ELE Global has been certified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, as having met rigorous social and environmental standards which represent its commitment to goals outside of shareholder profit.

The B Corp certification addresses the entirety of a business’ operations and covers five key impact areas of Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers.

The certification process is rigorous, with applicants required to reach a benchmark score of over 80 while providing evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency. To complete the certification, the company will legally embed their commitment to purpose beyond profit in their company articles.

Commenting on the accreditation, Helen Foord, founder of ELE Global, said: “At the time of the release the B Corp directory showed that we were the 14th B Corp Agency, and only the second Marketing Agency, to have achieved this status in Scotland; and those that have worked with ELE Global will know that having a measurably ethical approach is central to our agency purpose. We have long been passionate about the B Corp movement.

“Its accreditation standards mirror our own values, as well as our approach to advising clients to be more purposeful and responsible. After a year of hard work and disruption - shared by so many over 2020 - I’m particularly proud and happy that ELE Global has joined this community, during B Corp Month.”

ELE Global is now part of a community of over 3,700 businesses globally who have certified as B Corps. The B Corp community in the UK, representing a broad cross section of industries and sizes, comprises over 500 companies and includes well-known brands such as The Guardian, innocent, Patagonia, The Body Shop, and organic food pioneers Abel & Cole.

Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome ELE Global to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates, who believe business really can be a force for good. We know that ELE Global are going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.”

Helen Foord concluded: “Our own certification is just the start of the journey. Accreditation as a B Corp challenges us to do better and work harder towards social and environmental change. I am committed to encouraging and supporting more Scottish businesses, as well as our core client-base of law firms, to seek and achieve B Corp status and to make a real, purposeful difference.”

There are currently over 500 certified B Corps in the UK and over 3,700, in 70 countries worldwide.