Welcome to Part 4 of our blog series with our certification, accreditations and memberships partners to help demystify their world and help both ethical businesses and consumers understand their value. This time we're speaking with our partners, ESGmark®. 

Our goal with this blog series is to empower businesses to understand how these organisations can help evidence and communicate their commitments, practices and impact and to increase consumer understanding in how they can help them trust business claims and how they become accredited.

Peeling back the curtain, we're striving for a new level of transparency in the certification, awards and memberships space.

What is your name and position at ESGmark®?

I’m Kayla Ellis and I am a Community Development Associate at ESGmark®.

What is ESGmark®’s mission and goals?

Our mission at ESGmark® is to help organisations and consumers create a more sustainable and fairer future. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives help organisations contribute to the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, by working to improve the lives of global citizens and safeguarding our planet.

We help simplify these issues, support businesses to navigate and communicate their ESG journey, and help consumers and other stakeholders to identify organisations who believe in and act to deliver a fairer, more sustainable future.

How does certification with your organisation help the success of a business? What support do you offer?

ESGmark® certification helps organisations in many ways, but namely through recognition, community, and ongoing support. Our certification demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices, helping businesses to build trust and recognition amongst their customers and other stakeholders.

As well as helping organisations to credibly communicate their ESG credentials, we encourage and guide ongoing improvement. Each of our members receives a bespoke report with details from their application, including key successes and recommended next steps and action points. Using this report, we help each organisation to set attainable ESG targets, and encourage continuing improvement with access to ongoing support along with self-help guides and resources.

Organisations who gain the certification also join a community of brilliant and likeminded businesses, with business introductions, networking opportunities and member-to-member offers. Businesses often face shared challenges, and community can be a wonderful tool for support and can open opportunities for collaboration.

How can a business become certified? Does it cost anything?

Our process is straightforward! We evaluate organisations against important environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, based on completion of our application form. The application process includes a call with our team so that you can meet us, and we can learn more about your organisation, request supporting evidence, and identify where we can help and support you. Organisations that meet the required standard for certification are awarded with the ESGmark® and offered membership into our community, and we also provide a bespoke report which covers each of the areas of your application, along with recommendations and action points. 

We have a fair pricing policy at ESGmark®. We have no application fees, and the subscription fee for ESGmark® certification is variable, dependent on the turnover of your organisation. You can begin the process, request more information, and find our pricing here.

Why do you think ethical business is important right now?

In short – because it’s the right thing to do, for global citizens, for our planet, and for business. 

Good business practices, in terms of employment practices, environmental initiatives, and internal governance, are not just a nicety – they are a necessity if we want to create a future that is resilient and sustainable for people and planet.

Ethical and sustainable business not only has a positive impact on society and the environment, but also builds a sense of purpose, helps organisations to attract and retain talent, boosts internal engagement, and opens opportunities.

Consumers, regulators, and other stakeholders are also demanding better business practices, which is helping to turn the tide for the better.

What led you as an individual to join your organisation?

I have a background in Anthropology and have always felt most fulfilled when my work is engaged with social and environmental issues. I’ve worked for various sustainability-focused organisations, both non-profit and for-profit, and have seen how powerful community and collaboration can be to spark positive action.

It’s really encouraging to work with businesses that care about their impact, and to be able to support positive change. Global social and environmental issues are daunting, but it is such a relief when you can face those challenges alongside other people who care. I get to experience that both within ESGmark® because we have a great team and through working with our community.

What aspects of In Good Company's work resonated with your organisation's mission? Why did  ESGmark® decide to partner with In Good Company?

We love how In Good Company champions ethical and sustainable businesses and makes it easy for consumers to find local businesses that align with their values. Responsible businesses deserve to be celebrated and supported, and with so much complex information out there, consumers need a solution that makes ethical buying easier! 

Our mission at ESGmark® is very much aligned with In Good Company - we share a vision to help organisations and consumers create a more sustainable and fairer future. We are so excited to be partnering to support businesses that are doing good for the planet and society, and to connect consumers who care with businesses that share their values.

Do you have a favourite 'good' business or one you visit regularly? How did you find out about them?

Good question! I live in Bristol, where there’s loads of brilliant ethical and sustainable businesses. I previously worked at Wilsons Restaurant, an amazing bistro with a root-to-fruit approach to cooking with ingredients that are ethically and locally sourced, with many grown on their own farm. I also love Windmill Hill City Farm, an inner-city haven with a cafe selling delicious local food, championing local artists and offering lots of community activities.

Enjoyed this post? Keep an eye out for more of our upcoming blogs demystifying the certifications space. You can also catch up on our earlier conversations with Planet Mark, the Good Business Charter and the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

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