ACCOUNTANT Bishop Fleming has been crowned as Business of the Year at the prestigious British Chambers of Commerce Awards.

The firm picked up the flagship award of the night, as well as the national Workplace Wellbeing Award.

Bishop Fleming, which is the 30th largest accountancy firm in the UK, celebrated winning both awards at the ceremony held at Tobacco Dock in London.

The awards, which are in their 16th year, are a highlight of the business calendar, recognising the key role that local businesses play in driving the UK economy forward.

The double win for the firm, which is currently celebrating its centenary year, means it will now open the London Stock Exchange in 2020, and will receive a unique staff development experience from awards sponsors, Facebook.

Having recognised that having fit, healthy and happy employees provides a better client service and attracts and retains the best people, the firm won the regional wellbeing award in July at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber Business Awards, taking them through to the nationals.

The awards caps off a memorable 12 months for the firm, as it marks its 100-year milestone. The firm has already raised nearly £150,000 through various sporting and wellbeing activities, including The Bath Half and National Three Peaks Challenge. The money raised will benefit over 70 different charities across the UK.

Ian Smith, chairman at Bishop Fleming, said: “We are so incredibly proud to have won Business of The Year and the Workplace Wellbeing Award.

"The double-win speaks volumes about the people and culture we have here at Bishop Fleming. It was our Bright Futures personal development cohort who designed and implemented a sustainable Wellbeing programme so it is fabulous to receive this national recognition.”

Sarah Howard, Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce (BBC) said: “Bishop Fleming is a trusted advisor and strategic partner that has delivered exceptional services to its clients. Congratulations to the team at Bishop Fleming. Your investment in the business and its people makes you a truly deserving recipient of this award.”