We’ve been part of the B Corp community for three years and are currently in the midst of our first recertification, the result of which will be shared later this year.
Being a B Corp has had an immensely positive impact on our family business and, in this article, we hope to answer some questions on how that has been the case.
How has the business changed since certification in 2021?
Sustainably growing our family business is now at the heart of everything we do and is embedded in every strategic decision. In the past three years, we have also acquired and integrated the W.N. Lindsay Ltd merchanting business, allowing us to further our ambition of dealing directly with local growers and local communities.
How has it altered how we operate?
We’ve increased our emphasis on listening and acting upon feedback from colleagues through introducing Great Place to Work surveys and customers through Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys.
We’ve made various changes to our policies and procedures, from implementing more detailed Supplier Codes Of Conduct, to aligning our good cause donations with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
We’ve also expanded our SAI Platform Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) groups to cover all our local barley growers to support them in their sustainability journeys, while we’ve looked at innovative ways of meetings our net zero targets through implementing an Energy Centre and trialling low-carbon farming projects with growers.
What have we found beneficial about being part of the community?
It’s a great framework to support us in making positive changes in our business. We are able to share experiences through taking part in quarterly briefings and all colleagues have access to the B Hive, where they can ask questions and get in touch with likeminded businesses.
Overall, it’s a positive message for all our stakeholders about our commitment and drive to grow our business in the most sustainable way.
What are the biggest things we’ve learned?
To listen and engage with our stakeholders, colleagues, customers and suppliers, and incorporate the great ideas and suggestions they have into our plans. It’s taught us to focus on a few things and embed them well, rather than trying to do too much at once!
Finally, when you are doing things for the right reasons, to be a force for good, it is much easier to empower people to support you on the journey.
What are our hopes for recertification?
We’re looking to make incremental improvements in all pillars, especially around staff, supplier and customer engagement. We’re also hopeful of opening up a new Impact Business Model for our support of local suppliers and communities.