As we near the end of B Corp Month, I thought I would take the opportunity to reflect on my personal journey with B Corp.

As an employee of a B Corp certified business, my journey with the B Corp movement has been both enlightening and transformative. While Russam received certification recently, our sister company, Trustees Unlimited has proudly held B Corp certification for several years. But it wasn’t until I was asked to lead on our internal processes, with B Corp in mind, that I truly understood the depth of our commitment and the impact it could have on our business and beyond.

One colleague eloquently captured the essence of working for a B Corp, saying, “Living in a world which feels increasingly divisive, working for a B Corp makes me proud that we are really focused on building trust and inclusivity both within our organisation and with our customers and suppliers.”

B Corp certification is not easily attained. Businesses must achieve a score of at least 80 against five areas of impact: Governance, Community, Workers, Environment, and Customers. Each of these areas encompasses a range of criteria, from enhancing policies and practices pertaining to ethics and transparency to contributing to employee well-being and environmental stewardship.

The pride of achieving B Corp status is a sentiment shared among my colleagues. “I was so proud of our company and team achieving B Corp status in 2023. There should be more [B Corps] and I hope we will see more of our peers in the coming years,” reflects another colleague, highlighting the rarity and value of such recognition in our industry.

Taking the lead on our internal processes has allowed me to delve into every aspect of our operations. It became clear that becoming a B Corp wasn’t just about meeting a set of standards; it was about embodying a commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us.

This commitment is deeply felt within our team. “Being a profit-making business and seeking to do good in the world are not mutually exclusive,” shares a colleague, underscoring the dual mission of B Corps to blend profitability with social responsibility.

The journey to B Corp certification was not without its challenges. We had to evaluate and improve various aspects of our business. However, every step we took brought us closer to our goal and helped us grow not just as a brand but as a socially responsible entity.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned is echoed in the reflections of my colleagues: “B Corps focus on positively impacting society and the environment, not just making money. It feels good to be a part of a like-minded community seeking to drive positive change in the world.”

In conclusion, my journey with B Corp has been a journey of growth, both personally and professionally. It has challenged me to think critically about the impact of our business practices and to strive for excellence in all areas of our operation. The B Corp movement recognises that no company is perfect, but it’s the commitment to ongoing improvement and accountability that truly makes a difference.

Anna Henderson, Business Support Manager, Russam