Corporate & Social Responsibility
Lighting the Way for Why Corporate and Social Responsibility Counts.
Making a difference that really counts…
At our heart, we are a company committed to ethical practices, sustainability, and fairness. And, to us, that’s not just in our business operations. It’s in every interaction – both with our staff and clients alike. Our approach to Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) is then not just a box-ticking exercise. It’s a core part of who we are. We listen intently to what matters to our team, and this shapes our CSR initiatives, ensuring they are deeply meaningful and impactful.
We pride ourselves on having a dynamic, staff-led approach to CSR. Each of our offices takes the lead on a specific area of our CSR programme that is then championed by the passions and concerns of our team members. This strategy fosters a culture of collaboration and shared purpose across the entire company.
So, whether it’s championing green initiatives, supporting local communities, or ensuring workplace inclusivity, our focus areas are a reflection of what our people find most important. This approach not only strengthens our team but also ensures we’re making a real difference in areas that resonate in the communities we serve!
Showcasing our efforts
At Lewis Brownlee, our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility is structured around a triangle of vital areas, each championed by one of our offices, reflecting our dedication to community, sustainability, and inclusivity.
CHICHESTER
The Chichester office is committed to enhancing well-being and supporting women in business. Through targeted programs and support, we empower women entrepreneurs, inspire the next generation of female leaders and foster overall well-being in the workplace.
MIDHURST
WHITELEY
Our latest initiatives…
TREE-MENDOUS ACCOUNTING
In a fantastic leap towards environmental stewardship, we’ve successfully supplied our first batch of Lewis Brownlee Trees to the Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Trust! Our partnership with this local group isn’t just about donating trees; it’s about getting our hands dirty for a great cause. We now have the wonderful opportunity to plant these trees in our local area. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our efforts directly contributing to the local environment. The best part? In 2023 alone, we were able to provide a whopping 100 trees! This milestone is a testament to our commitment to the environment and the community. It’s actions like these that make a real difference! Here’s to growing greener and stronger, one tree at a time!
CHILDREN IN NEED 2024
This year, we supported Children in Need by hosting a cake bake to raise money and awareness of this amazing caus. This initiative is especially important to us, as it aligns with our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities. By setting up cake stands across all of our offices, we aimed to create an enjoyable way for everyone to get involved in supporting a worthy cause. The funds raised will help provide essential resources and opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who baked, donated, and spread the word to make this effort a success!
Our CSR Gallery
SHOWCASING OUR CORPORATE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN ACTION
Fire Walking in Whiteley
Our daring Whiteley team took on the Fire Walk Challenge! By braving the hot coals, they hoped to raise money and awareness for Wessex Cancer Support. And, it was a blazing success! Not only did our team showcase their bravery and determination, but their efforts also ignited generous support from colleagues, friends, and the community. Together, we raised an incredible £825 for Wessex Cancer Support. This fantastic sum will make a real difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, providing vital support and services. It’s moments like these that truly reflect the spirit and heart of our team at Lewis Brownlee. A massive thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and cheered the team on. Your support has been phenomenal!
Changing a Girl’s Life
We proudly sponsored Freya Rose’s gala in support of ‘The Prince’s Trust’ Change a Girl’s Life initiative. It was a meaningful opportunity to champion a cause close to our hearts. Supporting ‘Change a Girl’s Life’ aligns perfectly with our ethos of empowering women and nurturing their potential. By providing the right resources and opportunities, we’re helping to transform lives and build brighter futures. It’s initiatives like these that make a real, lasting difference. So, we’re honoured to have been a part of this journey. And let’s not forget the highlight of the evening! Our balloon game set off Head of Whiteley, Andrea Todorov’s epic speech with a bang! And, all while raising more money for a cause that aligns so perfectly with our values!
The Great South Run
Our amazing team took part in the Great South Run! After months of training, they set off on a mission in the (thankfully!) glorious summer sun! The team ran in support of the Ogwen Mountain Valley Rescue – a cause especially close to our hearts. Their relentless efforts in ensuring safety in mountain terrains is simply awe-inspiring. As such, it has been an honour to back their mission in memory of Kieran, the son our wonderful Client Relationship Manager Brenda! At last count, our fundraising pot stood at a remarkable £1,855 and was still climbing… It’s missions like these that make such a big difference. Our staff are our family and it was an honour and a privilege to take part.
Against Breast Cancer
Once again we partnered with ‘Against Breast Cancer’ for their fantastic ‘Bring us your Bra’ campaign. This initiative supports breast cancer research and recycling efforts, while also allowing people to declutter their wardrobe! By setting up collection points at our three offices, we made it easy for people to drop off their unwanted bras. And, it resulted in an amazing 5,350 bras this year! The collected items will now aid in funding pioneering research into breast cancer and in supporting sustainable practices. So, a big THANK YOU to everyone who helped us by sharing posts, collecting bras and letting other people know of the incredible work this initiative supports.
Welcoming diversity and nurturing inclusivity…
At Lewis Brownlee, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. For us, diversity is something to be openly acknowledged and celebrated. After all, true excellence in serving clients and communities comes from harnessing a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds.
We are proud to create a workplace where everyone, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive. As such, our policies and practices are designed to break down barriers and ensure equal access for all. We include flexible working arrangements, continuous professional development opportunities tailored to individual needs, and a supportive culture that encourages open dialogue and mutual respect.
Indeed, so great is our desire to ensure our team feels supported and understood, we have even mandated that every member of our leadership team attends a Mental Health in the Workplace First Aid Course. This reflects our belief that a supportive work environment is crucial for fostering both personal and professional growth.
Our inclusivity efforts also extend beyond our internal operations. We actively seek out partnerships with diverse suppliers. So too, we support local community initiatives that promote inclusiveness and equality. By embedding these principles into every facet of our business, Lewis Brownlee not only enhances its service offerings but also strengthens the fabric of the communities we serve. So, when you have us as your accountants, you join us in making a difference that really counts.
Ethical Partnerships
MAKING MEANINGUL BUSINESS CHANGES FOR GREATER SOCIETAL IMPACT…
Our commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices drives every decision we make. That’s why we’re proud to be Xero Platinum members! This accolade is a reflection of our dedication to innovative cloud-based solutions that align with our corporate and social responsibility goals. Xero, as our preferred accountancy software, plays a pivotal role in streamlining our operations and optimising efficiencies.
With Xero’s intuitive interface and comprehensive features, we empower businesses to reduce administrative burdens and minimise waste, allowing them to focus on what matters most: fostering a positive impact on society and the environment. By automating time-consuming processes, Xero allows businesses to allocate resources to projects that support our collective mission of responsible business practices.
Moreover, Xero’s real-time financial insights enable businesses to make informed decisions that align with their sustainability objectives.
At Lewis Brownlee, we believe that ethical business is good business. So, partnering with Xero reflects our dedication to modern, sustainable solutions that reinforce the values of our clients, our community, and our team. Together, we’re paving the way for a future where efficient operations and responsible practices go hand in hand!
If you are not yet familiar with Xero, please do reach out to us for a demo today!
Award Winning Ethics!
Chichester and Bognor Regis Business Awards
Winner – Health & Well-Being Excellence
We are thrilled to announce that we have won the Chichester Chamber of Commerce Chichester and Bognor Business Award for Health & Well-Being. This prestigious accolade is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering a healthy and supportive environment for both our employees and the community.
Health and well-being are at the core of our values. We believe that a thriving workplace not only enhances productivity but also cultivates a positive and vibrant company culture. This award recognises our efforts in promoting mental and physical wellness through innovative programmes, supportive policies, and a culture of care and inclusivity.
Winning this award is not just an honour; it motivates us to continue our mission of prioritising health and well-being in everything we do. We are dedicated to making a lasting impact and will strive to set even higher standards in promoting wellness within our organisation and beyond.
Platinum Media’s Dynamics Business Awards
Winner – Company of the Year
We are also honoured to have been awarded the Platinum Media Dynamic Award for Company of the Year 2024! This distinguished recognition highlights our dedication to excellence, innovation, and growth in our industry.
Winning the Company of the Year award is a significant achievement for us. It reflects our relentless pursuit of delivering outstanding products and services, our commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace, and our continuous efforts to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.
This award is a testament to the hard work, passion, and creativity of our incredible team. Their dedication and collaborative spirit have been the driving force behind our success. It also underscores our commitment to our clients and partners, whose trust and support have been pivotal in our journey.
Receiving the Platinum Media Dynamic Award for Company of the Year inspires us to push boundaries, innovate further, and maintain our high standards of excellence. So, we are excited about the future and will continue to strive for greatness in all our endeavours!
Ready to join us in making it count?
