to its office, including energy-efficient lighting and rechargeable batteries, as well as a green audit to see how further energy-saving upgrades can be made.
The firm has also made a big push on mental health and has not only supported The Cellar Trust with its fundraising this year but also partnered with the charity to run stress-buster workshops for its team.
Gillian Craven, Director at Watson Buckle, said: “Monitoring and creating a positive impact on communities, the environment and our team is crucial to us being a responsible and effective accountancy practice”.
“We are very proud to have received the ESGmark, as it indicates that we are an organisation that cares about the planet and society, which is important not only to us, but also to many of our clients.”
Looking ahead the firm is considering a tree planting project where staff and clients plant trees in Bingley, near the firm’s offices, to support local environmental pledges.
Alongside its tree planting campaign, Watson Buckle is also looking to launch a new school outreach programme. This will involve going out to schools in Bingley and beyond to offer an afternoon where the firm can educate students on what accountants do, to encourage more young people into the profession.
Ella Oldroyd, a part of the ESG team at Watson Buckle, added: “Every new initiative we launch or new policy we look to implement is moving us in the right direction to becoming a more socially, environmentally, and commercially responsible company”.
“This would not be achievable without the hard work and commitment of our team, who continue to rally around our ESG strategy.”
