New research from B Corp, a network of purpose-driven companies using business as a force for good, has revealed that certified B Corps in the UK are growing 28 times faster than the national economic growth of 0.5 percent.
“The word ‘revolution’ is overused these days — but with the range and caliber of businesses that are part of the B Corp movement, who are so committed to using their business as a force for good, it’s hard to deny that meaningful change is underway,” said Katie Hill, Executive Director of B Lab UK.
“Today’s most exciting businesses are operating for the benefit of all who contribute to its success — for shareholders and for stakeholders — and as such they are taking responsibility for their broader impact on employees, on communities and on the planet. This is the future of business.”
Since its launch in 2015, 150 businesses including Ben & Jerry’s, Pukka Teas and Ella’s Kitchen have undergone B Corp certification, a process that requires businesses to meet the highest standards of verified CSR and environmental performance, as well as transparency and legal accountability.
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The research shows that during this period, B Corp members in the UK have experienced an average year-on-year growth rate of 14 percent, 28 times higher than the national average. Leading B Corp FMCG brands grew on average 21 percent in 2017, compared to a national average of 3 percent across their respective sectors.
This growth has largely been attributed to increasing demand for purpose-led brands from consumers, as well as employees seeking out companies who are driven by purpose beyond profit.
According to B Corp’s analysis, over 66 percent of consumers have reported that they are willing to spend more for goods and services that have a positive impact. As a result, more than one-third (35 percent) of British B Corps have already attracted new audiences since certifying.
Forty-eight percent of B Corps have also found that prospective employees are attracted to their businesses specifically because they know the company is a B Corp.
Beyond driving growth, B Corp membership has prompted greater collaboration through the sharing of best practices and learnings. More than 80 percent of British B Corps said they became certified to gain access to a community of like-minded businesses and 46 percent have already begun to benefit from developing partnerships with like-minded businesses since certifying.
“I am excited that the B Corp movement is growing and that UK consumer brands are leading the way in driving positive change and inspiring other businesses to join us on this global mission to redefine the meaning of success in business. Ultimately, the more like-minded businesses who certify as B Corps, the more we can ensure that business can come together to inspire change and be a force for good for people and the planet,” said Mark Cuddigan, CEO of Ella’s Kitchen and B Corp Champion.
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Published Mar 1, 2018 7am EST / 4am PST / 12pm GMT / 1pm CET