March is B Corp Month and we're here to talk and celebrate all things B Corp. These days it seems the term B Corp is everywhere and they are especially popular with conscious consumers. But what exactly is a B Corp? And how does a business become one?

What is a B Corp?

A B Corp is “a company that is verified to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability”.

But let’s break this down. To claim the title of B Corp (which is short for Benefit Corporation), you must secure a B Corp Certificate, which is, effectively,  a measure of how a business is run.

A strict set of requirements is set out and verified by B Lab, the non-profit behind B-Corporations. The company must also disclose any controversial operations thus committing to transparent and public disclosure of their performance.

Certified B Corporations look beyond financial profitability, and at their wider impact - both social and environmental.

Origin Coffee, for example, is one of over 1,100 B Corps that have committed to a mission of being net-zero by 2030. They are employing a number of tactics to reduce waste, including introducing compostable paper bags and a refill dispensary.

Another example is Blue Tit hair salons. Blue Tit is the first hairdressing salon group in Europe being awarded B Corp status for efforts in minimising their environmental and social impact.

I’m a consumer, what does B Corp mean for me? 

We love companies embedding purpose in their practices and achieving B Corp status is a great way for a business to really evidence their positive impacts.

The B Corp Certification provides reassurance that everything a business says they are doing is actually being put into practice.

B Corp status offers consumers intimate knowledge of each company’s operations, ensuring honesty and accountability. As the consumer, you gain a direct insight into each business’s values, so you know who you are supporting and where your money is going.

I’m a business, why should I become a B Corp?

Not only does a B Corp certificate help better communicate your company’s values but it can also have tangible results.

The B Corp status grants businesses access to a network of other like-minded organisations. Collaboration supports  greater outreach to both clients and investors, and helps find solutions to challenges. Businesses that become B Corps are more likely to see committed and motivated employees, increased customer loyalty and higher levels of motivation. So, as a business, you can showcase your values and tap into this vast support system by applying for your B Corp Certificate.

For further information on why to certify, visit the UK B Corporation movement or check out their guide for the steps to becoming a B Corp. They also have a free course coming up on March 15th that provides an introduction to the B Corp movement. The course will allow businesses to learn from the B Lab UK team and B Corps about starting the B Corp journey using the B Impact Assessment as well as the process and the benefits of becoming certified. 

Britain has one of the largest and fastest-growing communities of good companies in the world, with over 1000 Certified B Corporations.

From household names such as Patagonia to smaller hidden gems like Bird & Blend Tea, they are dotted all over London.

So, if you’re a consumer, swing by your local B Corporations and support all the great work they do and, if you’re a business, look into the benefits of joining this growing movement. 

We would love to hear about your favourite local B Corps – spread the love and tag us on your socials.

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