Page 10 - BOSS Today Issue 55

BOSS Today #55 B CORP

Becoming a B Corp

POSITIVELY DIFFERENT

BOSS Today catches up with Adam Huttly, MD of RED-INC , about achieving B Corp status.

1) Can you tell me about your journey of verified social and environmental We became the UK’s first B Corp
to becoming a B Corp? performance. It’s not a ‘tick box’ certified office supplies company in 2017
exercise: being a B Corp will give you the and we ‘recertified’ in 2021. It’s given us
Since opening our doors in 2008, it’s tools to follow a strategic framework credibility, differentiation and allowed us
been our quest to create a company that that will educate you and help reduce to win large contracts.
puts equal focus on people, the planet the impact of any business, ultimately It’s all very well talking hypothetically
and profit – and where honesty and protecting the planet for future about being ‘green’ etc., but being a
service are our trademark. generations. company that has done it, and can
We’ve never been afraid to present evidence over many years how our
new ways of thinking or challenge 3) What are the benefits? sustainable model of operating actually
antiquated ideas around procurement. works, is invaluable.
We were early joiners of the B Corp The most important benefit of being
movement, which has helped us to a B Corp is verification of our actions. 5) What are your plans for the future?
ensure that innovation and sustainability In addition, as part of an industry that
are at the heart of everything that we prioritises price and quick delivery Sustainability is a journey, not a
do. times, it has given us the mechanisms to destination. We will keep challenging
stand out and has opened up alternative ourselves to find innovative ways to
2) Why do you think other companies conversations. reduce our own impact whilst helping
in our sector should also do this? Engaging customers in discussions that our clients to reduce their Scope 3
go beyond price allows us to build intimate emission level and achieve their ‘net
Sustainability has only been a relationships with like-minded businesses zero’ goals.
mainstream business activity for a few who value and trust what we do as leaders. We may be a small company, but we
years so, when we started, we were In recent years we’ve seen more can extend our reach by working with
doing it in a bit of a bubble – but now focus on sustainability than ever before others, sharing our journey and showing
it is definitely here to stay! Adopting and adopting sustainable practices how, by being bold, any business – no
sustainable practices is a way of is now a necessary way of future- matter their size –can have a positive
remaining relevant – especially for proofing businesses. By having B Corp impact.
supporting customers who are on their accreditation our customers know that
own sustainable, net-zero journeys. by working with us, they are having
We feel that it’s vital that companies get a positive impact on society and the
up to speed quickly, as the pressure from environment.
above in the supply chain will soon start
to show. 4) How long have you been a B Corp
B Corp certification is a way of and have there been any
proving you meet the highest standards advantages to it so far?

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