Why B Corps Matter: Transforming Your Business for Positive Change

StoryThis episode focuses on what being a B Corp means, what makes the B Corp certification a unique standard, and how becoming a certified B Corp transforms businesses’ operations to do better for people and the planet. March is B Corp month, and we are celebrating it by bringing back some of our greatest podcasts featuring B Corp certified businesses and their inspiring journeys: James Thornton from Intrepid Travel; Karli Hiscock from Bates Well; and Carolina Miranda CEO of Cultivating Capital.HighlightsIntrepid Travel offers sustainable travel experiences for its customers, an exemplary example of how businesses can balance purpose and profit.Intrepid went through a three-year journey to become a B Corp, in which they assessed the way they interacted with customers, the impact they had on the environment, and their relationships with shareholders.James highlights how B Corp helped Intrepid address their supplier issues and the lack of diversity within their organisation.“We’ve certainly found that the B Corp certification helps provide a point of distinction” - James Thornton.Bates Well was founded in 1970 with a set of core principles which had a clear purpose: “doing good for people”. They have always been a purpose-driven business but becoming a B Corp in 2015 hugely impacted their day-to-day operations. Through the B Corp certification, they have been driving staff and client engagement and improving their culture’s synergy. Carolina helps businesses to operate in ways that are more socially and environmentally sustainable, particularly for small businesses that want to make a difference.The most common issue that SMEs come across when embedding sustainability is the lack of support from management.Consumers are recognising what the B Corp certification means, and actively looking to do businesses with organisations who are more socially and environmentally sustainable. This is a big incentive for companies to become a B Corp and improve their social and environmental impact.