A FINANCIAL advice business that has donated more than £90,000 to good causes has become the first in the industry to receive an accreditation for corporate social responsibility.

As well as setting up its own community foundation, Strategic Solutions Chartered Financial Planners sent a record-breaking memory man into Dorset schools to inspire youngsters and help them prepare for exams.

The award-winning firm has become the first practice of independent financial advisers to win accreditation from CSR-A, a UK company which delivers a global standard for corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The firm received silver accreditation, reflecting its commitment in the areas of the environment, community, workforce and philanthropy.

Dean Rush, operations manager for the Westbourne-based business, said: “As a community focused organisation, we are thrilled to be the first IFA (independent financial adviser) firm in the country to receive CSR accreditation, showing that we have integrated social responsibility throughout our business.

“We have a great culture which drives our continued progress in all that we do. We would like to thank the CSR-A for their support throughout the process and we look forward to working with them in our commitment to achieve the gold standard.”

Strategic Solutions set up a community fund into which its advisers have the option of donating a proportion of their fees, with the company matching their donations. It prioritises small, grassroots local charities, and recipients have included Safewise, Dorset Deaf Children’s Society, Community Angels North Bournemouth and Crumbs.

The business also funded speaker and author David Thomas to speak at Dorset schools about his journey from an abusive childhood to breaking a Guinness World Record by reciting Pi to 22,500 places. 

Mr Rush said: “There’s a lot more that people give as well. It’s financial but it’s also people putting their time into these good causes. It’s a lot more than being all about the money. It’s very much part of the culture here.

“There are some things that organisations do that are loss leaders and they’re doing it for the right reasons. It’s part of what the organisation is all about.

“If we’re leading the way with things like this, it may encourage other IFAs to do the same.”