Supporting Communities Together: Why Local Charities Matter to bk plus
bk plus proudly sponsored the Charity of the Year Award at this year’s Community Spirit Awards, celebrating the incredible organisations making a difference across Calderdale. We caught up with Tim Musgrove and Caroline Partington from bk plus to talk about why supporting charities is so important, what impressed them most about this year’s awards and why businesses have a vital role to play in strengthening local communities.
For those who may not know bk plus, can you tell us a little about your organisation and your connection to Calderdale?
Tim: bk plus is a nationwide accountancy firm with more than 58 offices and over 1,000 employees. Our Halifax office was previously Riley & Co, a well established local firm, and although we’ve become part of bk plus we’ve retained the majority of the same team, the same values and the same commitment to serving local people.
One of the things that attracted the former partners to bk plus was that they wanted local offices to continue looking after local businesses and communities. We still have that close knit, family atmosphere, with many of our staff having worked here for more than 25 years.
You work with a lot of charities. How do you support the voluntary sector?
Caroline: We work with around 50 charities, carrying out everything from independent examinations for smaller charities through to full charity audits for larger organisations. It’s a specialist area and something we’re really passionate about. We understand the challenges charities face and enjoy helping them stay financially strong so they can continue making a difference.
bk plus has supported the Community Spirit Awards for many years. Why is sponsoring the Charity of the Year Award important to you?
Caroline: Charity work is a huge part of what we do every day, so sponsoring the Charity of the Year Award feels like a natural fit.
Tim: We spend so much of our working lives supporting charities behind the scenes. The awards give us an opportunity to celebrate everything they achieve and recognise the extraordinary impact they have on people’s lives.
What does being part of the local community mean to you?
Tim: Community is incredibly important to us. Many of our team live locally and give back in different ways. Personally, I’m Treasurer and Acting Chair of the Friends of Highbury School charity, I’m involved with autism charities including a SEND Dad’s club and I also volunteer supporting families with children who have special educational needs. It’s something that’s very close to my heart.
“Events like the Community Spirit Awards remind us that Calderdale is full of kind, caring people who genuinely want to help one another.”
What stood out to you about this year's Community Spirit Awards?
Caroline: The quality of the finalists was incredible. Every category was full of organisations and individuals doing amazing things. Honestly, anyone could have won.
Tim: It really is a humbling evening. Every year you’re reminded just how much kindness, dedication and compassion exists across Calderdale.
Was there anyone whose story particularly stayed with you?
Tim: I had the pleasure of sitting next to Ann from Citizens Advice, who won the Outstanding Individual Award. Hearing about everything she had achieved and then seeing how genuinely surprised she was to win was really special. I was also delighted that Invictus Wellbeing won the Charity of the Year Award. As the parent of autistic children, charities supporting young people’s mental health naturally resonate with me. Their work is absolutely incredible.
What makes Calderdale such a special place?
Tim: For me, it’s the community. We hear so much about division these days, particularly on social media, but events like the Community Spirit Awards remind us that Calderdale is full of kind, caring people who genuinely want to help one another.
From your experience working with charities, what challenges are they currently facing?
Caroline: Funding remains the biggest challenge. Every year charities are working incredibly hard simply to raise enough money to cover rising costs and continue delivering their services.
Tim: At the same time, demand is increasing. More people are turning to charities for support, whether that’s food banks, advice services or organisations helping families navigate increasingly complex systems. Charities are needed now more than ever.
Why should businesses work alongside charities?
Tim: Businesses and charities need each other. Charities benefit from funding, expertise and professional support, while businesses have an opportunity to make a genuine difference in the communities where they operate. There are also tax benefits for businesses and individuals who donate to charity, but ultimately it’s about creating stronger, healthier communities for everyone.
Looking ahead, what legacy would you like bk plus to leave in Calderdale?
Caroline: We’ve supported local charities for many years and we want that to continue. We hope we’ll always be recognised as a business that stands alongside the voluntary sector and helps local organisations thrive.
Finally, would you encourage other businesses to support initiatives like the Community Spirit Awards?
Tim: Absolutely. The awards shine a light on people who rarely seek recognition for what they do. Supporting events like this celebrates the very best of our communities and reminds us all just how much good is happening across Calderdale.
Quick Fire Questions
Tim Musgrove
Tea or coffee? Coffee.
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset.
Favourite place in Calderdale? The Piece Hall on a gig day.
Three words to describe Calderdale? Kind. Inclusive. Welcoming.
Best piece of advice you’ve received? “Nothing changes in life, the numbers just get bigger.”
Hidden talent? Running marathons.
Favourite comfort food? Thai curry.
What makes you smile instantly? My children.
If you could grant one wish for Calderdale? To lift everyone, especially children, out of poverty.
Caroline Partington
Tea or coffee? Coffee.
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise.
Favourite place in Calderdale? Walking in the Calderdale countryside.
Three words to describe Calderdale? Community. Inclusive. Friendly.
