In a further measure of our progress, we has increased our overall assessment score from 72% at its initial certification to 87%.

The independently assessed certification recognises our firm’s continued progress across the three core areas of environmental responsibility, social impact and good governance.

Alexander Knight & Co originally became the first UK accountancy practice to achieve ESGmark® certification in 2022.

Our latest score represents a 15-percentage-point improvement and follows the submission of detailed evidence demonstrating how responsible practices have become embedded across our business.

A major factor behind the progress has been the formation of an internal ESG working group. Colleagues from across Alexander Knight & Co have been encouraged to identify worthwhile initiatives and then work together to implement them throughout the year.

The approach has helped move ESG beyond policies and commitments by giving staff an active role in deciding how the firm can make a practical difference to its workplace, local community and environment.

Among the group’s most visible initiatives has been Alexander Knight & Co’s ongoing work at Hale railway station. As an official sponsor of the station, the firm’s staff recently spent several days planning and carrying out improvement work, including painting, decorating, cleaning and tidying parts of the station.

The team also installed a bug hotel at the station to support biodiversity and provide a safe habitat for insects and pollinators.

The firm also supports City of Trees, the main charity and community forest movement dedicated to restoring green spaces across Greater Manchester.

Alison Spier, Head of HR & Training at Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“This is a fantastic result and reflects the sustained effort our team has put in since we achieved our original certification. Creating our internal ESG working group has made a major difference. Instead of ESG being something owned by one individual or discussed only at certain times of the year, our colleagues are actively identifying ideas, agreeing priorities and implementing initiatives together.

“That team approach has helped us maintain momentum throughout the year and embed ESG more firmly into the way we operate. Our work at Hale station is a good example. It has brought our colleagues together and enabled them to make a visible, practical contribution to the community in which we are based.

 “Moving from 72% to 87% demonstrates that this collective effort is having a measurable impact. We have always been clear that ESG should not simply be a badge or a one-off exercise. It should influence how a business operates, how it treats people, how it supports its community and how it makes decisions.”

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“As accountants and business advisers, we also want to demonstrate to our clients that ESG does not need to be complicated or confined to large corporations.

“Owner-managed businesses can make achievable changes by involving their people, identifying practical opportunities and taking consistent action. We are pleased with our progress, but we recognise that ESG is an ongoing journey and our working group will continue looking for ways in which we can improve.”

Portia Patel, co-founder of ESGmark® added:

“The ESG-related progress made at Alexander Knight is really impressive and this is reflected in an improvement in the overall score to 87%, versus 72% in the initial certification. This is excellent progress and the whole team should feel very proud.”

ESGmark® certification is awarded following a structured assessment and verification process examining an organisation’s environmental, social and governance practices. Certified organisations must provide supporting evidence demonstrating that responsible business principles are reflected in their day-to-day activities.

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Our colleagues spent several days planning and carrying out the work, including three days on site painting and decorating parts of the station, as well as sweeping, cleaning and tidying the surrounding areas. Pictured above (L-R) are Chloe Higginbottom, Jack Wareham, Alison Spier, Alastair Tough and Owen Li on the platform at Hale Station.

The volunteering forms part of Alexander Knight & Co’s wider environmental, social and governance (ESG) programme and follows the firm becoming an official sponsor of Hale Station last year.

With offices overlooking the railway and staff and clients regularly using Hale Station, the sponsorship reflects the firm’s close local ties and supports its continued upkeep and improvement alongside volunteers from the Friends of Hale Station.

(Colleagues Alastair Tough, Chloe Higginbottom and Owen Li of Alexander Knight & Co in Hale)

Previous initiatives have included refreshing displays celebrating the history of Hale Station and installing a bug hotel to support local biodiversity.

Alexander Knight & Co was the first accountancy firm in the UK to be awarded the ESGmark certification, a trusted and recognised standard that helps organisations evidence responsible business practices.

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“We are proud of our association with Hale station and wanted our support to involve more than simply putting our name on a sign. The station is an important part of our local community so it was great to get the team together, roll up our sleeves and make a practical contribution.”

Alison Spier, Head of HR & Training at Alexander Knight & Co, added:

“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and there was a real sense of satisfaction in seeing the difference that a fresh coat of paint and some hard work could make. Supporting the community in which we live and work is important to us. We look forward to continuing to work alongside others passionate about the station and finding more ways to help.”

(Colleagues from Alexander Knight & Co at Hale station, 2026)

Opened in 1862, Hale station serves the Mid Cheshire line, providing connections to Manchester, Chester and destinations beyond.

Thank you to all our colleagues who took part. You did a brilliant job and we are proud of you for making such a positive impact on our local community. ❤️

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Over the recent bank holiday weekend, we were pleased to install a new bug hotel at Hale Railway Station, which we proudly sponsor as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the local environment and community.

While modest in size, the bug hotel has an important purpose. It provides shelter and nesting spaces for a variety of insects, including solitary bees, ladybirds, beetles and other pollinators that play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Pollinating insects are responsible for supporting much of the natural world around us, helping plants, flowers and trees reproduce and thrive. However, many species face increasing challenges due to habitat loss and environmental pressures. Creating small, safe spaces where insects can live and breed is one way communities can help support local biodiversity.

As a business rooted in Hale, we are always looking for opportunities to contribute positively to the area. Supporting Hale Station has become an important part of that commitment, and the installation of the bug hotel is another step towards making the station environment greener, more welcoming and environmentally friendly.

Alison Spier, who helps oversee Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) activities at Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“When people think about environmental initiatives, they often imagine large projects. In reality, small actions can collectively have a significant impact. The bug hotel is a simple addition, but it creates a valuable habitat for insects that are essential to our local ecosystem.

“As the official sponsors of Hale Station, we’re keen to support projects that not only improve the appearance of the station but also contribute positively to the environment. We hope it becomes a small but meaningful feature that helps local wildlife thrive.”

The project forms part of Alexander Knight & Co’s wider ESG programme, which focuses on supporting community initiatives, promoting sustainability and making a positive contribution beyond our day-to-day accountancy services.

In recent months, we have continued to explore opportunities to support Hale Station and the surrounding area through both practical volunteering and environmental improvements. The bug hotel complements these efforts while reinforcing the importance of biodiversity in urban and suburban spaces.

Although it may only occupy a small corner of the station, the bug hotel serves as a reminder that even simple measures can help support wildlife and encourage greater awareness of the natural environment around us.

We’re proud to have played a small part in enhancing Hale Station and look forward to continuing our work to support both the local community and the environment in the months ahead.

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As part of our ongoing sponsorship, we are now developing plans to organise a volunteer team from within our firm to help further enhance the station environment. Working in partnership with the dedicated volunteers from the Friends of Hale Station, colleagues from Alexander Knight & Co will take part in activities such as painting, cleaning and general upkeep around the station.

While these volunteer plans are currently being organised, our team already takes pride in keeping an eye on the station and helping ensure it remains clean, tidy and welcoming for local passengers who rely on this key gateway to the Hale community.

Alison Spier, Head of HR and Training at Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“We’re very proud to be the official sponsor of Hale Station and to support such an important part of our local community. Many of our team and clients use the station regularly, so it always feels natural for us to play a role in helping keep it looking its best.

“We are pleased to have a volunteer initiative where colleagues from our practice spend time at the station helping with painting, cleaning and general care, working alongside the fantastic volunteers from the Friends of Hale Station.”

We will share further updates once the volunteer days and work have been confirmed.

In the meantime, Alexander Knight & Co will continue supporting Hale Station and working with local partners to ensure it remains a welcoming and well-maintained space for the community it serves as part of our ongoing ESG work.

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Environmental Conduct

1.A. The Environment

Alexander Knight & Co is committed to promoting a prosperous and healthy environment

for people, animals and planet. All employees, suppliers and/or partners are required to

treat the environment with respect and adopt a credible, proactive approach to preventing

negative impacts on the environment. We are committed to minimizing natural resource

depletion through optimizing our processes and proactively tracking, assessing and reducing

our negative impact on the environment. All suppliers/partners are required to be honest

and transparent about the environmental impact of their activities.

Alexander Knight & Co is committed to working with suppliers/partners to identify and

prioritise areas of action and improvement.

1.B. Carbon Footprint

Alexander Knight & Co commits to continuously monitor its energy usage, water usage,

dependence on non-renewable resources, disposal of waste and carbon footprint. We

commit to taking progressive action to reduce our waste, water, plastic (specifically single

use) and non-renewable energy use by 2030.

1.C. Equipment and Materials

Alexander Knight & Co commits to recycling all applicable materials such as paper, plastic,

glass and metals and to promote repair and reuse of all its direct products/equipment

where possible.

1.D. Animal Testing

There will be no testing on animals with Alexander Knight & Co’s direct business, or that of

its suppliers/partners.

1.E. Travel

Alexander Knight & Co encourages its staff to travel to work via the most sustainable means

[car sharing, public transport, cycling walking] and will only travel for additional work commitments when we believe it is absolutely necessary.

Social Conduct

2.A. Equal Opportunity

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment opportunities are

available regardless of race, colour, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or other

legally protected status. This principle applies to all aspects of the employment relationship,

including recruiting, hiring, training, work assignment, promotion, transfer, termination, and

wage and salary administration.

2.B. Employment is freely chosen

Alexander Knight & Co and its partners/suppliers will ensure there shall be no forced,

compulsory or involuntary labour including bonded, slave and prison labour in accordance

with The Modern Slavery Act and other applicable human rights legislation. Workers must

not be required to lodge deposits or identity papers on commencement of employment.

Workers must be free to leave their employer after reasonable notice. Suppliers are

required to monitor any third-party entity which assists them in recruiting or hiring

employees, to ensure employees are not compelled to work through coercion, force,

deception or punishment.

2.C. Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining

Alexander Knight & Co and its suppliers/partners commit to respect the right of all workers

throughout its supply chain to form and join trade unions or worker organisations of their

choice. Their right to bargain collectively shall be recognised without harassment,

interference or retaliation. Grievance mechanisms must be implemented to address and

resolve employee complaints and/or disputes and ensure respectful transparent

communication between all representatives involved.

2.D. Child Labour

No person under the age of 15 or under the age for mandatory completion of higher

education [whichever is higher] will be employed by the company directly or any of its

partners/suppliers. Juvenile workers [aged 15 – 17] shall not perform work which, by its

nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to compromise their health,

safety or morals.

2.E. Wages

Alexander Knight & Co suppliers and partners commit that its wages for a standard working

week must meet, as a minimum, national legal requirements/national living wages or

industry benchmark standards, whichever is higher. They must always be sufficient to meet

the basic needs of workers and their families and provide some discretionary income.

Deductions from wages for disciplinary measures must not be permitted. Deduction of

wages for not meeting targets is also not permitted. Employers shall respect equal pay

between men and women for work of equal value. All workers must be provided with

written and understandable information about the conditions of their wages before they

enter employment.

2.F. Hours of Work

Alexander Knight & Co commits to ensuring all its direct workers and those of its suppliers

will not work excessive hours. Hours of work must comply with applicable laws and industry

standards. Workers must not, on a regular basis, be required to work in excess of 48 hours

per week and must be provided with at least one day off for every 7 day period.

Any overtime given must be voluntary. The maximum sum of contracted and overtime

hours in a week must not exceed 60 hours, or the maximum allowed by law in the country

of operation, whichever is less. Accurate attendance, payroll and production records shall

be maintained.

2.G. Harassment & Abuse

Every employee should be treated with respect, dignity and fairness. Any form of physical,

sexual, verbal or psychological abuse is strictly prohibited alongside monetary fines, abuse

or embarrassing acts as a disciplinary measure.

2.H. Health and Safety

The company and its partners are committed to an injury-free and illness-free workplace. A

safe, clean and hygienic environment shall be provided, and best occupational health and

safety practices will be implemented, taking in to account the specific hazards of the

industry and relevant safety laws. All premises should have an appointed Health and Safety

Representative. Workers should also receive regular, recorded health and safety training

and appropriate PPE will be provided where necessary.

2.I. Employment Relationship

All workers must be provided with an official contract of employment in their first language.

Regular employment must not be avoided or replaced with labour-only contracting

arrangements or apprenticeship schemes where there is no real intent to impart skills or

provide regular employment. Workers must be given the opportunity to participate in

education and training programmes upon request.

Governance Conduct

3.A. Legal Compliance

All employees, suppliers and/or partners are required to protect the company’s legality and

therefore commit to comply with the legal system of the country in which they are based

and/or operate.

3.B. Corruption & Bribery

Alexander Knight & Co is committed to acting with integrity and honesty in all its

operations. Alexander Knight & Co does not permit any form of corruption, extortion or

bribery including any payment or other form of benefit given to secure undue advantage or

influence decision making. Business is obtained solely based on the merits of Alexander Knight & Co’s services.

3.C. Money Laundering

Alexander Knight & Co plays its part in keeping our societies safe. As gatekeepers to the financial system, we are the first line of defence to prevent illicit funds finding their way into the economy.

Our professional staff receive regular training on money laundering and bound by the rules of our governing body, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

3.D. Conflict of Interests

All Alexander Knight & Co employees and those of our partners/suppliers are expected to

avoid any personal, financial or other interests which may hinder their ability or willingness

to fulfil their job duties and make fair decisions.

3.E. Company Property

All Alexander Knight & Co employees, and those of partners/suppliers commit to treating

the company’s property with care and respect. This includes but is not limited to company

equipment, intellectual property such as copyright and trademarks, company facilities and

company materials.

3.F. Data Protection and GDPR Compliance

Alexander Knight & Co is committed to ensuring protection of all personal

information that we hold, and to provide and to protect all such data. We recognise our

obligations in updating and expanding this program to meet the requirements of GDPR.

Alexander Knight & Co is dedicated to safeguarding the personal information under

our control and in maintaining a system that meets our obligations under the new

regulations.

3.G. Subcontracting

Subcontracting is strictly prohibited unless prior and written approval is provided by Alexander Knight & Co. Should contracting be approved, suppliers/partners must ensure all

subcontractors and sub-suppliers meet Alexander Knight & Co’s code of conduct and any

applicable laws.

3.H. Community

Alexander Knight & Co aims to establish long-term relationships with staff, suppliers and/or

partners who uphold the same values and practices as us. We encourage all our colleagues

and affiliates to go beyond this Code of Conduct and promote the highest environmental,

social and governance standards. We welcome any feedback on this code of conduct. We

also encourage all staff, suppliers, and partners, here possible, to participate in

philanthropic and community initiatives that help promote the UN Sustainable Development

Goals.

3.I. Political, Social and Charitable Activity and Donations

Alexander Knight & Co as a company does not participate in or support political activity.

Alexander Knight & Co may, with approval of relevant corporate bodies, donate moderate

amounts of money or goods to support education, science, arts, culture or social welfare.

3.J. Compliance with the code

It is the personal responsibility of every employee, supplier, and partner to understand and

comply with this code of conduct alongside all applicable laws in the country of operation

and any collective bargaining agreements. Any doubts towards interpretation or

understanding, as well as suggestions should be duly highlighted to your senior colleague or

regular point of contact. If employees, suppliers and/or partners fail to comply with this

code of conduct, applicable laws and/or any relevant collective bargaining agreements,

disciplinary action may be taken including but not limited to reprimanding, trial of conduct,

dismissal and/or termination of business.

If any employee supplier, or partner has a concern about this code, or believe

their rights are being violated Alexander Knight & Co would like to be made

aware of it. Please contact us using the email below. Please feel free to write

in your local language. All information will be confidential, and your identity

will be protected.

Alexander Knight & Co

Key contact for ESG: alison@alexanderknightaccountants

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ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. It considers the sustainability and ethical impact of a company in relation to its employees, customers and community.

Alexander Knight & Co has undertaken a rigorous process to evidence its working practices and outlined a sustainable plan for the future. As a result, we have become the first accountancy practice in the UK to be accredited with the ESGmark®

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“Doing business in 2022 is about more than making a profit. Increasingly, our client base of entrepreneurs want their business to make a positive impact on the environment and society. Investors too, now use ESG criteria to make decisions about which companies to back.

“We’re proud of this accreditation, we feel passionately about it and we are delighted to be part of the ESGmark community. Now, as responsible business advisors we also have a duty to guide our clients on making the right decisions today and in the future.

“That’s why we’re talking to our clients about ESG and outlining the huge benefits a proactive approach can bring.

“Consumers and clients are demanding change. We believe that company directors  who make a conscious effort to implement best practice in terms of ESG will be winners. It is no coincidence that there is a strong correlation between ESG performance and financial performance.”

Julia Fawsley Grant, Head of Content and Communication at ESGmark, said:

“We were so impressed with Alexander Knight & Co’s clear commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance principles and we are delighted to welcome them to our community as the first accountants in the UK to attain the ESGmark.

“At ESGmark we believe that the reporting and transparency that form part of everyday business for accountants, will be key to implementing more stringent impact- and ESG-reporting for companies across all sectors in the long run. It’s wonderful to be part of Alexander Knight & Co’s journey as they lead the way.

“Business owners who start their own ESG journey will see positive benefits for their  business,  people and their local community for the long term. By committing to their own ESG principles business owners can all make a difference.”

Alexander Knight & Co was founded by experienced accountant Murray Patt in 2012 and provides accountancy services to businesses from across the region and beyond. The firm is currently on a growth curve and is recruiting for roles at its office in Hale.The firm is also a member of MGI Worldwide, a global accounting network.

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