EQ Accountants, part of the Sumer Group, has strengthened its community impact by donating over 50 laptops worth over £10,000 to charities including Barnardo's and Boomerang, enabling them to expand their digital inclusion programmes for young people and older generations.
The donation to Barnardo’s will support young people at crucial transition points, from applying for jobs and college places to completing funding or Universal Credit applications and undertaking online training. The laptops will also be loaned to those who need IT access at home to prepare for employment or gain qualifications - key steps towards entering the workforce.
Sheelagh Scott, Service Manager at Barnardo’s, said:“EQ’s generous donation will make a huge impact to our users at Barnardo’s. Digital access can be a major barrier for young people, but these laptops remove that obstacle and allow them to move forward with confidence. Most recently, we donated one to a young person pursuing self-employment in the beauty sector, enabling her to create a business plan and take real steps towards her goal.”
For Boomerang, EQ’s contribution is helping to revive their popular digital inclusion café sessions, which help older adults master essential online skills - from grocery shopping and email to finding bus timetables and staying connected with loved ones. Outdated computers and unsuccessful funding bids had forced the sessions to stop, but EQ’s donation means they can start again.
Carrie Reid, Centre Manager at Boomerang, said:“Our digital inclusion sessions were always in high demand, but the old PCs we used simply couldn’t keep up with modern software. Thanks to EQ’s donation of two laptops, we can now bring the sessions back. Just yesterday, I helped a gentleman apply for his first passport so he can go on honeymoon with his wife-to-be this autumn. It might sound like a small thing, but for those we support, having access to both the technology and the guidance to use it can be life changing.”
According to a study by DCMS and Burning Glass, 82% of jobs in the UK are now advertised online, and many everyday services, from healthcare to local travel, require digital access. Without equipment or training, people risk being excluded from opportunities and essential services.
Craig Nicol, Chief Executive of EQ Accountants, part of the Sumer Group, said: “We’ve always believed in using our resources to strengthen the communities where we live and work. Digital access is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. By supporting charities like Barnardo’s and Boomerang, we’re helping to bridge the digital divide and create opportunities for people of all ages.”
With offices in Dundee, Forfar, Glenrothes and Edinburgh, EQ Accountants, part of the Sumer Group, has a long-standing track record of community involvement, complementing its position as one of Scotland’s leading accountancy firms. Since joining Sumer in 2024, EQ has continued to balance ambitious growth plans with its commitment to making a positive local impact.
About Sumer
Sumer is the UK and Ireland’s leading mid-market accountancy practice delivering professional support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is a top 15 UK accountancy practice on a mission to champion SME businesses and offer local delivery supported by national expertise.
Since its inception, Sumer has grown rapidly through acquisition. It now employs over 2500 champions, with more than 50 offices, and generates an annual turnover of over £220million, emerging as a key accountancy player.
June 2024 saw the launch of Sumer Law, which provides legal services to Sumer’s SME client base, initially focusing on corporate, commercial and employment advice.
More recently, Sumer also launched Sumer Agriculture, a service line supporting farmers, landowners, and rural agricultural businesses.
Sumer’s strategy revolves around only acquiring leading regional practices that share the same ethos, values and approach. This in turn forms regional Hubs throughout the UK, focused on the SME market.
Sumer Group includes Carpenter Box, Cowgills, DPC Accountants, EQ Chartered Accountants, HW Fisher, Jerroms, Monahans, RMT Accountants & Business Advisors, R.T. Marke & Co Ltd, Scrutton Bland, Simmons Gainsford Group, Sumer Northern Ireland.
Sumer provides Hubs with access to a broader range of services for clients, technology and compliance support, funding for further acquisitions, and opportunities for Hub colleagues.
To find out more about Sumer, visit our website: sumer.co.uk
EQ Accountants
EQ Chartered Accountants is a modern, energetic accounting, tax and business advisory practice. We aim to inspire, encouraging you to consider your vision and realise your ambitions.
