Demi Heath
Guest blog post from Demi Heath
Expanding Business Success in Brighton - The B Corp Movement
Brighton has always been celebrated for its quirky, innovative spirit and its diverse, independent SME community - the heartbeat of our unique city. We’ve led bold initiatives, from political trailblazing to championing diversity, yet as sustainability takes center stage nationwide, our city now faces the challenge of reclaiming its status as a sustainability frontrunner. And with B Corp Month coming up in March, there’s never been a better time to explore how aligning profit with purpose can drive both business success and positive sustainable impact.
With Brighton’s new City and Economic Plans championing sustainable, inclusive growth and innovative enterprise, the B Corp movement is a natural fit - empowering local SMEs to lead the way in redefining business success. In today’s blog, we’ll explore how B Corp certification can help Brighton’s businesses align profit with purpose, driving real social and environmental impact.
What is B Corp? Demystified
B Corp is a sustainability certification, think ISO certifications for quality or environmental management, or Fairtrade for a humanitarian supply chain, but designed for an entire business operation. It’s widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive certifications available, assessing companies on their environmental performance, social responsibility, and governance practices. Certified by B Lab, B Corp uses a rigorous assessment to ensure businesses not only reduce their negative impact on the planet but actively contribute to positive change.
A common myth is that B Corp is only for big-name companies like Patagonia, but in the UK alone, there are 2,492 Certified B Corps, the majority of which are micro or small businesses ( 1,744). This proves that B Corp is just as accessible and beneficial for smaller enterprises as it is for global brands.
At its core, B Corp challenges the traditional shareholder model that focuses solely on short-term profits. Instead, it champions stakeholder primacy, broadening the measure of success to include the well-being of employees, communities, and the environment. The ultimate goal is to ensure businesses are built to last, thriving well into the future on a healthy planet and within vibrant, resilient communities.
Benefits of B Corp Certification for Brighton SMEs
B Corp certification isn’t just a badge, it’s a commitment to embedding sustainable practices into every facet of your business. While the process does involve meaningful work - such as conducting comprehensive supplier audits, setting science-based targets, and ensuring transparent stakeholder engagement - the rewards are substantial. According to the newly released B Lab UK 5-Year Strategy, the benefits for UK businesses include:
Enhanced Brand Recognition: Certified companies report up to a 38% boost in brand recognition, helping you stand out in a competitive market. This is the highest figure in any country, up from 34% in 2022.
Better Staff Retention: Investing in employee well-being and sustainable practices leads to lower staff turnover, with 9.6% increasing their employee headcount, compared to a 0.5% decrease among SMEs nationally.
Robust Growth: Businesses aligning profit with purpose often experience stronger, more sustainable revenue growth - with 23.2% increasing their revenue, compared to 16.8% for SMEs nationally.
Positive Organisational Impact: 91% of B Corps in the UK believe certification has had a positive impact on their organisation.
Consumer Demand for Certifications: 58% of UK adults say business certifications help them decide which companies to buy from or work for.
Visibility on Products & Social Media: 41% of people have seen the B Corp mark on a product, and 30% have come across it on social media.
These tangible advantages prove that by integrating purpose into your business model, you’re not just doing good, you’re also setting your business up for long-term success.
Aligning with Brighton’s Strategic Goals
Brighton’s City Plan and the Council’s Economic Plan for 2024–2027 set ambitious goals for sustainable, inclusive growth and innovative enterprise, goals that B Corp businesses are uniquely positioned to support. By embracing stakeholder-focused practices, from environmental stewardship to transparent governance, B Corps contribute to a healthier local economy and a more resilient community. Contrary to the myth that B Corp certification is only for eco-centric retailers or multinationals, any business, whether tech, creative, or service-based, can adopt these principles to spur growth and drive Brighton’s strategic vision, reaffirming that commercial success can and should go hand in hand with social and environmental well-being.
B Corp Community: The Power of Networking & Collaboration
Across Brighton - and the wider Sussex region - the local B Corp community is buzzing with energy and innovation. Our city’s independent SMEs have always been the heart of Brighton’s distinct character; celebrating innovation, diversity, and creative thinking. With over 80 certified B Corps in the region (and more on the way all the time), these purpose-driven businesses show that thriving financially while caring for people and the planet is not just possible, it’s happening right now.
Brighton’s B Corp trailblazers like Trusted Housesitters, Bird & Blend Tea, Redroaster, Projects, Ridgeview Wine, and World of Books prove how stakeholder-focused practices fuel resilience, collaboration, and long-term success. In a city where entrepreneurialism and social responsibility go hand in hand, the B Corp community fosters partnerships and knowledge-sharing that benefit everyone. Whether you’re a long-established SME or just starting out, connecting with this network means joining a collective push to keep Brighton at the forefront of ethical innovation.
How to Get Involved: Your Path to Certification
If you're ready to explore the B Corp journey and join Brighton's vibrant community of purpose-driven businesses, here’s how you can get started:
Learn More About the Movement: Visit the B Lab UK website for more information on the values and benefits of B Corp certification.
Discover Sussex Impact Pathway: Check out Sussex Impact Pathway for an affordable and accessible, supported route toward B Corp certification - designed especially for local businesses, with the next group starting on May 21st.
Explore the Local Community: Visit one of the local B Corps mentioned in our blog or use the B Corp directory to find more in our wonderful community. Simply filter for the UK and type "Brighton" into the search bar.
Connect and Network: Join the Brighton B Local LinkedIn page to network with like-minded business leaders and stay updated on upcoming events.
Get in Touch: Reach out to me directly to chat about all things B Corp. Let’s work together to drive positive change in our community and beyond.
Your Path to Doing Well by Doing Good
Brighton’s future is in the hands of innovative, purpose-driven SMEs like yours. With B Corp Month coming up in March, there’s never been a better time to explore how aligning profit with purpose can drive both business success and positive social impact. Join us at exciting events such as the B-Local Brighton Activation Day, the B-Local Brighton Official Launch Party, and a Ridgeview Tasting & Experience. Be sure to check out the event calendar for a full list of March’s happenings.
Your journey toward a thriving, sustainable business starts now - embrace the opportunity, connect with your community, and let’s build a better future together.