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What is a B Corp?

B Corp companies have a certification to say they meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

Group of joyful excited business people holding sheets of paper

B Corp or B Corporations are companies that have achieved a certification to say they meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

B Corp businesses act in ways that benefit society as a whole. They are not just about profits, but are also driven to achieve social and environmental good. It is a huge global movement which aims to reshape local economies to prioritise people and the planet and drive policy change with governments.

B Corp certification is about the way a business is run, how the staff are treated, how the business uses energy, resources and treats the environment. The certification process involves completing an in-depth and rigorous Impact Assessment, which measures the positive impact of the company in areas of governance, workers, community and the environment. There is a one-off fee when a company applies.

Achieving B Corp status sends a clear message to stakeholders, including investors, employees and suppliers about a business. Commercial benefits are that the treatment of staff is likely to attract top talent and the B Corp logo will reassure customers who are increasingly buying from companies that they believe behave in an ethical and sustainable way.

Further help

Find out more about the B Corp strategy, the global network and how the apply for B Corp certification at bcorporation.uk or bcorporation.eu 

 

 

Article reviewed: May 2023