Key Takeaways from the B Corp Breakfast Panel

It’s easy to think of B Corp certification as just a stamp of approval. But it’s much more than that. The B Corp framework offers structure, accountability and an external lens for businesses to evaluate every part of their operations, from governance to supply chain.

As all panellists shared, becoming a B Corp helped them move from siloed sustainability efforts to a unified strategy rooted in long-term purpose.

Especially when things get tough

One recurring theme was the importance of external accountability. When business challenges arise, it can be easy to lose sight of values in favour of quick wins. B Corp holds businesses to their commitments, ensuring that ethics and impact stay firmly on the agenda, even in times of uncertainty.

It’s not about being perfect – it’s about committing to progress, even when it’s difficult.

Yes, leadership buy-in matters. But meaningful change needs everyone on board. Real impact happens when sustainability is built into the fabric of company culture – not treated as a side project.

Duncan Morris put it: ‘At Sketch we believe that progress is a team effort. That’s why our B Corp journey has involved voices from every corner of the business, from project delivery teams to design consultants.’

And that's a good thing

Set to launch later this year, B Lab’s new standards will move away from a points-based system toward mandatory requirements across areas like climate action, circularity, DEI, and stakeholder governance.

B Lab hope to create, greater clarity, more robust expectations, and a stronger framework to help businesses drive meaningful change. Despite its overhaul, the panel welcomed the evolution, highlighting it will be a fresher and more accurate way for B Corps to showcase their sustainable practices.

One of the most powerful reminders from the panel was this: no one is in it alone. The strength of the B Corp movement lies in its community – in open conversations, shared challenges, and collective action.

Whether you’re far along the journey or just starting to explore the impact assessment tool, there’s huge value in coming together with others who are committed to doing better.

We’re proud to be part of a global network that’s helping to redefine what success in business looks like, find out more about our B Corp certification.