Over 12 decades G.N. Read, Son & Cocke evolved and transformed immeasurably since its inception in 1900 as a Guernsey business. During the century the firm became The Reads Group before joining the BDO network, the fifth-largest accounting and business advisory organisation in the world in 1990.
Managing director Richard Searle, said: “The firm has been part of Guernsey since 1900 and one of the reasons for our longevity is our clear sense of what we stand for which is what draws people to work here and why our clients to choose to work with us as well.
“The essence of our culture is about helping people and businesses to succeed. We’ve been part of BDO since 1990 and joined because we found a culture akin to our own with a similar sense of purpose.
The BDO team of over 80 people celebrated the milestone with a locally themed party for employees, directors and previous members of the firm’s senior leadership team at the Duke of Richmond Hotel.
The party marked the resilience and spirit of Guernsey by commemorating 120 years of island history and celebrating local businesses with an outdoor market featuring Wallow Charcuterie, Rocquette Cider, Torteval Cheese and Herm & Guernsey Oysters.
Local entertainment from Mariposa Strings, magician Louis Kennedy, historian Eric Grimsley and Island FM’s Carl Ward marked the evening while decorations from flowers to signage were sourced from local businesses such as Tiger Lily Florist and Smith Signs Ltd.
“Celebrating our success in Guernsey and supporting so many local businesses made for a really special night that we didn’t think was going to be possible earlier this year,” said Mr Searle.
This year the firm has been building on its culture with the expansion of its flexible working policy incorporating lessons experienced this year which is a move Mr Searle says is a commitment to forward-thinking and adaptability.
“It is our intention to continue to build a business that stands the test of time and meets challenges and opportunities that come our way with open minds,” he said.
"We wholeheartedly believe that meeting the needs of our people and clients and transforming with the times will be instrumental to BDO’s continued success in the years to come.”