What being a B Corp™ means to us, and where we’re going next

Hillier Hopkins LLP

Chartered Accountants & Tax Advisers

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Becoming a Certified B Corporation™ was a significant milestone for us.

It recognised years of work embedding responsibility, sustainability and community engagement into how we operate, but we have never seen B Corp certification as a finish line.

For us, it is a framework for continuous improvement and a challenge to keep raising the bar. The B Corp assessment looks at impact across governance, workers, community, environment and clients. It requires evidence, measurement and accountability. Achieving certification meant demonstrating that our commitments are not just aspirational, but measurable.

Community at the core

Community engagement has been one of our strongest pillars. Over the past year, our colleagues have contributed 142 volunteer hours across a range of initiatives, from charity events and training sessions to hands-on environmental and social projects.

Our fundraising efforts, professional support for charities and local volunteering activities all form part of that broader commitment. Being part of the Watford Business Pledge further reinforces this local focus. Through the pledge, we stand alongside other businesses committed to supporting community wellbeing, sustainable practices and responsible growth in Watford.

These local commitments matter because they keep us grounded. They ensure that our impact is not abstract, but visible and relevant to the people around us.

Environmental responsibility

Our sustainability journey also includes measuring and understanding our environmental impact. Over the past year, we have worked to assess our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and develop a carbon reduction plan. Measurement is the first step toward meaningful change.

From tree planting initiatives to improved recycling practices, we continue to look for ways to reduce our footprint while contributing positively to environmental wellbeing.

People and culture

Purpose is not only external. It lives within our workplace too. Our inclusion in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 reflects our commitment to employee wellbeing, engagement and development. A responsible business must first take care of its people.

We believe that when colleagues feel supported and empowered, they are more likely to contribute meaningfully to clients and communities alike.

Looking ahead

Becoming a B Corp has sharpened our focus, but it has also widened our perspective. As we look ahead, we see significant opportunity not only to strengthen our own sustainability performance, but also to support others on their journeys.

Internally, we will continue developing our carbon reduction strategy, expanding sustainability training across the firm, and deepening our community partnerships. Measurement will remain central to our approach because understanding our impact is the first step toward improving it.

Externally, we are keen to open up more conversations with our clients about sustainability. Many businesses are navigating increasing expectations around ESG reporting, carbon measurement, governance and responsible growth. We understand that these conversations can feel complex or even daunting. Our ambition is to provide clarity, practical guidance and reassurance, just as we do in other areas of business advisory.

As accountants and advisers, we are in a unique position to help clients understand the financial implications of sustainability, identify risks and opportunities, and embed responsible practices into long-term strategy. Whether that means discussing carbon reporting, reviewing governance structures, or simply starting an initial conversation about what sustainability means for their organisation, we want to be a supportive and trusted partner.

For us, being a B Corp is not just about our own performance. It is about contributing to a wider shift, encouraging open dialogue, sharing learning and helping build a more sustainable and resilient business community.

The journey continues, and we are excited about the role we can play, both within our own firm and alongside our clients, in shaping what responsible business looks like in the years ahead.

Do you need extra information?

Katie Harvard-Taylor - Audit Director at Hillier Hopkins

Katie is a Principal in Hillier Hopkins’ London office, specialising in audit and assurance. She leads the firm’s Sustainability Team and coordinates international work through the TGS network, supporting clients with cross-border needs. Since joining in 2012, she has built a varied client portfolio across multiple sectors. Outside work, Katie enjoys running, cycling, climbing, travel, and exploring London’s food scene.

Contact Katie at katie.harvard-taylor@hhllp.co.uk or on +44 (0)207 004 7135

London