Becoming a B Corp: Embracing Purpose and Impact

In a world where businesses play a pivotal role in shaping society and the environment, becoming a B Corp is a conscious choice to be part of a global movement for a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. 

Here at The Agency Collective, we have already spent over a year on this transformative journey, driven by our passion to create positive change, support local communities, and foster a culture of purpose-driven growth. In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of being a B Corp, the motivations behind the decision, the benefits experienced, and offer advice for those considering this impactful path.

What is a B Corp?

A B Corp business goes beyond mere profit-making objectives. It is a company that places equal importance on people, communities, and the environment. B Corp certification is earned through a rigorous verification process conducted by B Lab, an organisation that sets high standards for sustainable and socially responsible businesses. With over 6,800 B Corps worldwide and over 1,300 in the UK, this movement is making significant strides in creating a positive impact on a global scale.

Why The Agency Collective Chose to Become a B Corp

The Agency Collective’s core mission is to support our community of agencies in collaborating, learning and growing, and doing good in the world. The decision to become a B Corp was a natural extension of our existing practices. Our dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in our industry, minimising our environmental impact, and supporting disadvantaged youth in schools became a driving force for our commitment to B Corp certification.

The Benefits of Becoming a B Corp

By joining the ranks of B Corps, we have aligned ourselves with a like-minded global community that is passionate about creating positive social and environmental change. The process of becoming certified helped us formalise existing practices and introduced us to new measures for improvement. Some key benefits include:

• Reinforcing our values and commitment to doing good
• Creating opportunities to enhance our core offerings
• Fostering a deeper understanding of our team’s impact on the environment
• Implementing robust feedback mechanisms to better serve our members and team

Key Factors that Contributed to B Corp Certification

Our commitment to making a difference in various areas earned us significant points during the assessment process. We are very proud of our higher-than-average final score. Some notable achievements include:

• Calculating and offsetting the carbon footprint of team members and their families through tree-planting initiatives
• Actively engaging with local schools to inspire the next generation.
• Advocating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through our annual DEI Survey
• Meaningful charitable giving, including support for Books for Schools.
• Establishing formal feedback channels for both team and customers
• Providing diverse educational events for members, both in-person and online
• Ensuring strong processes, handbooks, and onboarding practices for the team
• Offering competitive family leave and employee benefits to support well-being and community involvement
• Being transparent in all our endeavours and publishing our annual Impact Report

Advice for Aspiring B Corps

Becoming a B Corp is a challenging but rewarding journey. To navigate the process successfully, here are some of our top tips:

• Begin by thoroughly understanding the B Impact Assessment and identifying areas for improvement.  It helps to spend time to go through each section and answer honestly where you are at now, not where you aspire to be
• It can seem overwhelming to start with, so book in two hours per week to chip away at it
• Seek guidance from B Corp specialists to address challenges and provide clarity on meeting standards.  This was a turning point for us and helped us when we felt stuck
• Prioritise realistic solutions and gather evidence to support your impact claims.  Remember, everything that you claim you do needs to be backed up with evidence

What’s Next for The Agency Collective?

For The Agency Collective, becoming a B Corp is not just a destination; it is an ongoing journey to continuous improvement. We are dedicated to upholding the high standards we have set for ourselves, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others to become B Corps. Through collective efforts, we aim to create a lasting, positive impact on the world.

Becoming a B Corp: Conclusion

Becoming a B Corp is a transformative journey that aligns businesses with a global movement for social and environmental good. For The Agency Collective, it has solidified our commitment to creating positive change, supporting our local community, and fostering a culture of purpose-driven growth. By joining forces with other B Corps, we are contributing to a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for all.