MHA 1892 Foundation to boost financial literacy across UK
National accounting and advisory firm MHA has launched a new charitable initiative designed to address the financial literacy gap among young people across the UK. The MHA 1892 Foundation will raise funds through charitable activities across the firm, including at its Edinburgh and Aberdeen offices, with additional match funding from partners.
The MHA 1892 Foundation takes its name from the year in which north-western professional services firm MHA Moore and Smalley – which merged into MHA in April 2024 – was established. Its national roll-out comes after a successful pilot in the North West of England, which awarded eight grants in 2023.
Looking ahead, the organisation will continue to offer grants of up to £3,500 to projects that promote financial education and assist young people in developing essential career and life skills.
Ben Sutherland, director at MHA’s Edinburgh office, said of the news, “When MHA and Moore and Smalley formally merged last year, we combined not only our operations but also our shared commitment to creating positive social impact. The MHA 1892 Foundation reflects that commitment. Colleagues across the UK already raise substantial funds for community causes, particularly those focused on financial education. Bringing these efforts together under a single national foundation allows us to coordinate our impact and empower our teams.”
Research shows that low financial literacy among young people can drastically impact the financial wellbeing and long-term economic prospects of wider society. Recently, a study by the Money and Pensions Service found that 76% of teachers believe most pupils leave school without the financial knowledge needed for adult life.
“The MHA 1892 Foundation will provide a meaningful way for our people to support the communities in which we work, while helping tackle an issue of national importance,” Sutherland added. “Ensuring that every young person has access to financial education is essential for building a brighter future.”
Elsewhere in the UK, the MHA 1892 Foundation is already having a keen impact. According to Liz Newell, a partner in MHA’s Milton Keynes office, teams across the firm already raise significant funds for community causes, particularly those linked to financial education. However, a national structure allows those efforts to go further.
Newell noted, “When MHA and Moore and Smalley formally merged last year, we combined not only our operations but also our shared commitment to creating positive social impact. The MHA 1892 Foundation reflects that commitment. Colleagues across the UK already raise substantial funds for community causes, particularly those focused on financial education… Bringing these efforts together under a single national foundation allows us to coordinate our impact and empower our teams.”
