People & Planet

As a firm we are committed to making a tangible positive difference to the world in which we live. Our goal is to create an equilibrium between the impact we have on people, planet, and profit.

As a highly successful independent accountancy firm, HURST already has a principled approach to doing business, originating through our values system. This means we already operate in a way that meets fundamental responsibilities when it comes to people and planet. However, we acknowledge we have much more to do.

In 2021 we agreed to include a long-term objective of becoming a certified B Corporation. You can learn more about B Corporations here. In 2022 we became the first independent accountancy firm in the UK to become part of the UN Global Compact network. Launched in 2000, the network has become the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, with more than 14,000 member companies in over 160 countries. Just under 800 UK businesses are members. Read about the network here.

You can learn more about what we are doing below.

The environment

The firm is passionate about both understanding and reducing our impact on the environment. Since 2021 we’ve been planting one tree for each new colleague we take on, and each new client we win. That was 65 trees planted in 2021.

We also undertook an environmentally friendly re-brand in 2021, with all materials being checked for sustainability. For example we sourced branded pens made from revolutionary and award winning 100% bio-based casings that degrade quickly and without leaving harsh residues behind. The casings are completely carbon neutral.

In 2022 we committed to support Clean Air Day, launching a staff competition to understand how we could drive emissions down. We’re also piloting an EV scheme for colleagues.

Diversity and inclusion

In many ways we already have very diverse firm, and our mantra is that people should feel completely comfortable in themselves and able to be who they want to be; But we can do more.

We want to be part of the successful life story of a broader range of people, working with them at the start of their careers and beyond. We’re reaching out to build relationships with organisations who help people from a wider range of backgrounds achieve their goals.

In 2022 we became a sponsor of Stockport pride, the town’s annual LGBTQ+ festival. We’re an inclusive and diverse employer, and community groups which reflect these values are really important to us.

Social sustainability

We are actively looking at how we can build relationships with bodies or organisations that support future clients, colleagues, and wider society. We’re already reaching out to build relationships with organisations who help people from a wider range of backgrounds achieve their goals, in the hope they become future colleagues or clients.

We’re also supporting our local community, raising money for Willow Wood Hospice, and collecting for Stockport foodbank.