March is B Corp Month - a time to recognise the impact of relevant businesses on their communities, customers and the environment - and at Bray St., we've got even more reason to celebrate: we're in the verification stage of our B Corp Certification with B Lab UK (the non-profit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet). Becoming a B Corp is no small feat, it's a no-brainer - here's why.
Business as a force for good
At Bray St., we've always believed that business should be about more than just profit. From day one, our work has been purpose-driven by collaborating with like-minded organisations, championing DEI as standard and ensuring that the work we do makes a real difference. So, when we looked at what B Corp stands for - balancing profit with purpose, prioritising people and planet, and meeting rigorous social and environmental standards - it felt like the perfect fit.
B Corp Certification isn't just about a shiny badge (although it's a pretty good one), but about accountability, transparency and commitment to doing better. For us, it's a way to formalise what we've always stood for and push ourselves to go even further.
What it means to be a B Corp
To become a Certified B Corporation, businesses must undergo a rigorous assessment covering five key areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers. This means proving that we don't just talk the talk, but actually walk it. It's about measuring and improving our impact, and ensuring that every decision we make benefits our people, partners and the planet.
For us, this process has been both challenging and eye-opening. It's made us reflect on everything from how we engage with our team to how we partner with organisations that positively impact underserved communities. Spoiler alert: there's always room for improvement! But that's the beauty of B Corp - it's a journey, not a destination.
Why join the movement?
The world is changing, and so are the expectations of consumers, employees and partners. People want to support businesses that align with their values and being a B Corp is a clear signal that you're committed to doing the right thing.
Lessons from our journey so far
As we've moved through the B Corp process, we've learned a lot - and not always the easy way! Here are a few insights from our experience to date:
- Start early, start small: B Corp Certification covers a lot of ground, and it can feel overwhelming. We found it helpful to break things down into manageable steps and start with what we knew - the information and data we could access easily.
- Engage your team from the start: B Corp isn't just a leadership decision; it impacts every part of the business. Bringing the team into conversations early has made the process more meaningful and helped us build a stronger culture of accountability.
- Keep track of everything: documentation is key. Whether it's policies, data or decisions, having clear records has made the assessment process much smoother.
- It's about progress, not perfection: no business is perfect, and B Corp isn't about getting everything right immediately. It's about identifying areas to improve and making consistent, meaningful change.
Here's why it's worth considering B Corp
- Attracting and retaining talent: people want to work for companies that care. B Corp Certification shows that you prioritise people over profit.
- Building trust and credibility: customers are becoming more conscious about where they spend their money. Being a B Corp demonstrates integrity and commitment.
- Future-proofing your business: sustainability isn't just a trend, but the future. Companies that focus on ethical and responsible business practices will be the ones that go the distance.
- It's more than a process - it's a way of life: B Corp isn't just a one-time certification. It changes how you do business every day, from decision-making to operations, strategy planning and agency growth, and even who you partner with. Everything we do will be shaped by our commitment to continuous improvement and impact.
What's next for Bray St.
We're moving through the verification stage of the B Corp journey and we couldn't be more excited. Once we're officially certified, fingers-crossed, we'll continue to hold ourselves accountable and push for even greater impact. We believe in using business as a force for good, and we hope other businesses - big and small - join us in making this commitment.
Want to learn more about B Corp Certification? Check out B Lab UK and see how your business can be part of the movement.