David Hartley, PR and Marketing Manager:

• Certification is achievable for businesses of all sizes
• B Corp goes beyond just environmental impact
• The assessment process is worth investing the time in

In a world where trust in businesses is declining, according to PwC’s 2024 Trust Survey, a rising number of B Corporganisations are setting a new standard for what it means to be a responsible company. “Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab (the non-profit network that provides certification) to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability”, according to B Corp. Despite the growing popularity of the movement, with the number of B Corps worldwide growing from just 82 in 2007 to over 9,400 in 2025, misconceptions about becoming a B Corp persist, discouraging businesses from exploring certification. 

How can business leaders separate fact from fiction when it comes to making that important decision about whether they should pursue accreditation? Here’s three things to consider if a business wants to demonstrate its commitment to people and planet above profit:

Myth #1: “It’s too hard for big/small businesses to become a B Corp” 

Businesses of all sizes may shy away from the B Corp process for a variety of reasons. From major household names like Patagonia or Ben & Jerry’s to small, independent businesses (like Conscious Communications!), B Corp certification is accessible to all companies that have been operating for a year. The key requirement for any business is commitment, not scale. Any organisation with the passion and willingness to be a force for good can achieve certification by meeting high standards of social and environmental performance.

For larger companies, becoming a B Corp is about integrating responsible practices across complex supply chains and proving that business growth doesn’t have to be at the expense of ethics. For smaller businesses, the certification process provides a roadmap for improvement in key performance metrics, which can serve as a vital differentiator in a potentially competitive market. Ultimately, the success of becoming a B Corp depends on the commitment to being a positive difference in the world, and does not depend on a company’s size or finances.

Myth #2: “Becoming a B Corp is all about environmental impact” 

Being a B Corp isn’t simply adding an ISO or Forest Stewardship Council logo on a website to prove an organisation is environmentally friendly. While sustainability does play a key part of the B Corp ethos, it’s far from the whole story. 

B Corp organisations must meet high standards of social, environmental, and governance performance, proving that their commitment extends beyond green initiatives. The new standards, launching in 2025, will measure company impact performance across seven key areas, addressing critical issues like Human Rights, Climate Action, Fair Work, and Purpose and Stakeholder Governance.

B Corps challenge the misconception that responsible business is purely just for the planet, and that it’s more important to take a holistic approach to driving meaningful change through business.

Myth #3: “The process is drawn out and takes multiple years to get certified!”

Although the B Corp certification process is rigorous, it doesn’t have to be an ordeal that takes years of your time. For many businesses, it’s possible to complete the certification in under a year, depending on the starting point of the organisation. The key to a successful certification is preparation and a willingness to assess and improve existing practices. The B Impact is a digital tool which is designed to guide companies through the process systematically, helping to identify gaps and take targeted action without being overwhelmed. 

For businesses that already incorporate ethical practices, certification often involves formalising policies and collecting evidence rather than making radical changes. B Lab and the growing community of certified B Corps provide support to ensure the process is manageable, achievable and not covered in red tape. The certification process is an opportunity for businesses to strengthen their impact and credibility, and provides a chance to join other B Corps across the globe to work together, find solutions and have a positive impact on the people, communities and world around them.

Don’t delay, B Corp today! 

B Corps are rewriting the rules of business by proving that profit and purpose can thrive in tandem with one another. As more businesses embark on this journey, the positive impact on people and the planet will only continue to grow. ‘B’ the change you want to see in the world.