What the Project Is: Doing Business on Purpose
Business on Purpose is all about leading the way in doing better—for companies, for people, and for the planet. The project has helped over 400 companies to assess and improve their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance through the tried and tested B Corp Certification process and the B Impact Assessment (BIA). By integrating positive environmental and social impact into every aspect of a business, this initiative embodies a purpose-driven philosophy that redefines success for modern businesses. It’s a journey that starts small but quickly scales—changing the way organizations think about operations and community engagement.
Main Benefit: Why B Corp Certification Works Wonders
The benefits of becoming a B Corp are truly impressive. Recent research by B Corporation UK shows that B Corps in the UK outperform their SME peers in many areas. Consider these key facts:
- Faster growth with increased revenue — they actually outpace many traditional models.
- Stronger employee retention and diversity — employees thrive in a purpose-driven environment.
- Robust governance paired with innovative strategies — companies set new benchmarks.
- Enhanced community engagement — businesses forge authentic connections with local and global communities.
- Attractive to investors, clients, and customers — certification sends a strong message of trust and integrity.
About Business on Purpose
Business on Purpose has supported hundreds of clients across various sectors with exceptional results. This project stands out because it has partnered with Andy Hawkins and his team of experienced B Corp consultants who design and implement change that matters. By utilizing the B Impact Assessment (BIA) methodology, companies are empowered to measure and monitor their impact on employees, communities, and the environment. The process is built to ensure transparency—companies must achieve at least 80 out of 200 points and then share their final score openly. It’s not just another box to tick; it’s a meaningful commitment to repurposing business for the greater good.
The “Couch to 5k” Process
One of the shining highlights of this project is the widely acclaimed “Couch to 5k” ten-step program. Over the past four years, this structured approach has been a game changer for many companies. The program is neatly divided into two phases, typically spread across three months. Each phase is designed to simplify complex transitions into manageable steps, ensuring that every business is prepared to meet the challenges of B Corp certification. Think of it as training for a long-distance run—gradually building momentum, confidence, and sustainable practices while setting tangible goals along the way.
Understanding the B Impact Assessment (BIA)
The B Impact Assessment (BIA) is at the heart of the certification process. Serving as an online questionnaire, the BIA digs deep into a company’s policies, partnerships, environmental outputs, and social contributions. It scrutinizes how internal practices contribute to external impact, making it not only a powerful tool for evaluation but also an educational resource. Companies learn new perspectives on social responsibility they might have never considered, which paves the way to discovering solutions for otherwise overlooked issues. Through this process, the B Impact Report is generated—a detailed breakdown of performance across key areas that ultimately guides the business towards more positive practices.
Exploring the Cost Structure for B Corp Certification
A clear and transparent cost structure accompanies the journey towards certification. Depending on the size and annual turnover of the company, the investment in certification support is scaled accordingly. For example, smaller enterprises with an annual turnover of up to £150,000 might start with weekly support priced around £200 and monthly support at approximately £75. As a company grows—moving into turnovers between £150k and £2m—the weekly support fee adjusts to around £400 while monthly sessions cost about £125. Higher revenue brackets naturally see larger investments that reflect the additional consulting and support required to reach and maintain certification. This flexible pricing model ensures that every organization, regardless of size, can take steps towards meaningful and sustainable change.
Project Impact: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – Building inclusive workplaces and equitable opportunities.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Fostering strong governance and innovative business practices.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encouraging sustainable operations from the ground up.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship and positive impact.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Connecting with a global network of businesses dedicated to change.
Delving Deeper into the Purpose-Driven Transformation
At its core, this project serves as a catalyst for holistic business transformation. It’s not merely about achieving a certification—it’s about setting exceptionally high standards that resonate with every stakeholder. Companies become beacons of progress by integrating best practices into their operational DNA. The process of becoming a B Corp is as educational as it is transformative, offering insights into both the social and environmental dimensions of business success. With a respected B Corp score of 137.2 in the environmental consulting industry and rooted in influential hubs like Bristol, the project emphasizes a Force for Good that resonates universally. By engaging in this journey, companies not only achieve certification but also build a legacy of responsible growth, speaking volumes to clients, investors, and the broader community.
