Jennings, owners and managers of Monument Business Park in Chalgrove, are the latest company in Oxfordshire to become a certified B Corp. They also become the first business park managers in the world to reach this landmark accreditation.
B Corp is a global community of over 5,000 businesses that meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, ethical standards, and responsibility. Each undergoes a rigorous assessment and verification process to be certified as a B Corp.
The objective of every B Corp is to create a better way of working and have a positive impact. Their mantra is ‘Business as a force for good’.
Instead of concentrating on a single bottom line approach of making profits only for shareholders, B Corp businesses adopt a triple bottom line approach considering people, planet, and profit.
Before becoming certified, each business is asked to show detailed proof of their commitment across 5 key areas: the environment, community, workforce, governance, and customers.
Chris Williams, Eco Champion at Jennings, said: “We’re thrilled to bits. Monument Park is home to over 80 small businesses with 500 people working here. We’re not the usual type of commercial landlord because, for us, it’s all about the people.
“We’ve always been about so much more than just running a business park and doing our best to create a home for businesses. That meant putting people at the heart of all our decision-making.
“We believe it’s this people-powered approach that’s led us to achieve B Corp status, and it’s why we want to use our announcement to say a huge Thank You to all the wonderful people who helped us get here!”
Even their suppliers recognise this approach, as one remarked, “This is what makes you guys stand out, way and above your competition…You truly do set the standards for others to follow.”
Other certified B Corp businesses cover every sector and industry, including UK foodies Ella’s Kitchen and the Jamie Oliver Group, as well as global brands Unilever ANZ, Patagonia clothing and Ben & Jerry’s.
Paul Mabbutt, Managing Director of Jennings, said: “This is a key milestone in recognition of our journey of building a responsible, values-led company that thinks beyond profit.
“It builds on our becoming a net zero carbon business last year too, which was another big step forward for us. At the heart of what we do is the commitment we have to care about each other”.
