Simpkins Edwards shortlisted for commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility at North Devon Business, Leisure and Tourism Awards

Simpkins Edwards has made it through to the finals of the North Devon Business, Leisure and Tourism Awards in the Corporate Social Responsibility category.
The announcement follows on from our success in being accredited as one of the UK’s ten best accountancy employers by judges at the 2019 British Accountancy Awards (BAAs).

In addition to being shortlisted for the Best Employer title, Simpkins Edwards is also through to the finals of the BAA’s Mid-Tier Innovation of the Year category for its new monthly subscription service, “Plan With Confidence”, which integrates the our service lines and provides clients with a one-stop shop for accounting and tax services, for a fixed monthly fee. The outcome of all three Award shortlistings will be announced at the end of September.

Commenting on the news that Simpkins Edwards has made it through to the Corporate Social Responsibility category final, James Welton, Partner at the firm’s Barnstaple office, commented: “We strive to build a culture where our impact on local communities and the environment is a primary consideration in everything we do.

“We actively encourage employees to run or cycle in to work, providing bike storage space for our staff. We operate a paperless office system and became the first customer of Devon-based BINIT, which helps to ensure we recycle all that we can. We also collect additional recycling to support a juvenile diabetes support group and provide all staff with reusable water bottles and Jute shopping bags to eliminate single-use equivalents.

“As part of our commitment to supporting worthy local causes, everyone in the firm has the opportunity to take paid time out to undertake volunteer work in teams with local charities and community groups.

“Over the course of this summer alone, our staff have participated in a beach clean at Woolacombe, and helped repaint the Barnstaple Sea Cadets’ HQ. As a firm, we’ve supported tree planting, redecoration makeovers of the Museum of Dartmoor Life and the Scout and Guide HQ in Okehampton, and we’ve assisted the Tale Valley Trust with both the removal of invasive Himalayan Balsam and the restoration of a historic waterwheel.

“For us, our volunteering days are a fantastic opportunity to develop our teams outside our normal working environment and provide a highly rewarding experience that allows us to contribute in a meaningful way to our local communities.”

Jilly Watson, Partner at the Barnstaple office, added: “The volunteering days are fast becoming part of the fabric of the firm, and complement our commitment to raising money for good causes.

“This November, we will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of our Barnstaple ‘Really Big Quiz’, which is held annually to support of the Mayor of Barnstaple’s nominated charities. To date, the quiz has raised over £27,000 for local North Devon Charities such as Chemo Hero, Families in Grief, Honey’s Bravery Bags and The Over and Above appeal. Combined with the Exeter Really Big Quiz, which is held each May, we have raised over £111,000 for good causes in Devon.”

One of the other factors that has added weight to Simpkins Edwards’ Corporate Social Responsibility entry, is our commitment to the Armed Forces Community through the Armed Forces Covenant. Simpkins Edwards actively supports current and future employees who are members of the Armed Forces, and holds the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award, acknowledging our high level of support for its Reservist Employees. We are working towards the Gold Award.

Mary Jane Campbell, Senior Partner at Simpkins Edwards, welcomed the latest award shortlisting, saying: “As a Devon-based firm, it’s important to us to be a part of our local communities. Supporting local causes keeps us grounded and connected to what really matters.  It provides a huge sense of fulfilment.”