A&C Chartered Accountants, an independent accounting and business advisory firm with offices in Manchester, is proud to announce its accreditation by the Good Business Charter (GBC), further reinforcing our commitment to responsible business practices and sustainable growth.
This notable recognition reflects our dedication to ethical business conduct across all aspects of our work. The GBC accreditation is awarded to businesses that meet ten key components, which focus on critical areas such as employee welfare, environmental impact, and fair treatment of clients and suppliers. By embracing all ten principles, A&C Chartered Accountants ensures that we not only grow our business but do so responsibly, staying true to our values and long-term goals.
Katie Hoszowskyj, Sustainability Lead at A&C Chartered Accountants, expressed her thoughts on this achievement: “Securing the Good Business Charter accreditation is a proud moment for us. It underscores our commitment to putting people, clients, and our community at the heart of what we do. This accreditation reflects our efforts to create a diverse, inclusive, and safe work environment that fosters personal growth and development for everyone at A&C Chartered Accountants.”
For over a decade, A&C Chartered Accountants has been dedicated to operating as a responsible business. We have a dedicated internal team that assesses our environmental footprint and continually implements measures that help us become more sustainable. Our responsible business journey involves encouraging sustainable practices, being accountable for our environmental and social impact, and promoting these principles to our team, clients, and community.
Our sustainability framework is centred around three pillars: reducing environmental impact, enhancing social responsibility, and upholding ethical governance. As we grow, we recognise the need for sustainable expansion, making strategic decisions that benefit not only our business but also the environment and the people we serve.
The ten components of the Good Business Charter that we are committed to are:
- Real Living Wage – We pay all our employees a wage that reflects the cost of living, not just the government minimum.
- Fairer Hours and Contracts – We ensure secure, stable employment by providing guaranteed hours and avoiding exploitative contracts.
- Employee Well-being – We prioritise the mental and physical health of our employees, ensuring they feel supported and valued.
- Employee Representation – We give our employees a voice, encouraging open communication and feedback within the business.
- Diversity and Inclusion – We promote an inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is treated with respect and fairness.
- Environmental Responsibility – We are committed to reducing our environmental impact, actively working towards more sustainable practices.
- Paying Fair Tax – We pay the taxes we owe and commit to full transparency in our tax affairs.
- Commitment to Customers – We always act in the best interest of our clients, delivering high-quality services with integrity.
- Ethical Sourcing – We ensure our suppliers uphold high ethical standards and that our supply chain reflects our values.
- Prompt Payment – We adhere to the Prompt Payment Code, ensuring we pay our suppliers on time and maintain strong relationships.
Achieving GBC status aligns with our wider responsible business goals, having also signed up to the Prompt Payment Code earlier this year. Additionally, A&C Chartered Accountants is proud to be part of a growing group of UK businesses that voluntarily pay the real Living Wage, ensuring that all our staff are paid fairly for their contributions.
Katie Hoszowskyj added, “We believe in working together towards a sustainable future. Whether it’s reducing our plastic usage or aligning our efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we are committed to transparency and consistency across all our operations. Our partnerships with charities further cement our dedication to social responsibility and giving back to the communities we serve.”
This accreditation by the Good Business Charter marks a pivotal moment in A&C Chartered Accountants’ sustainability journey. As we continue to grow, we remain focused on making responsible decisions, driving profit with purpose, and holding ourselves accountable to our sustainability objectives. Our strategic framework will guide us in fostering a fair, ethical, and inclusive culture, while making sustainable choices at every step.
