B Corps tell us: certification works, but collective action is what counts - B Lab UK
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By B Lab UK

B Corps tell us: certification works, but collective action is what counts

Data from B Lab UK's 2024 community survey reveals what B Corps think of the movement. Dr Anisa Morsi, Data and Insight Analyst, shares the key insights.

Earlier this year, the UK B Corp movement reached an exciting new milestone: 2,500 certified businesses, making us the largest community in the world.

This growth is a testament to the businesses choosing to lead. Those using certification not just as a mark of achievement, but as a framework for ongoing improvement and accountability. It reflects a growing belief that business can and should help address the most urgent challenges of today.

But as our movement has grown, so have the questions. Is B Corp Certification still delivering what it promises? Who is it for? And how can it support deeper, lasting change in an increasingly complex world?

For answers, we turned to B Corps themselves. At the end of last year, we invited UK B Corps to share their experiences in our annual community survey. Over 700 responded, nearly a third of the community.

This blog outlines what we heard, what it means, and how it’s shaping the movement’s next phase.

Certification continues to deliver value for businesses

One message was clear: certification has a meaningful impact on businesses—from building credibility to attracting talent.

91% said B Corp Certification has had a positive impact on their organisation

75% said it provides external validation of their ethics and sustainability efforts

50% said it has helped attract and retain talent

82% said customers or clients respond positively when they hear a business is B Corp certified

These results build on last year’s findings, where 87% said being a B Corp was likely to contribute to the future success of their business. At a time when businesses are facing increasing pressure, B Corp Certification serves as a trusted benchmark for creating genuine, positive change.

Many B Corps shared how they’re doing this, including:

  • Mentoring and training young and marginalised people
  • Decarbonising their business and those in their supply chain
  • Changing internal operations to give their whole team a voice

These examples show how certification can catalyse progress across the three areas of impact that inform our work: good work, stakeholder governance, and climate action.

A shared identity, and a call for deeper connection

Certification is only part of what makes the B Corp movement unique. For many businesses, belonging to a wider community—which shares a vision for a more inclusive, regenerative economy—is equally important.

76% of respondents said they feel part of a collective movement working to transform the economic system

At the same time, many said they want more opportunities to connect, particularly through local or industry-specific events. We’re responding—we launched 7 new B Locals in 2024, bringing the total to 18. As the community grows in size and diversity, B Corps are looking for more ways to engage meaningfully, learn from one another, and level up their collective impact.

B Corps told us how this shared purpose has already translated into action:

  • Partnering with local businesses and the local community to cut emissions and advance regenerative energy
  • Hosting events in their local communities to showcase responsible business as the norm

As our community evolves and grows, we must ensure it stays active and true to its roots of connection and collaboration while leveraging collective action to propel our mission further.

Our new standards recognise this, with a new Government Affairs & Collective Action Impact Topic which asks companies to engage in collective efforts to drive systemic change and advocate for policies that create positive social and environmental outcomes.

A movement under pressure—but ready to adapt to scale impact

This year’s findings come at a time of increased scrutiny for purpose-led business, with shifting public expectations, political pressure, and the urgent need to demonstrate real-world impact.

Alongside what’s working, B Corps told us where to focus next:

  • Demonstrate clearer evidence of the movement’s impact

  • Expand beyond the existing B Corp community, engaging more effectively with big businesses and those that haven’t always been purpose-driven

  • Grow public awareness and understanding of certification

  • Strengthen our policy and advocacy work, including wider engagement with campaigns like the Better Business Act (already backed by 20% of B Corps – join the coalition here)

We’re listening. B Lab UK’s ambitious new strategy outlines our plans to strengthen B Corp Certification’s credibility, broaden its reach, and scale systemic influence.

And that work is already underway:

Looking ahead

Certification remains a powerful foundation for businesses using their influence for good, but real systems change takes more than individual action. It requires businesses coming together to drive collective impact.

We’re so proud of what our community has achieved, but the work is far from over. This community survey shows the B Corp movement is strong and ready to rise to this challenge. Now is the time to build—with urgency, intention, and the leadership of those already paving the way. 

Together with our community, new strategy, and updated standards, we can raise the bar and accelerate progress towards an economy that benefits all people, communities, and the planet.

B Corp or not, this is your moment to lead. Explore our new standards. Take part in one of our training courses. Join a B Local near you.

Be part of the movement shaping a better future.