Why B Corp Matters More Than Ever
In a world grappling with climate change, social inequality, and rising distrust in corporations, the B Corp movement has never been more vital. But what exactly is a B Corp, and why should your organisation consider joining this growing wave of values-driven business?
Why Does Becoming a B Corp Matter?
The Rise of Conscious Business
Over the past two decades, business norms have shifted. Today, profit is not the only purpose for businesses, as stakeholders expect organisations to deliver social and environmental value too. This movement, often described as conscious or “triple bottom line” business, emphasises purpose alongside profit.
B Corp certification turns that promise into proof. Since its 2006 launch, B Lab has certified over 9,500 B Corps across 160 industries in 102 countries. Europe alone saw a 24% increase in certified companies year-over-year and over 2,100 B Corps now employ 370,000+ people. In the UK, small and medium B Corps outperformed peers with a 23.2% rise in turnover (vs. 16.8% national average) and a 9.6% increase in headcount (vs. −0.5%).
Consumers are catching on too: roughly 1 in 4 people worldwide now recognise the B Corp logo, and of those, 85% say it influences their purchasing choices.
For us at Prism, “good business” has always been defined by the positive impact we deliver to our clients, employees, partners, community and environment. We are wholly subscribed to this idea of purpose being central to what we do – and the benefit of this is something that we have experienced internally and that has been shared back to us by our clients and partners.
Conscious business isn’t just a feel-good trend – it is a seismic shift in expectations. Conscious business is becoming mainstream, and B Corp certification stands out as the credible standard.
2. Certification: Rigorous and Rewarding but Not Easy
Becoming a B Corp isn’t a marketing ploy. The bar is set high, and the certification process includes the following requirements:
You must score at least 80 on the B Impact Assessment across governance, workers, community, environment, and customers
You’re legally required to embed stakeholder governance into your corporate structure;
AND you must publicly disclose your performance and re-certify every three years.
Since April 2025, tougher standards have been implemented. There are now mandatory minimums in seven impact areas, including climate action and human rights, annual GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions reporting for larger organisations, and mandatory third-party audits.
That might sound daunting, and it is. Companies commonly cite challenges around data collection, legal restructuring, and ongoing compliance when debating certifying. Some argue that greenwashing risks increase if rigour isn't enforced. For us at Prism, a small company with fewer resources, the B Corp application was time consuming, intense, and resulted in occasional frustration for those owning the process. However, reminding ourselves of what B Corp certification means for our company, how it aligns with our values and who we want to be in today’s business environment, was all we needed to instantly reengage with the process. Because therein the challenge of the process lies the reward: B Corp certification isn’t a badge; it’s proof of integrity.
3. The Business Pay-Off
Despite the effort required, the upside is substantial, including some of the following benefits:
Enhanced commercial performance: UK small/medium B Corps had a 23.2% turnover growth vs. 16.8% average
Employee perks: 55% more likely to offer health insurance to employees, 2.5× more likely to give paid volunteer time
Gender parity: B Corps are 2x more likely to be led by majority-female management teams
Consumer trust: 85% of aware consumers say it affects purchases
Plus, going through the B Impact Assessment sharpens internal systems, from governance frameworks to supply chains and carbon accounting. The process involves operational rigour combined with a purpose-driven brand.
Why It Matters Today
Climate urgency: With mandatory GHG reporting now in place, businesses must demonstrate credible climate action.
Investor and regulatory scrutiny: Investors and regulators are paying closer attention to sustainability. Regulations like the SEC’s climate disclosures or new EU directives are pushing businesses to meet credible, comparable standards.
Consumer values: With growing awareness, especially among Gen Z, B Corp certification builds trust and loyalty.
Talent acquisition: People increasingly want to work for organisations with purpose, and B Corps outperform peers in attracting and retaining staff.
In short, B Corp is more than a certification – it is a future-proof business model.
Challenges vs. Rewards
While the path isn’t easy, most B Corps (including Prism!) say it’s worth it:
Challenges: the process involves legal work, systems transformation, data reporting, and ongoing re-evaluation.
Rewards: stronger brand reputation, better financial performance, improved employee engagement, and readiness for climate and stakeholder demands.
In fact, 91% of UK B Corp CEOs say certification has positively affected their business. When you see that level of confidence, the benefits clearly outweigh the costs.
Although Prism has not been B Corp certified for very long, we have already seen huge value from achieving this certification. From the interesting conversations it has piqued with our clients and partners, to the way it has reframed our thinking in what seem like minor day-to-day decisions, we are seeing a shift in our employee and client engagement. The immediate rewards have been so encouraging and we are looking forward to see what others will manifest for us as we continue this journey.
From Us to You: Join the B Corp Movement
We’re proud to share that Prism Leadership and Change Consulting is a Certified B Corporation.
This wasn’t a quick win or a checkbox achievement—it was the result of almost nine months of deep reflection, system improvements, and a genuine embedded commitment to doing better for our people, our planet, and our communities. The process was rigorous, but it was also one of the most rewarding journeys we've ever taken as a business.
Now, we want to extend an invitation: If you’re a business leader, an entrepreneur, or part of a team that believes in using business as a force for good – consider becoming a B Corp.
Here’s why we believe this matters more than ever:
It holds you accountable. B Corp certification pushes you to look under the hood – to assess how you treat your employees, your supply chain, your environmental footprint, and the people your business touches.
It brings clarity and alignment. Going through the assessment helped us sharpen our purpose, strengthen our governance, and rally our team around a shared mission.
It builds trust. In an age of greenwashing and empty promises, being part of a third-party verified community of responsible businesses speaks volumes.
And the best part? You won’t be doing it alone. Becoming a B Corp connects you to a global network of thousands of organisations committed to driving positive change. It’s collaborative, not competitive. It’s about progress, not perfection.
The world doesn’t need more perfect companies. It needs more honest ones - businesses willing to take responsibility, to lead with purpose, and to put people and planet alongside profit.
If that sounds like you, we encourage you: Take the first step. Join us.
Let’s build a future where every business is a force for good.
