More than 40 purpose-led business leaders gathered in Tunbridge Wells on 9 March for the Kent B Corp Impact Summit, a day focused on shaping a more sustainable, responsible future for our region.
The event was organised to help mark B Corp Month, a global celebration of the B Corp movement, recognising certified businesses that meet verified standards for social and environmental business practices.
The event at Town Hall Square featured Mike Martin, Tunbridge Wells MP and Better Business Act supporter, who welcomed delegates and emphasised businesses’ ability to benefit people and communities while staying profitable.
Mike said: “People might look at B Corp and go, ‘Oh well that’s just kind of fluffy liberalism, right?’ but it’s not actually. If you have happy employees, they come to work and they give their best.
“That profit growth that ultimately is very important if you’re running a business will come from employees who are happy, engaged and empowered. It’s the same in the community. If the community look at your business and see that you are a force for good, they will frequent you.”
In an ever-changing technological landscape, Pete Kenyon, partner at South East and London-based law firm Cripps, headquartered in Tunbridge Wells, explained how businesses can avoid the peril and pitfalls of using AI, putting in place guardrails to maintain ethics.
Impact Director Andy Stephens from frozen food producer COOK, based in Sittingbourne, explained how organisations can run measurement assessments to identify areas of continual improvement, while Ali Fisher from Plans with Purpose gave an introduction to the new JEDI (Justice, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) assessment tools integrated into the new B Corp global standards.
Annie Olivier, head of growth at B Lab UK, said: “We have 18 B Locals across the UK, bringing B Corps within that local area together to share best practice, share knowledge and support one another within the responsible business space. When we think about how we give back to the local community, it starts to have a ripple effect. There is a lot of power in pooling resources in their collective effort.”
After a hearty lunch and a panel session with members from the Kent B Local community, delegates were invited to take part in a voluntary litter-pick of the nearby common, supported by the Friends of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons, a community group that is actively campaigning to crowdfund and buy the commons back from private ownership.
