B Corp

Are you on the journey towards empowering your organisation to do business in a way that is values-driven, as well as profitable? As the first law firm in the UK to certify as a B Corp, we bring first-hand insight and experience to our legal advice.

We can go beyond the legal essentials to fully support you throughout your B Corp journey. We advise on practical steps to strengthen your initial application, including a review of governance processes and employment structures and practices. We can help with the creation of bespoke and innovative legal, constitutional and governance structures. We figure out how to articulate the social identity and purpose of your business into its constitution, and solve sustainability issues affecting the premises you own or occupy.

We’ve been instrumental in the establishment of B Corporations in the UK and invite you to tap into our experience and expertise. Whether you’re considering B Corp certification and looking for guidance on the process, or are an established B Corp seeking new ways to embed your principles and values further in your business, we can help.

B Corps are for-profit organisations redefining success in business by embedding a commitment to positive social and environmental impact at the heart of their governance. Companies limited by shares, companies limited by guarantee, LLPs, community interest companies and a range of other structures are all eligible for certification.

How we help

We have B Corp-expert lawyers in every department who both share your values and have knowledge of the B Corp standards. Settling a discrimination claim, dealing with a waste disposal hazard or agreeing a new supplier contract or process all have – positive or negative – B Corp implications.

Our team is uniquely placed to advise on the certification process. We advised on the establishment of B Corporations in the UK and were instrumental in the development of the UK legal test for certification. Luke Fletcher and Louise Harman both currently sit on B Lab UK’s policy council, shaping policy and considering regulatory issues for B Corps.

Explore

Creating a ‘Speak Up’ culture in purpose-driven businesses: The benefits of an effective whistleblowing framework

Bates Wells convenes the Impact Counsels’ Forum, a space for senior counsel working within impact investors, B Corps, and other purpose-driven businesses. The forum discusses the ‘impact angles’ on legal and practical issues faced by in-house legal teams. Recently, the forum explored the benefits an effective whistleblowing framework and how that can support an open …
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Using the law to create change – a new guide for charities and campaigning groups

In partnership with NEON, this new guide explains how your organisation can use the law to create meaningful change. Legal action is rarely enough to drive systemic change on its own, but the law can be a powerful tool for purpose-driven organisations, especially when combined with other tactics within a broader campaign strategy. The guide …
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Purpose & Impact: your roundup | June

Welcome to your roundup – a monthly selection of news hand-picked to keep you up to date with what’s going on for businesses and investors working to create positive impact. In this roundup you can find out what’s new in the B Corp, social enterprise, and impact investing spaces, amongst others, collated under helpful headings. …
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B Corp acquisitions: Preserving purpose through a change of ownership

For B Corps and other kinds of purpose-driven business, having an embedded purpose-beyond-profit provides a compass in times of change. However, some changes need to be considered carefully, to ensure the longevity of that purpose and, for B Corps, the maintenance of certification. This is most pronounced when a sale of the business is in …
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New company guide empowers UK company directors to embed sustainability information in financial reporting

Bates Wells has contributed to a new guide, issued by the True & Fair Project, to support UK company directors who have decided that information relating to sustainability issues is necessary for their accounts to give a true and fair view. ‘Are Your Financial Statements True and Fair?’ underscores directors’ legal obligation to consider sustainability …
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Meet our team

We produce a range of handy guides and top tips for B Corps

View our guides