B. Corp is a certification that tells the world you are a company with integrity.  It is a measure of the impact of the business on the people who work in it,

your customers,

your community

and the environment.

Internal quality standards are measured effectively through ISO 9001 but this goes further.  B Corp certification goes beyond product or service standards or return to shareholders. It asks the important question. How does a company contribute positively to the world?

It links with the UN’s sustainable development goals.

At a time when a lot of small companies are in trouble due to the pandemic, and a few online giants have thrived the B. Corp certification is an excellent goal to strive for.  As it becomes better known the hope is that customers will give preferential treatment to companies who not only “ do no harm” in Google’s words, but positively do good.

Background to B. Corp in the UK

The B Corp movement was started in 2006 but has been active in the UK for 5 years.  It is an approach that does not just leave social change to the government or non profit sector.

So it is about business which does make a profit but it not fueled by greed.  The ultimate aim is to reduce inequality, lower levels of poverty and create more high quality jobs which have dignity and purpose. Combating racism and climate change are issues also in focus.

There is a wish to extend the practice and certification over the next 5 years in construction, hospitality and manufacturing as well as more remote areas of the UK.

Can my business register for certification?

Any business can register.  Certification is based on the number of points which can be allocated at 80 or above.

Start ups can apply once the first year’s accounts have been filed.  All size and complexity of company can gain certification – from solopreneurs to multi nationals although each will answer a set of appropriate questions. Questions focus on operations and on the impact of your business model . Where you source materials from is one example.

Businesses that come to my mind are based around better food choices. Riverford who use organic produce based on no waste principles and the “supply chain” is involved in ownership. Mindful Chef who are climate neutral and support many projects including 7 million meals to children in poverty. The company is still run by the founders but Nestle now have a majority stake.

The assessment questions can generate ideas and principles to aim for. The questions can be answered for free, and once certified your business pays an annual fee in line with the size and scope of the business. 

So if you want your business to be recognised for behaving with integrity it is worth considering as a benchmark to define practices which could lead to B Corp certification.