The Chamber joins the growing movement of companies using business as a force for good.
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has today announced its certification as a B Corporation (or B Corp), joining a growing movement of companies that are reinventing business for the benefit of all people and our shared planet. Verified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, the achievement demonstrates that H&W Chamber meets high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability alongside a commitment to goals beyond shareholder value.
The news comes as the ongoing climate crisis and widening social inequality continue to pose urgent challenges to our economy. B Corp Certification assesses the entirety of a business’ operations and covers impact areas related to practices around governance, workers, community, the environment and customers. The certification process is rigorous, with companies required to provide evidence on performance while legally embedding their commitment to purpose as well as profit in their company articles.
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is now part of a growing community of over 10,000 businesses globally that have certified as B Corps. The B Corp community in the UK is the largest and fastest-growing in the world, with over 2,500 companies spanning a range of different industries and sizes. Names include The Guardian, Innocent Drinks, Patagonia, Tony’s Chocolonely, The Big Issue, Finisterre, Elemis, and Sipsmith Gin.
H&W Chamber is also part of the Better Business Act — a coalition made up of over 3,000 organisations campaigning for a change to the law that would see all companies in the UK align their long-term interests with those of wider society and the environment.
Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK, says:
“We are delighted to welcome Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies that are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good. We know that Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.”
Sharon Smith, Chief Executive at Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce commented:
“Becoming a Certified B Corporation is a proud and important milestone for the Chamber. It reflects our long-standing commitment to supporting businesses in a way that benefits people, communities and the environment, not just the economy.
This certification reinforces our purpose-led approach and sends a clear message that responsible business practices and commercial success go hand in hand. We are delighted to join the global B Corp community and look forward to working with our Members and partners to champion better business across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.”