The B Corp movement is having a moment — and not the fleeting, “TikTok trend” kind. We’re talking about a full-blown corporate must-have. Over 8,000 companies have now joined the “we’re doing good and making money too” club. And in the UK? From 1,000 to more than 2,400 certified B Corps in just 18 months. That’s some serious glow-up.
For-profit organisations that want to show they’re not just in business for the pound signs are increasingly seeing B Corp as the gold standard. But before you get swept up in the buzz, let’s ask the million-pound (ideally ethically earned) question: is B Corp Certification right for your business?
Why bother with B Corp?
Well, because people are watching. Clients, partners, even Barry from procurement — they all care more than ever about what your business stands for. It’s not just about delivering good work anymore; it’s about delivering good in the world. And there are numbers to back it up: B Lab UK says B Corp-certified small and mid-sized businesses have seen a 23.2% revenue bump — which makes the national average of 16.8% look a bit like it forgot its morning coffee.
And it’s not just revenue. While most businesses have seen a dip in headcount, B Corps are growing their teams by nearly 10%. Turns out people like working for successful businesses that also have a soul.
When we certified in 2023, I rang around some fellow B Corps for the inside scoop. Greg Hemmings of Hemmings House, a video production agency, told me, “Being a B Corp has done wonders for building credibility and trust in our brand. You can say many great things about what your company does, but to actually have that internationally recognised backing makes a real difference.”
Phoebe Ellis from First Wealth (they do smart things with money) added that it gave their whole business a new energy. “You have a duty to hold the pillars B Corp value and promote them within your business. You don’t simply stop trying once you’ve achieved accreditation — you look for ways to continuously improve and of course, are regularly re-evaluated.”
The not-so-small print
Now for a little reality check. Getting B Corp certified isn’t a box-ticking exercise. It’s more like a box-ticking marathon. The B Impact Assessment is no joke — so you’ll need to budget not just pounds, but hours, patience, and probably snacks.
But that’s exactly why it matters. This thing is rigorous. You can’t greenwash your way into it. It’s not a vanity sticker. It’s a genuine signal that you walk the talk (preferably in ethically sourced shoes).
Yes, you could plant trees via Ecologi or slap a “Living Wage Employer” badge on your website — and those things are great. But B Corp certification is like the Avengers-level alliance of social and environmental standards. It puts you in the same league as Patagonia, Innocent Drinks, and The Body Shop. (You know, the cool table.)
UK B Corps grew by 40% in the past year alone — and yet, they still make up just 0.04% of all registered UK businesses. Translation? This is your chance to stand out and stand for something.
So what’s the process, and will it hurt?
Short answer: maybe a bit. But it’s survivable.
- Step 1: Fill out the B Impact Assessment — the part where they ask you deep questions about governance, your people, the planet, and your customers. You’ll want to block out a few hours for this. Ideally with caffeine.
- Step 2: If you score 80 points or more, congratulations! You can hit submit.
- Step 3: If you don’t hit 80? Don’t panic. Use the feedback to improve. It’s like getting a tough but fair critique from a really ethical headteacher.
- Step 4: B Lab will then audit about 20 questions from your assessment. If the evidence checks out, boom — you’re in. Time to break out the oat milk champagne.
Cost-wise, it starts at a flat £200 submission fee, and the annual membership fee is based on your turnover. For companies turning over under £150K, it’s £1,000 a year. At the £1-2.5M range, it’s £2,000 a year.
So should you go for it?
Look, if you’re just in it for the vibe and the virtue signalling, this isn’t your scene. B Corp is for businesses that want to grow their profit and their impact — not just slap a sticker on the homepage and call it a day.
But if you’re serious about walking the walk, then this process could genuinely level up your growth, culture, and credibility. We love it! It matches our values, helps us to continuously improve AND differentiates us in a crowded marketplace.
So — if you’re ready to be part of a global movement, make a tangible difference, and future-proof your business — today might be time to start that B Impact Assessment.
