Member Article

Simpkins Edwards celebrates being accredited as top ten employer by British Accountancy Awards

Devon-based Simpkins Edwards is celebrating with its team after being accredited as one of the UK’s ten best accountancy employers by judges at the British Accountancy Awards (BAAs). The firm, which has offices in Exeter, Okehampton, Holsworthy, Bovey Tracey, Barnstaple and Honiton, has now been shortlisted for the BAA’s Best Employer title 2019, and will discover if it has won later this month.

This is the second successive year that Simpkins Edwards has reached the finals of the British Accountancy Awards - widely regarded as the industry’s most prestigious accountancy accolade. It is the second category that the firm has been shortlisted for, having also made it through to the finals in the Mid-Tier Innovation of the Year category for its new monthly subscription service, “Plan With Confidence”, which integrates the firm’s service lines and provides clients with a one-stop shop for accounting and tax services, for a fixed monthly fee.

Commenting on the news that Simpkins Edwards has received the BAA’s Top Ten Employer accolade, Mary Jane Campbell, Managing Partner at the firm, said: “We are thrilled that our investment in our people has been recognised at the highest level. Attracting, developing and retaining our talented teams is essential to enable us to consistently provide exceptional service to our clients.”

Explaining why Simpkins Edwards has been shortlisted for the BAA’s Best Employer award, Mary Jane said: “We work hard as a firm to create an environment that allows our staff to fufil their potential. We actively encourage and support training to help them develop on a professional and individual level. We have 18 employees currently undertaking apprenticeships and, in the last 3 years, 5 individuals have qualified as Chartered Tax Advisers, the UK’s premier qualification for those engaged in giving advice on tax.

“We also promote the importance of mental health and physical wellbeing of our staff through exercise-oriented activities ranging from lunchtime pilates classes in the boardroom, to competing in sporting events such mixed netball tournaments. We have also recently installed showers and bike racks to enable employees to run or cycle to work.”

Simpkins Edwards is also actively engaged with local communities. As Mary Jane explains: “This is a key part of our culture. We offer everyone the opportunity to take paid time out to undertake volunteer work in teams with local charities and community groups.”

One of the other factors that sets Simpkins Edwards apart as a top employer, is its commitment to the Armed Forces Community through the Armed Forces Covenant. The firm actively supports current and future employees who are members of the Armed Forces, and holds the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award, acknowledging the firm’s high level of support for its Reservist Employees. The firm is working towards the Gold Award.

Mary Jane added: “Through these and a host of other initiatives, such as flexible working, employee recognition, Christmas and Summer parties, regular social events, and a bonus pool for all, we support and enrich the working lives of our staff. We hope that our approach to making our people the best they can be will stand us in good stead at the awards.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lizzie Bailey .