B Corp certification: What the new standards mean for UK SMEs

You can feel it in the market, can't you? The old way of doing business- focusing only on the bottom line - is becoming a thing of the past.

A historic global culture shift is underway. Today, success is being redefined. Investors are looking for more than just financial returns. Customers are choosing brands that align with their values. And the best employees want to work for businesses with a genuine purpose.

This is no longer about "shareholder value" ; it's the era of "stakeholder value", where the needs of your team, your community, and the planet are just as important as your profit margin. 

For UK SMEs, one of the most powerful ways to navigate this new landscape is by becoming a Certified B Corporation.

But what does that really mean? Let's break it down.

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What is a B Corp, really?

Founded in the US in 2006, the B Corp movement was created to help businesses become a force for good. Certified B Corporations are for-profit companies that meet incredibly high standards of verified social and environmental performance.

At its core, becoming a B Corp is about thinking and acting differently.

So what do we mean by thinking differently?

It's thinking and making decisions that go beyond financial performance in it’s traditional sense of the word.

Legislation, regulatory and taxation systems all drive business to measure and report financial performance. This naturally drives decisions to be made based on financial drivers and for the benefit of shareholders. If every business makes every decision based on shareholder’s needs we’ll eventually run out of resources. Its unsustainable to carry on in this way.

This is the fundamental shift in thinking.

Crucially, B Corps  are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on all their stakeholders - from employees and suppliers to the wider community and the environment - not just shareholders.

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The B Corp boom in the UK

If you think this is a fringe movement, think again. The UK is the fastest-growing B Corp geography in the world.

Since 2015, the community has seen 15-fold growth. Today, there are over 2,600 UK B Corps, with London now considered the B Corp capital of the world. This thriving community represents over 153,000 employees across more than 58 industries, proving that any business can build a model that balances profit and purpose.

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A heads-up for 2026: The bar is being raised

One of the most important things to know is that the B Corp certification is not static. To maintain its high value and credibility, the standards evolve.

The current assessment criteria are set to be replaced by new, more stringent standards in 2026. This isn't something to be afraid of; it's a positive step that ensures the B Corp badge remains a true mark of leadership. For businesses starting their journey now, it’s a chance to prepare for imminent regulations, build for the future and get ahead of the curve.

How does it work?

Every company starts with the same solid foundation. Think of these as the three non-negotiables for getting started on your B Corp journey:

1. Check the essentials

First, the basics. You need to be a properly registered company that's been up and running for at least a year and, of course, operates completely legally. This just ensures every business is starting from the same solid ground.

2. Make your commitment real

This is the step that truly sets B Corps apart. You'll update your company's legal DNA to officially make you accountable to your team, customers, community, and the environment—not just your shareholders. You'll also sign the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence to make this commitment public.

3. Understand your landscape

You'll use a straightforward B Lab tool to conduct a risk assessment. This isn't designed to catch you out; it simply helps identify any sensitive areas in your business or industry that might need a closer look during certification. It’s all about transparency and building your impact on a strong, honest foundation.

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Once the foundational stage is complete you’ll then look at the mandatory impact topics which every B Corp must meet before certifying.

Purpose & stakeholder governance

This is about having a clear 'why' beyond just making money. It means your decisions—from the boardroom to the shop floor—consider the impact on everyone: your team, your customers, your community, and the environment. It’s not just good ethics; it’s the foundation of a resilient, long-term business.

Fair work

It’s simple: create jobs people genuinely want. This means fostering a positive culture where your team feels valued, supported, and motivated. Happy teams are productive teams, leading to lower staff turnover and a stronger business.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (JEDI)

This is about building a team that reflects the real world and ensuring everyone has a voice and a fair shot. An inclusive and diverse workplace isn't just a 'nice to have'—it drives innovation, better problem-solving, and a deeper connection with your customers.

Human rights

This means treating every single person, from your own team to those deep in your supply chain, with dignity and respect. It's the non-negotiable baseline for operating responsibly in the modern world.

Climate action

This is about doing your part to tackle the climate emergency. It isn't about grand, impossible gestures. It’s about taking practical, measurable steps to reduce your carbon footprint, which often leads directly to cutting waste and saving money.

Environmental stewardship & circularity

Look beyond just reducing your negative impact. This is about being a responsible caretaker of our planet's resources. It means designing waste out of your operations, finding value in what you used to throw away, and building a smarter, more efficient business for the future.

Government affairs & collective action

Your influence doesn't stop at your front door. It’s about being a positive force in your industry and community, using your voice to advocate for a better way of doing business, and contributing fairly to the economy that supports you. It’s about leadership.

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Getting certified isn't the end of the journey - it's the start of it.

The new B Corp standards are built for progress, not just a one-time pass. Think of it as a clear roadmap for improvement. There are specific requirements you need to meet when you first certify, with clear, manageable goals to aim for by Year 3 and then again by Year 5.

This isn’t about adding pressure. It's a structured way to ensure your business keeps getting stronger, stays resilient, and continues to lead the pack, pushing the boundaries of what a truly successful, responsible business can achieve.

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It's time to build a business worth succeeding

B Corp certification is more than a logo for your website. It is a powerful framework for building a more resilient, competitive, and impactful business that attracts the best talent and the most loyal customers.

The new standards are something to strive for and be proud of.

At Profit Impact we believe the B Corp framework is a strong approach for for-profit SMEs and is a framework we recommend. However we also understand this might feel overwhelming for some businesses. Whatever you are thinking, if you are curious to make a sustainable change know you have options.

We are here for all sustainability-curious SMEs in the UK. 

Do get in touch with me for an informal chat to explore what might be good for you.