Impact Economy

Making a profit and having a positive social impact are no longer mutually exclusive goals in business.

More and more businesses are operating a “triple bottom line”, aiming to benefit society and the environment alongside financial success. We call this the “Impact Economy”.

Perhaps you’re a well-established business, realising the commercial value in delivering a positive impact to your people or the environment.

You might be an impact investor looking to achieve real social change. Maybe you’re an ambitious start-up looking to embed purpose in every facet of your business.

Wherever you sit in the Impact Economy, our multi-disciplinary team can help.

How we help

Bates Wells' unique blend of legal, impact, advisory and compliance expertise allows us to provide holistic advice to Impact Economy businesses. We’re a certified B Corp, so our values are at the centre of what we do, shaping the advice and support we offer to your business.

Whether you need empathetic employment advice informed by your values; real estate lawyers that understand the value of sustainable workplaces and premises; specialists who can help resolve seemingly intractable disputes; or experts in impact investing and finance, we have the legal expertise to guide you through.

Beyond legal advice, our Impact & Advisory team works with businesses to embed purpose in their strategy and management, as well as creating structures for measuring and managing impact. And our Compliance team helps socially responsible, FCA-regulated businesses to flourish.

We understand the Impact Economy. Find out more about how we can help you.

As the language of the Impact Economy develops, we’ll add relevant terminology to our Impact Economy Glossary, to help share a common understanding.

Announcement

#OperationUpgrade

We believe that capitalism needs an upgrade. Learn more about our campaign to move British businesses to a "triple bottom line" approach, operating for the benefit of its members, wider society and the environment.

‘Operation Upgrade’: Bates Wells champions new Company Purpose Bill

Governance advice for Social Enterprise Coalition CIC

We amended its articles of association as part of its wider governance review.

A new legal form

Social enterprises needed a legal structure that protected their mission. We helped by creating the Community Interest Company.

Making a profit and having a positive social impact are no longer mutually exclusive goals in business.

#OperationUpgrade

Case Studies

Our Impact Economy Team

Insights