Tees Valley sales and marketing firm joins global movement to ‘reinvent business’

Tees Valley sales and marketing organisation Just Williams has announced its certification as a B Corporation, joining a growing group of companies aiming to reinvent business by pursuing purpose not just profit.

The announcement follows an intensive 18 months in which Just Williams said it recalibrated its business to meet the social and environmental standards specified by B Lab, the not-for-profit organisation behind the global B Corporation (or B Corps) movement.

Company founder Jessica Williams commented: “We have addressed every single process, procedure and principle. I believe B Corp sets out the best possible, most ethical, sustainable and responsible way to run a business.”

To become certified Just Williams had to first carry out an impact assessment of 170 questions covering five key areas: communities, governance, environment, customers, and people. It achieved a final score of 100.1 points, surpassing the national average of 82.3.

Throughout the process it had to provide evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices and good governance relating to, for example, its local supply chain, community engagement, corporate transparency and people-led practices.

Just Williams exceeded the benchmark requirement and joins 1,300+ companies in the UK who have certified as B Corps. They include businesses in the North East such as Umi, Robson Laidler and Sail Creative and nationally Patagonia, The Body Shop and organic food pioneers Abel & Cole.

To complete certification companies have to legally embed their commitment to purpose beyond profit in their company articles and are re-assessed every three years to show that they are continuing to evolve through continuous improvement and an increase in the company’s impact in key areas.

Just Williams staff receive a range of enhanced benefits such as additional leave entitlement, a Wellness Day and private healthcare. They are also offered two volunteering days each year – something normally provided by much larger organisations.

The organisation also donates 5 per cent of its profits to its charity partners and actively encourages local community engagement in a wide range of activities.

Emma McDonald, head of delivery, added: “The B Corp certification will set Just Williams apart from competitors and appeal to clients who like the way it does business. The company is looking to recruit and we believe its new status will make us an employer of choice to attract and retain local talent.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

• Add me on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date
• And follow Bdaily on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Submit press releases to editor@bdaily.co.uk for consideration.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →