Becoming B-Corp

We're proud to be part of a force for good in business as a B-Corporation. But what does it all mean? We're here to give you the run down on what a B-Corporation is, why it's important, and how your business can become B-Corp too, along with some valuable insight from three of our company directors.

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What is a B-Corporation, anyway?

A B-Corporation, to put things simply, is a business that has achieved the certification from B-Lab by meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. These businesses take careful consideration to find a balance between profits and impact on workers, suppliers, customers, community and the environment. For us, this move was about bringing substance to our claims on sustainability and showing that we're the real deal, not just talk:

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Watching David Attenborough’s documentary 'A Life on Our Planet' in 2020 was my turning point—it pushed me to fundamentally change our business direction and back up our sustainability claims with genuine, measurable action rather than just words.

- John Young, Strategic Director

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So, why is it important?

These companies commit to being better—for employees, society, communities, customers and the environment. They are held to strict regulations and submit to rigorous reviews, all to give peace of mind and prove legitimacy that they are an ethical business. The next generation of buyers is far more conscious; they want to see transparency and a focus on being a force for good, alongside profit. By holding companies accountable on all fronts and encouraging best practice, the future looks brighter for sustainable business.

In return, B-Corporations reap some excellent benefits for their efforts:

1. Customer loyalty.
2. Strong economic resilience.
3. Collaboration with other B-Corp businesses.
4. Networking at exclusive events.
5. Employee satisfaction and retainment.

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The benefits have been both cultural and commercial—strengthening trust with major clients, whilst shifting our focus toward stakeholders like our workers and the local community. We’ve seen easier recruitment, improved staff retention, and increased sales.

- Josh Hunter, Creative Director

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And how does a business become B-Corp?

1. Take the test

Applicants must have been trading for 12 months to take the free online B Impact Assessment, or the 'BIA', which measures 5 key areas of the business:

1. Governance - a look into social and environmental impact, ethics and transparency.
2. Workers (hey, that's us!) - think financial security, wellbeing, health and safety, career development and employee engagement and satisfaction.
3. Customers - care for customers through quality products and services, ethical marketing, data privacy and security and feedback channels.
4. Environment - the direct impact of operations, and where applicable, supply chain and distribution channels.
5. Community - how the business interacts with and benefits the communities it engages with. Diversity, equity & inclusion, economic impact, engagement and supply chain.

Achieve a score of 80/100 or higher, and you're on the road to certification.

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2. Put pen to paper

Next on the list, some legal requirements. Here, businesses must legally commit by amending their company's governing documents. This legally requires them to consider all stakeholders in decision-making, not just shareholders, ensuring long-term accountability.

Almost there! After some paperwork...

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3. Sign to seal the deal

Finally, submit your application along with it's documentation and BIA evidence to B Lab for review. This involves a background check, and potentially an interview, to verify the submitted information.

And just like that, a new B-Corp business is born! All B-Corporations must then submit an annual impact report, along with an annual fee, and recertify every 3 years.

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It took about two years and was a significant commitment—I jokingly thought the “B” stood for “Burden”, given the intense verification process and amount of work required. But ultimately, we enjoyed the process for pushing us to prioritise worker welfare and community impact, which may have otherwise been overlooked in the day-to-day rush of business.

- John Young, Strategic Director

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Mojo's move

We made the move to become a B-Corporation in 2024; a decision that we are most certainly happy with and have felt many benefits from, for ourselves and our customers. The process can take some time, with a lot of deep digging into your business, which is essential to confirm it's legitimacy. Our key advice for other businesses looking to become B-Corp is simple:

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It’s a total no-brainer—go for it! Be ready to research into your entire supply chain and ensure policies are properly implemented. I recommend looking at using technology to cut waste; for example, by ensuring recipients only receive the products they truly want.

- Sally Edwards, Managing Director

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We hope that sharing this story has both informed and inspired you on the process and pro's of becoming B-Corp.

For more information on the UK B-Corporation movement, visit bcorporation.uk.

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