Accountancy disruptor awarded B Corp certification
Cooper Parry has been awarded B Corp certification, the accountancy firm has revealed.
The company, which has bases at East Midlands Airport and in Birmingham, achieved a score of 84.3 in the “B Impact Assessment” graded by not-for-profit organisation B Lab – with 80 being the benchmark required to become a certified B Corp.
B Corps are businesses that use their influence to address societal challenges and have a positive impact on their employees, customers, communities and the environment.
Cooper Parry has joined a community of over 6,400 B Corps in 89 countries.
Ade Cheatham, Cooper Parry CEO, said: “We started our B Corp journey back in 2020. We knew it had no finish line, and certification is only the start, but the process has taught us a lot about our business – and ourselves – so we can maintain the commitment in our 3 Year Vision to using Cooper Parry as a force for long-lasting, wide-reaching positive change.”
He continued: “Joining this movement of like-minded businesses is hugely exciting. We’ve been inspired by a number of our B Corp clients throughout this journey, so I know we’re in great company, and if we can inspire even one business to keep pushing to do more for society and our planet, the impact grows.”
Cooper Parry has set a goal of reaching net zero by 2030 and achieving a 50% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions by 2026. Between FY20 and FY22, its electricity consumption fell by 39%, business travel decreased by 63%, accelerated by the pandemic, and 90% of the electricity the firm now consumes comes from REGOs-backed renewable sources. It has also revamped its purchasing policy to focus on locally sourced, environmentally friendly products.
Head of sustainability Nicoleta Ciobanu said: “We’re thrilled that Cooper Parry’s commitment to our people, community and planet has been recognised by B Corp. We hold ourselves to the highest standards and now we have the certification to prove it. I’m really proud of all the hard work everyone has put in to get to this point, and I’m so excited about joining the B Corp community, continually learning and improving our impact in every possible way.
“Transparency and accountability are so important to us. Now, our clients can understand exactly the type of adviser they’re working with. They have the clarity and peace of mind that our work is ethical, adds value for all stakeholders and makes an impact that goes beyond profit.”
Cooper Parry recently took a major step towards achieving its £250m growth ambitions by snapping up tech-based accountancy firm ihorizon and boutique advisory business Acclivity.
