Businesses should see the push for a post-pandemic, economic recovery as an opportunity to consider practices that put people and the planet first, according to James Bidwell, UK B Corp Ambassador and Chair of two certified B Corporations.
Speaking ahead of B Corp month in March which will highlight the global movement’s aim of transforming the role of business in society for the benefit of the planet and the world’s population, James Bidwell said, “It is precisely at this time of economic recovery that we must look at how to do things better.”
James also added that Government, as well as business, must head the drive: “Government and business have a responsibility to act and lead the way. By transforming business to one which is more purpose-driven and creates benefits for all stakeholders, we all stand to benefit.”
As the warnings are growing louder and climate disaster grows nearer, B Corp month will be an effort to urge more businesses to adopt strategies that place people, planet and profit at the heart of business on the path to economic and environmental recovery. This will echo the public’s view. In opinion polls*, 72% of those asked believed that business should have a legal responsibility to the planet and people, in parallel with efforts to maximise profit. An even greater majority (76%) see this as extending to the protection of the natural environment.
B Corporations are a growing movement. In the UK alone, B Corporations have experienced an average revenue growth of 14% year-on-year since 2015 and are growing 28 times faster than the national economic growth of 0.5%. Research by B Lab UK also shows that B Corps have demonstrated significant resilience during the Covid pandemic. Only a third of B Corps drew on the UK government furlough scheme launched in April 2020. This is around half the UK national average for companies seeking support.
James Bidwell is one of only two Chairs that oversee two certified B Corporations to include the next generation strategy consultancy, Re_Set, specialising in innovation and sustainability and Springwise, the leading global innovation intelligence platform for positive and sustained change, giving foresight to the most innovative thinking and ideas on the planet. He is also Chair of the UK Steering Committee for 1% for the Planet, an international organisation, whose members contribute at least one percent of their annual sales to environmental causes.
James Bidwell is available for comment throughout B Corp month.
*Public polls conducted in May for B Lab UK and Regenerate.
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Notes to Editors
About B Corps
Certified B Corporations are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. They are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment. B Corps are a community of leaders driving a global movement of people using business as a force for good. www.bcorporation.uk, #bthechange, #bcorpmonth
About Re_Set
Re_Set is a leading next generation strategy consultancy for innovation and sustainability whose mission is to ensure its clients thrive in a disrupted world. The consultancy specialises in understanding what’s next and how to make change happen at pace with a positive, sustainable impact. Re_Set is a certified B Corp company, part of a growing community of businesses committed to redefining the role of business in society as a force for good. Re_Set is also a member of 1% for the Planet.
“Path to” Series
To coincide with B Corp month, Re_Set has launched a “Path to” series supporting businesses who wish to reach net zero, a circular business model and B Corp certification.
About Springwise
Springwise is the leading global innovations intelligence platform for positive and sustained change, giving foresight into the most innovative thinking and ideas on the planet. With access to an ever-expanding network of over 10,000+ global innovators, Springwise is trusted by thousands of thought-leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, educators and tech disruptors as the leading source of ideas that inspire and that matter.
www.springwise.com, #innovationthatmatters
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