To kick off a busy October, The Future Leap Network and Future Leap Hub travelled to Bath to run an evening event titled “Be The Change: B Corp”. The event was hosted at The Apex Hotel, and before the event began the attendees enjoyed some pre-sessional networking and refreshments.
Katherine Piper of Future Leap welcomed the attendees before giving an insight into The Future Leap Network, Future Leap Hub and the many benefits of membership, as well as the Festival of Sustainable Business. She then introduced the speakers:
- Andy Hawkins, Business on Purpose and Future Leap
- Katherine Piper, Future Leap
- Karyn Williams, Stride Treglown
Andy Hawkins, Business on Purpose and Future Leap
Andy introduced the concept of B Corp and why businesses should start their journey. He explained that for many years companies have understood the need to measure and improve their Social & Environmental Impact, and how this certification is a fantastic way of doing that. He touched on how businesses can start their journey, highlighting his consultancy at Future Leap, including his 1-2-1 or group sessions.
Katherine Piper, Future Leap
Katherine gave an overview of Future Leap’s current journey in the B Corp process as they head towards accreditation and how it is integrated into their sustainability mission. She also gave some tips for companies interested in becoming a B Corp, such as the importance of celebrating with your team!
Karyn Williams, Stride Treglown
Karyn proudly talked about how Stride Treglown were welcomed into the B Corp movement earlier this year, the first major UK architecture practice to do so. She explained how the B Corp certification ensures businesses place purpose ahead of profit and the rigorous evaluation process digs deep into your business operations, your social and environmental performance as well your wider relationships with clients and your supply chain.
Q&A
Attendees brought many questions for the panel, ranging from “will we need B Corp in 10 years?” to “how applicable is B Corp for a micro-business?”. The panelists and the audience brought a lively, inspiring discussion.
60 Second Pitches
To encourage networking, attendees made use of the 60 second pitch opportunity. This included Jon Ford from Fusion Community Initiatives, Ben Simpson from Magus Spoke Solutions, Megan Witty from Rainforest Concern, and Sophie Harris from Proctor and Stevenson.
Close
Katherine brought the event to a close, thanking all the speakers and attendees, which without our events calendar would not be possible. Attendees stayed to network for a final 30 minutes before heading off home.
