Member News
A NEW B Local initiative has launched in the North East to support the growing network of B Corporations in the region and to promote the benefits of being a ‘business as a force for good’.
B Locals are place-based communities of people using business as a force for good, founded in partnership with B Lab UK. They aim to connect like-minded companies and champion social and environmental responsibility in business.
The B Corp accreditation is awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability alongside a commitment to goals beyond shareholder value. With numbers now at 30 certified B Corps in the North East and over 2,300 in the UK, the UK B Corp movement is growing faster than ever.
The North East B Local group is one of 18 currently in operation across the UK and is being voluntarily co-chaired by B Corp employees Gemma Graham, head of marketing at Robson Laidler Accountants, Mandy Barker founder of Sail Creative, Jessica Williams – MBA founder of Just Williams and Suzi McCreedy, chief commercial officer at UMi.
To mark its launch, the group are developing a series of events across the year to connect the 30 businesses in the North East that have already achieved B Corp status, whilst also supporting ambitious organisations who are striving to become a force for good and showcase the positive impact of B Corp certification.
Gemma Graham, co-chair of B Local North East, said: "We understand that many businesses are now looking at how they can support sustainable business growth. We're committed to building a community that is dedicated to social and environmental responsibility, demonstrating that there can be a balance between people, profit and the planet. As a group we are therefore exploring ways in which we can help raise awareness and grow the movement in our region.”
Mandy Barker, co-chair said: “We have already successfully run several B Social events for social and environmentally conscious businesses over the past few years. Our status as a B Local will cement our dedication to ensuring these happen with regularity and make room for even more collaboration. We have lots of exciting ideas so watch this space!”
Jessica Williams, co-chair said: “B Locals exist to create connections within the community, maximise the positive impact of local B Corps and raise awareness of the wider movement through a variety of different engagement opportunities - we are very excited to get started with our programme of ideas - starting this Winter.”
Suzi McCreedy, co-chair said: “Being a B Local enables us to create more opportunity by connecting like-minded businesses around a shared vision of positive impact. By fostering collaboration and innovation among our peers, we can create real momentum and amplify our collective efforts, driving meaningful change that resonates and inspires others to embrace the principles of responsible business.”
Speaking of the launch of the B Local in the North East, Sam Oulton, engagement coordinator at B Lab UK said: “Forming B Locals in regions such as the North East is central to our place-based approach for growing the B Corp community across the UK. B Locals exist as regional microcosms of the global B Corp movement, coming together to create connections, maximise collective impact, and enact change within their local economies.
“By establishing a B Local in the North East, we are providing a space to formalise B Lab UK’s support for the region, facilitating greater local cohesion and community building while empowering B Corps to pass on the message that it’s time for all companies to use business as a force for good.”
The next B Social event will take place on Wednesday 4 December at Opencast HQ, Hoults Yard, Newcastle upon Tyne from 4pm onwards. Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite here: North East B Local Tickets, Wed 4 Dec 2024 at 16:00 | Eventbrite
Connect with the North East B Local by registering here: https://loom.ly/eI081W8
