This Way Forward - B Corp Month at x+why

Each year, we at x+why are thrilled to get the opportunity to celebrate and share more about our B Corp journey and that of our wonderful B Corp members.

We're excited, as this year's theme speaks to a lot of what we've set out to do as a community, as businesses who care for people, profit, and the planet in equal parts. Looking for new ways to grow our impact, and constantly evolving, growing and sharing along the way.

Where’s x+why at?

We certifited as a B Corp here at x+why back in July of 2021. The certification was no mean feat, requiring much scrutiny and dedication. But, it continues to be instrumental in our company’s journey and something that genuinely motivates us for Better Business every day. B Corp is the gold standard for assessing whether a company is having a positive social impact, and rigorously assesses all elements of a business, including how it treats employees, the environment and its community.

We are proud to be a part of the B Corp community, and this year we're re-certifying! The B Corp certification has seen us double down on our mission to build and report more thoroughly, collaboratively and sustainably.

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What's happening at x+why this B Corp Month?

There’ll be a whole host of activities happening in each site this B Corp Month, keep an eye out for themed member socials, new window vinyl designs, panel events and more, we will update this page with events, interviews and stories as they are announced. Here’s the first for your diaries:

🍸 Hattiers' B Corp Bar hosted at The Orchard clubspace

5th March:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 B Corps of Wales Showcase at The Orchard clubspace

8th March:

🚺 International Women's Day activations and fundraisers with members Forgotten Women

21st March:

🎟 Collaborative panel event with x+why members Nice and Serious at People's Mission Hall 21st March. Get your ticket here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/xwhy/1176835#

13th March:

🧼 Unity Place, Milton Keynes Digital Clean Up session with members Teamory to reduce carbon footprints

And what about the B Corp community at x+why?

We are incredibly proud to have 28 B Corp Certified businesses across our community at x+why, including B Lab Global and B Lab UK themselves.

For companies on the certification journey and navigating the BIA we host The WhyB Programme, to unite, motivate and support companies as they complete their B Impact Assessment (BIA), the key to unlocking B Corp Certification, but also a valuable business planning tool. This year, we'll be hosting the WhyB24 Cohort Programme at 100 Embankment in Manchester in partnership with B Lab UK and B Leaders, serving the Greater Manchester community and beyond. If you haven't already you can register interest here.

Whether you are a certified B Corp, on the journey, or it isn’t quite right for you, we hope to unite, inspire and amplify voices across our community this month, do get in touch with your stories, events, questions and thoughts:

We offer special discounts on office hire, events and meeting room bookings for B Corp Certified businesses, get in touch to find out more.

Get in touch

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See why B Corps love using x+why spaces:

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Interview with Phil Nevin, CCO and Co-founder of x+why, on B Corp Month and WhyB.

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What does it mean to be a B Corp?

It’s a Kitemark that is increasingly being recognised as standing for what it means to be a responsible business. However, it’s much more than just a ‘badge of honour’ – it’s a practical tool and set of guidelines for running a business; One that sets the standards for benchmarking and improving business behaviours across the board.

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Why is being a B Corp so important to us at x+why?

It’s like our North Star – I know this is a metaphor that’s used a lot, but it does serve as our guiding light, given that we are a mission-driven business.

It’s important to have a North Star because the environment is not static. We know that we’ll never be perfect, but it’s crucial to have something to aim for. The first score you get is something that’s improved over the years, so it’s the framework for a continuous process that benefits your people, the planet and the success of your business.

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What are some key insights when it comes to the way x+why handle each of the 5 main pillars of certification?

Governance: We’ve changed the articles of association to be beholden to people and planet as well as profit. This dictates our business behaviour and has taken great discipline when it comes to continuously measuring and benchmarking our impact. We produce an annual impact report that ensures that we’re sticking to our promise of continually improving across the board.

Workers: Some highlights would be our ESOP scheme, which enables all employees to own a small part of the business, so that the entire community really is embedded in the greater mission. We also run focused sessions that allow people to put down their tools and have the time and space to connect with this greater vision, which fosters cohesion, resilience and motivation.

Community: We’re more than just a space that operates within a building, and we make sure that we extend an arm to the local community.

Environment: We’re part of the property sector and ensure that we have green practices in all of our buildings. This is impactful because it’s an industry that’s responsible for 40% of UK Carbon emissions, and we make it our aim to up our game every time – with each new fit being better than the last.

Customers: We’re incredibly proud of our WhyB programme which continues to go strong. This is hugely encouraging, both in terms of the shift we are seeing in society, and the value that we are able to provide in aiding that transition.

The WhyB programme consists of sessions where we go through elements of the BIA and offer 1-1 help on what it takes to become a B Corp and demystify the more complex elements of the process. It’s designed to leave you set to apply for full accreditation.

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Find out more about x+why's impact here.

Have a great B Corp Month!

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