Advancing Our Impact With B Corp

Date: 31/03/26

The team at iON Consultants is delighted to announce that we’re officially on the path to joining the B Corp movement. As a purpose-led business grounded in strong ethical and environmental principles, we’re excited to embark on a journey that gives us the framework to live our values more boldly, consistently, and with intention. 

We're still early in the process, but the journey so far has sparked meaningful conversations and pushed us to take a fresh look at the way we operate and where we can improve. In this Q&A, Director and Co-founder Richard Bennion unpacks why B Corp, why now, and what the process has revealed so far. 

What prompted you to pursue B Corp certification at this stage of iON’s growth? 

When John (Evison) and I established iON Consultants in 2019, we were clear that we wanted to create a business that balanced profit with purpose. We set out our shared values, which would form the bedrock of a people-first organisation with robust social and environmental principles. Regardless of how large or small the company would become, we agreed that iON would make a difference. Having grown considerably since those early days and with ambitious plans to expand in the next five years, we don't want to dilute the principles and culture that define us. By joining the B Corp movement, we’re adopting an accountability framework that reflects our values, puts our people at the centre of our success, and demonstrates our commitment to stronger social and environmental performance. 

How will B Corp certification support your business strategically, culturally and reputationally? 

When we decided to join the movement, we noted that there were only around 50 B Corps in Wales and 100 in the Northwest of England. In our sector, numbers are low. While the community is small, it is growing. We're joining at an exciting time and strategically setting ourselves apart from similar businesses. Culturally, B Corp will give us stewardship around the type of workplace we are continually cultivating. It will hold us accountable for setting sustainability goals as a collective, ensuring that all team members contribute to and are aware of our environmental impact and initiatives. It’s important that our team is involved in how we operate so that they can enjoy fulfilling careers. Reputationally, we believe B Corp will strengthen our position as a trusted, values-driven leader and employer in our industry. 

Why did you choose B Corp over other ESG or sustainability frameworks? 

When we evaluated the options, we were impressed by the thoroughness of the B Corp process and the level of engagement required for certification. The prospect of achieving a globally admired standard was also very appealing. 

How does B Corp align with your long-term business strategy? 

As well as promoting sustainable growth, the certification gives us a framework that puts our team at the heart of our success. Ultimately, we want our people to feel a genuine sense of belonging, shaped by autonomy, shared ideals, and engagement with the wider communities in which we operate. It’s about building a culture where everyone can contribute, influence and thrive, and where our collective impact reaches far beyond the walls of our business. We’re certain that B Corp certification will undoubtedly impact our ability to attract like-minded individuals, particularly younger people who want to be involved in a company with more substance and purpose. 

At what stage of the certification process are you currently? 

We submitted our application at the end of February, which included an extensive risk assessment backed up with evidence. Our Practice and Operations Manager, Ryan Cairns, with support from independent B Corp consultant Laura Hothersall of Truth, played a key role in completing this intensive piece of work. 

Have you had to rethink any policies and procedures to pursue B Corp? 

Our B Corp journey has helped us to review all aspects of our business. While we already have good policies in place, the process has given us the opportunity to refine some of them. We undertook a comprehensive review of our sustainability development goals and introduced twelve new targets to which the team can contribute, such as using public transport and green energy suppliers. These targets will be measured against their individual development plans. In terms of people-orientated policies, we've added a breastfeeding policy. The process has given us massive confidence that we're doing the right things. 

What surprised you most during the assessment process? 

As an organisation that regularly undertakes inspections and audits, we weren’t surprised by the rigour of the B Corp process; its thoroughness is impressive. Having carried out a lot of research beforehand, we went into the process with our eyes wide open. The B Lab introductory course and Laura’s support from the outset were invaluable in ensuring we were fully prepared. 

Have you found anything particularly challenging or complex? 

So far, the process hasn’t been too complex. However, we anticipate facing more challenging initiatives in the future, such as educating our supply chain on ESG targets. 

Have you implemented any changes as a result of the process? 

We conducted a pre-emptive carbon footprint audit at the end of our last financial year. It included everything to do with our office, transport arrangements, and our supply chain. We’ve implemented short, medium and long-term goals around these areas. We’re also speaking to our landlord about green energy tariffs to formalise our credentials in that space.  

How has your team responded to the initiative? 

It is unrealistic to expect everyone's values to align exactly, but the response has been overwhelmingly positive overall. Any scepticism is being replaced by interest, as we’re actively inviting people to share their thoughts on social and environmental initiatives that matter to them. The aim is to make everyone feel valued and involved so that we move forward as a democracy. 

What would you say to business leaders who think B Corp is idealistic? 

I’d say they are looking at short-term profitability over long-term resilience. Like the widely recognised Fairtrade standard, B Corp ensures that we have ethical standards for people and the planet. Environmental and social governance is becoming increasingly important to the business community across all sectors, and B Corp fits well within this scope. It also gives people a sense of purpose within their work, and this is proving increasingly popular with talented individuals coming through the ranks. 

Of course, there is a cost to certification, and in the current economic climate, it might not be for everyone. However, I would encourage anyone who can afford it to give it serious consideration to support future prosperity. 

What does success look like in three to five years as a B Corp? 

Through ongoing assessment and reflection, we envisage that B Corp will serve as a catalyst for continuous improvement over the first three years. During this time, we hope to attract and build relationships with other like-minded individuals and businesses. As an enabler of meaningful change, B Corp will help us advance our carbon management, upgrade our digital infrastructure, and raise ESG standards across our supply chain. Most importantly, it will promote a culture that protects our people, strengthens their connection to the communities we serve, and ensures their input is valued and shapes our future direction.  

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