East Lancashire events and wellbeing venue The Wellbeing Farm has become one of the UK’s first hospitality businesses to gain a B Corporation accreditation, recognising its efforts in working toward an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.
The scaleup business, which has previously received support through the Two Zero programme, joins more than 4,600 businesses globally who have achieved the accreditation.
The B Corp movement aims to promote collective action to address society’s critical challenges and gaining an accreditation recognises a company’s rigorous social and environmental standards which represent its commitment to goals outside of shareholder profit.
The B Corp community in the UK comprises over 600 companies and includes well-known brands such as The Guardian, Innocent, Patagonia, The Body Shop, Abel & Cole, Ben & Jerry’s, Toast Ale, Graze, Nike, Café Direct and Danone.
Celia Gaze, founder and managing director, The Wellbeing Farm, said the certification was a step toward greater accountability and transparency in the hospitality sector.
“B Corporation certification is arguably the crème de la crème of eco credentials and for a small independent farm-based hospitality venue to achieve this is amazing.
“It has been a crazy journey which started with us installing a wind turbine to power the farm. We are proud to have been recognised for our commitment and values and delighted to be part of the global movement of people using business as a force for good.
“We hope we now pave the way for many more hospitality businesses to get involved in this important business movement.”
The Wellbeing Farm took part in Two Zero’s Scaleup Resurgence programme during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The company has recovered strongly from the pandemic, launching a new corporate hospitality arm and recruiting around 25 new staff.
The B Corp certification addresses the entirety of a business’ operations and covers five key impact areas of Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency.
To complete the certification, the company will legally embed their commitment to purpose beyond profit in their company articles.
Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, says “We are delighted to welcome The Wellbeing Farm to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good.
“We know that The Wellbeing Farm is going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.”