Barnsley accountancy firm, GBAC, has been supporting businesses across the UK for over 50 years.
Marie Lang and Corinna Humphries took over the company in a management buyout six years ago. But they wanted to do more than simply keep things ticking over. They wanted to make a positive impact.
“Our sustainability journey started in July 2018, right when we took over. We knew we wanted to make sure the company was sustainable for the next generation.”
Marie
Marie and Corinna’s initial focus was on people. They launched a talent management programme and focused on staff wellbeing. These efforts quickly earned gbac an Investors in People (IIP) Gold status.
They then turned their attention to the planet and sustainable profitability. It brought together the three Ps of sustainability: people, planet, and profit and led to them developing a formal ESG plan.
In 2021, GBAC had a carbon audit performed. They followed this by joining the ‘Small Business Sustainability Basics’ course.
“We did the course because we wanted to know more about what we could do, and the talking points around carbon zero. Then we found out about Net Zero Barnsley. We joined for practical support in deciding our next best steps. Not only what was possible, but what would be the most impactful and doable.”
Net Zero Barnsley gave GBAC even more awareness about heading towards carbon zero. It also meant the team could begin calculating their own carbon footprint.
“If you can calculate it, you can track it. We needed a consultant to do this before but we can do it ourselves now. It allows us to show the impact we’re having. Not only a number, but the steps we’re taking to reduce our impact on the planet.”
One of the most significant changes for gbac will be installing solar panels. The company has applied for a grant from Net Zero Barnsley to cover two roofs on their building.
“We’re hoping to hear back from our grant application soon. Our biggest usage is electricity and, with the solar panels, we’re looking at a payback period of only 3.5 years.”
The Net Zero Barnsley workshops also gave practical tips on how to market their sustainability efforts. “The last session I attended covered how to talk about your business on social media,” Marie shares. “It was useful for smaller businesses like ours that may not have an in-house marketing team.”
Marie says GBAC has already made several changes to reduce their carbon footprint. They now have a switch-off policy in the office and LED lighting. They also learned a few simple energy saving tips from the Net Zero Barnsley workshop presenters.
Around five years ago, GBAC became a paperless office too. It means they’re now 98% paperless, and the waste they produce is minimal. But the company’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t end with the environment. The firm recently achieved B-Corp accreditation, showing a dedication to social responsibility too.
“It was an involved process but mostly about validating what we were already doing. These accreditations are important for us as a small business as they help us improve and grow.”
Marie serves as a governor and vice chair at Barnsley College and is a trustee of Barnsley Youth Zone.
“As a firm, we value community involvement and give our staff time off for volunteering. We also like to support our employees with mental wellbeing. Recently, we brought the mental health charity Mind in to deliver training. Sustainability is about ensuring your employees can come to work in a positive state too.”
When asked if she would encourage other businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, Marie didn’t hesitate.
“Why wouldn’t you? Every business can make a saving, even if it’s small. Every little bit helps. If you want to eat an elephant you do it chunk by chunk, not all at once. Start moving through the process and begin by reducing the amount of energy you use.”
Marie knows there are limits to what gbac can achieve with current technology. But she emphasises that they remain committed to doing what they can.
“We’re going to do everything we can, even though we may never reach net zero. Every step we take makes a difference.”
Net Zero Barnsley is part of the Low Carbon Project, a project part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Sheffield City Council is the accountable body for the South Yorkshire region. The Low Carbon project has received £3,445,606 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukshared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
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