Becoming a B Corp™ certified business isn’t just about demonstrating your ethical and sustainable credentials.
It’s actually a savvy business move that sets you apart.
Companies that achieve B Corp™ Certification enjoy economic growth above the current averages and attract loyal customers who are more socially and environmentally conscious than ever.
Intrigued?
We’ve curated nine examples of British businesses that have achieved B Corp™ Certification to inspire you. From hair products to newspapers to restaurant chains – you may be surprised by a few of these.
What is B Corp™ Certification?
Let’s recap – Certified B Corporation is a status awarded to ethical and socially-minded businesses that can demonstrate how they balance profit with people and the planet. With B Corp™ certification, you demonstrate your commitment to a better business future, for your employees, customers – and the world around you.
Achieving B Corp™ status also has firm business benefits. Research from ONS shows that certified businesses grow 28 times faster than the national economic growth of 0.5%.
Becoming B Corp certified is a rigorous process, achieved by receiving accreditation from B Lab (a non-profit organisation).
1. Jamie Oliver Group: Media, restaurants, products
Consisting of media, franchised restaurants and branded product ranges, the Jamie Oliver Group has been certified since 2020, due to its campaigning to improve their food environments to help them achieve their goal of halving UK child obesity by 2030.
2. JoJo Maman Bebe: Children’s wear and products
Launched in 1993 as a one-woman start-up, JoJo Maman Bebe has grown to be a leading global retailer with nearly 100 stores across the UK and Ireland. The company claims to retain its values of putting people and the planet above profit and making sure that there will never be a conflict between doing well and doing good, making it a great fit for B Corp™ Certification.
3. The Body Shop: Cosmetics and personal care
A familiar brand for many of us, The Body Shop was famously founded in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick. It was a trailblazer for high-quality, naturally-inspired skincare, body care, hair care and make-up produced ethically and sustainably.
Today, The Body Shop has a global presence, operating in 69 countries, and has been B Corp™ Certified since 2019.
4. Ella’s Kitchen: Children’s food
Most parents will be familiar with the colourful packaging of Ella’s Kitchen organic baby and children’s foods. Created in 2006 by Ella’s Dad, Paul Lindley, the company offers healthy, handy and fun food that doesn’t cost the earth. B Corp certified since 2016 – even earlier than The Body Shop.
5. Sipsmith Gin
This one’s definitely not for kids.
Established in 2009, Sipsmith aims to bring London Dry Gin of truly uncompromising quality and character back to the city where it first earned its name. As well as capturing their commitment to uncompromising quality, their values also capture their commitment to becoming a force for good in the world, making their B Corp™ Certified status in May 2021 a no-brainer.
6. Innocent Drinks: Juices and smoothies
Your favourite on-the-go smoothie of choice isn’t just delicious – it’s a force for good. Innocent Drinks claim to take full responsibility for the impact of their business on society and the environment, even giving 10% of their profits to charity, mainly via the innocent foundation, which gives grants to charities so that they can help the world’s hungry.
7. Guardian Media Group – Guardian Media Group (GMG)
GMG is a leading media organisation, supporting quality, independent, trusted journalism. Their core business is Guardian News & Media, which publishes the Guardian and the Observer newspapers and theguardian.com website, one of the largest English-speaking quality news websites in the world. GMG is the first major news organisation to become a B Corporation and has also pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.
8. Umberto Giannini Hair Cosmetics: Retail
Umberto Gianni prides itself on being 100% vegan and cruelty-free, making award-winning, transformational hair care products for every hair type. Mindfully made in the UK, their mission is to do “good business beautifully”. The company was certified in March 2021.
9. Finisterre – Apparel, Footwear & Accessories
Since 2003, Finisterre has been making beautiful apparel for people who share a taste for adventure and a love of the sea, in a responsible, transparent way. Finisterre was founded on three commitments; to people, environment and product, no it comes as little surprise to know the company has been B Corp™ Certified since 2018 – the first outdoor clothing company in the UK to do so.
Get B Corp™ Certified
B Corp™ Certification is a rigorous process, achieved by receiving accreditation from B Lab (a non-profit organisation). Certification requires a score of at least 80 (out of 200) against five areas of impact: Governance, Community, Workers, Environment and Customers.
But you don’t have to do it alone.
With Grantify’s unique, technology-driven platform that streamlines the B Corp™ application process, you can save valuable time and get certified, faster.
Disclaimer: Please note, Grantify is not legally affiliated with, or a subsidiary of B Lab.