There are a number of reasons why we started and continue to run IT Naturally the way we do. We believe IT should be taken care of, so your team can get on with their work.
We believe people come first so that’s exceptional service for our customers and we help develop our team to create great careers.
We also think IT should be fun, accessible and sustainable. Technology should be for good, to create a better world.
That is why we are on our way to being a B Corp.
What is a B Corp?
B Corp, or Benefit Corporation, is a certification that represents a new wave of socially and environmentally responsible businesses committed to making a positive impact on the world.
Companies that achieve B Corp status must meet rigorous standards in areas such as governance, employee welfare, environmental practices, and community engagement. By pursuing B Corp certification, these organisations showcase their dedication to not only generating profits but also prioritising the well-being of people and the planet.
The growing B Corp movement is transforming the way businesses operate, shifting the focus from solely maximising shareholder value to considering the broader impact on stakeholders, including employees, customers, communities, and the environment.
As more companies join the ranks of B Corps, they demonstrate that it’s possible to create successful, sustainable businesses that positively contribute to society and help address pressing global challenges. This movement is inspiring others to rethink their business practices and embrace the potential for driving meaningful change through corporate responsibility and ethical decision-making.
B Corp facts and stats you should know
Growth
As of March 2023, there are over 6000 certified B Corps across 80 countries and over 150 industries. This number has been growing steadily since the B Corp movement began in 2006.
Diversity
B Corps represent various industries, ranging from food and beverage to consulting services, technology, and renewable energy. They come in different sizes as well, from small startups to well-established corporations.
B Corp Assessment
To become a certified B Corp, a company must score at least 80 out of 200 points on the B Impact Assessment (BIA). This comprehensive evaluation measures a company’s impact on its workers, community, environment, and customers.
Legal structure
B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders, not just shareholders. This means they must prioritise social and environmental factors alongside financial ones.
B Corp leaders
Some well-known B Corps include The Body Shop, BrewDog, Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s.
B Corp commitment
According to a 2020 survey, 98% of B Corps have implemented at least one employee ownership or profit-sharing program, demonstrating their commitment to worker well-being.
Environmental impact
A 2019 study found that B Corps are 64% more likely to set science-based carbon reduction targets compared to non-B Corps, showcasing their dedication to environmental sustainability.
The process of becoming a B Corp
The process of becoming a B Corp involves several steps that ensure a company meets the high standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability required for certification.
Here’s an overview of the process:
- Assessment: The first step is to complete the B Impact Assessment (BIA), a comprehensive online evaluation tool that measures a company’s impact on its workers, customers, community, and environment. The assessment considers factors like employee benefits, environmental policies, governance structure, and community involvement. Companies must achieve a minimum verified score of 80 out of 200 possible points to qualify for certification.
- Documentation: Companies need to provide documentation to support their responses in the BIA. This may include policies, procedures, financial records, and other relevant documents. B Lab, the nonprofit organisation that administers B Corp certification, will review these materials during the verification process.
- Verification: B Lab will conduct a thorough review of the assessment and documentation provided by the company. This may involve follow-up questions, additional documentation requests, and even an on-site review for some organisations. The verification process ensures that the company’s claims are accurate and that it meets the required performance standards.
- Legal Requirement: Companies must amend their governing documents to incorporate a commitment to consider the impact of their decisions on stakeholders, not just shareholders. This legal change ensures that the company’s mission and values are protected, even as the business grows or changes ownership.
- Signing the B Corp Agreement: Once the company has met the performance and legal requirements, it must sign the B Corp Agreement. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of B Corp certification, including annual fees, recertification requirements, and the use of the B Corp logo.
- Certification: After signing the B Corp Agreement, the company officially becomes a certified B Corp and joins a growing community of businesses that are committed to using business as a force for good.
It’s important to note that B Corp certification isn’t a one-time event. Companies are required to update their B Impact Assessment and undergo the verification process every three years to maintain their certification status and ensure they continue to meet the high standards expected of B Corps.
IT Naturally has been through Stages 1 to 3 and will have completed stage 4 in the next week.
Then all we can do is sit and wait for the outcome and hope that the signing of the agreement is imminent.
Wish us luck!
