In 2013, COOK became a certified B Corporation, part of a global community of companies committed to using business as a force for good. We were a founding member in this country, one of only five certified British B Corps. Today, as we are on the verge of re-certifying for the second time, there are more than 120 in the UK and over 2,000 globally, including household names like Ben & Jerry’s, Patagonia, Kickstarter, and Natura (who own the body shop).

So, what is a B Corp? Ultimately all B Corps believe that business can and should have a positive impact on society. They believe the time for talk is past; we must, as the saying goes, “be the change we wish to see in the world”.

To certify, you have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk: companies are required to pass the tough, independent Business Impact Assessment (BIA) every two years, proving they meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. To become a B Corp in the UK a business also will need to have or adopt governing documents which include a commitment to a ‘triple bottom line’ approach to business.

But more important than the ‘what’ and ‘how’ is the ‘why’. Here are the three main reasons why I am proud to work for a certified B Corp and why I believe the hard yards associated with certification are worthwhile.

Words are shallow, deeds are deep:

At this time of year, as we’re hanging on to a couple of New Year’s resolutions by our fingertips, it’s worth remembering that we are what we do, not what we intend to do. This is especially true when it comes to responsible business. The BIA carefully and strictly measures what companies are doing to minimise negative and maximise positive social and environmental impacts. By being a B Corp, you can demonstrate to yourself, colleagues and others that you are living your commitment to being a socially-minded business.

A critical and honest friend:

I have seen quite a few assessments and bench marks for sustainable business and, in terms of breadth and thoroughness, the BIA is up there with the best. If you are looking for an accurate gauge of your business’ sustainability performance, this assessment is a fantastic place to start … and it is free to access, too. The assessment itself is split into different sections so you can see the score you are achieving in different areas (for example environmental or staff). It offers an impartial review of how your different areas of performance compare to one another, helping prioritise where most work is needed. This also allows you to benchmark your performance against some of the most ambitious, socially-minded businesses out there.

It is important to engage in projects bigger than you:

I believe it was Paul Polman who said of Unilever: “If we achieve our sustainability targets and no one else follows we will have failed.” The challenges facing our society are too big for any one business, or even one industry, to tackle on their own. I feel that working for a B Corp has put me a community of likeminded people who with the belief that business can be a force for good, and an amazing appetite to share and collaborate with one another to prove it. The generous nature of the B Corp community has meant that I have been able to tap into other businesses’ learning, avoiding the pit falls we likely would have faced if we were travelling alone. It is movements like this that will help shift the dial on what is considered business as usual. It is great to be a part of it.

For more information on what COOK and our journey of becoming a B Corp, check out our page here.

For access to the B Corp Business Impact Assessment, check out the page here.

Andy Stephens (Social Impact Manager)