How Farrow Jamieson transformed client relationships through hands-on environmental action
Customer StoriesIain MacGibbon had been running Farrow Jamieson successfully for years, but by 2023 he was facing a challenge that many business consultancies encounter: how do you differentiate your services when everyone claims to offer similar expertise? His team was skilled, his clients were satisfied, but something was missing from their value proposition.
Traditional networking events and client entertainment felt increasingly hollow, and younger team members were asking pointed questions about the company's environmental impact.
When Iain discovered CarbonInvoice in early 2023, what attracted him wasn't just the carbon measurement capability - it was the hands-on component. Unlike other sustainability solutions that felt abstract or bureaucratic, this platform connected measurement directly to local tree planting. For a practical business owner, the tangible nature of funding native seedlings in New Zealand locations felt refreshingly concrete.
After connecting their accounting data in April 2023, Farrow Jamieson began automatically measuring their footprint and funding native trees monthly. But it was when Iain attended his first Community Planting Action Day in 2024 that he experienced the real potential of their sustainability program.
The transformation at Farrow Jamieson has been comprehensive, touching every aspect of how they operate and engage with clients.
Getting hands dirty together planting native seedlings revealed team dynamics that never emerged during office meetings. When 24 people from Farrow Jamieson, their client Ricoh New Zealand, and CarbonInvoice gathered at Kimpton's Farm for their hosted Planting Action Day, natural collaborations developed as colleagues paired up - some digging, others planting.
These partnerships created conversations and working relationships that have continued back in the business environment.
Traditional client entertainment typically involves meals or events that, while pleasant, don't create lasting memories or strengthen professional bonds. Hosting their own Planting Action Day allowed Farrow Jamieson to offer clients something genuinely unique: the opportunity to contribute to New Zealand's environmental restoration while building business relationships.
The 1,145 native seedlings planted at the Papakura Stream Restoration Project represent a shared achievement that both organisations can point to with pride.
Rather than simply talking about environmental responsibility, Farrow Jamieson now demonstrates it through measurable action. Their monthly carbon measurement and tree funding, combined with active participation in habitat restoration, provides concrete evidence of their commitment. This authenticity resonates particularly strongly with clients who are navigating their own sustainability requirements.
The seamless integration with their existing accounting systems means sustainability tracking happens without additional administrative burden. As Iain notes, the entire process "ran like clockwork," allowing them to focus on relationship building rather than logistics management.
"Fantastic day. We planted over 1100 seedlings, a range of native varietals. The team really enjoyed getting their hands dirty and the Carbon Invoice team along with Conservation Volunteers made it all run like clockwork." – Iain McGibbon
For Iain, the shift from traditional business practices to environmental action has solved multiple challenges simultaneously: team engagement is stronger, client relationships are deeper, and their sustainability credentials are authentic and measurable. The success has been so clear that returning next year isn't a question - it's already planned.
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