A major emphasis on green values at regional accountancy firm Bishop Fleming has continued to slash its paper usage, energy bills and mileage costs despite another year of business growth.
The firm, Bath’s largest accountancy practice, introduced an environmental management programme seven years ago to measure three main key performance indicators – electricity and gas usage, mileage and paper ordered. 
Each year since then the firm’s overall environmental performance has shown it has become much greener, even though over that period it has been one of the fastest-growing accountancy practices in the UK.
The results for 2017 show further progress even though it achieved a 12% increase in organic turnover to £22.3m in the 12 months to September.
The firm, which employs 340 staff, saved the annual equivalent of 99 trees during the year, compared to its annual paper usage when it first started its environmental scheme in 2012 as the benefit of investment in IT continued to pay dividends.
An absolute reduction in paper usage of 33% was achieved, with a 40% drop in reams per employee. Electricity and gas usage were also down nearly 7% per employee over year while mileage clocked up by staff travelling on business and between its seven offices – which stretch from Worcester to Truro – was also lower.
The firm, which delivers accounting, tax, corporate restructuring and advisory services to businesses, charities and academies, and private wealth advice to individuals, said use of technology, Skype and telephone conferencing continued to reduce inter-office miles, resulting in a fall of mileage per thousand pound of income of more than 26%,
Director Ewan McClymont, pictured above, said: “Environmental aspirations are becoming increasingly important in engaging new clients, and our ability to measure these metrics is an important qualification in a competitive market.
“We are delighted that our environmental values continue to meet the tough requirements of our eco-friendly clients.
“The fact that Bishop Fleming’s environmental performance has improved in each measured area as the firm has grown demonstrates our commitment to our environmental responsibilities. This is something of which we can be extremely proud.”
The firm is part of the government’s Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme and a member of Low Carbon South West. Last weekend it appeared at number 26 in the prestigious Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work For list – making it the highest-placed professional services firm in the South West.
