At &Smyth, we’ve always believed in better – a better place to work for our employees, a better way to run our business for all stakeholders, and a better service for our clients. This approach has been validated as we are now a Certified B Corp.

But what does that actually mean?

Certified B Corporations are companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. The certification is awarded by B Lab, a global non-profit organisation working to redefine success in business. B Corps commit to creating value not just for shareholders, but for all stakeholders – including employees, communities, customers, and the environment.

The 3 B’s

When asked what B Corp means, we like to explain it simply, using three B’s. It’s about:

Benefit for all: stakeholders: employees; clients; communities, business and planet  

Balancing purpose and profit  

Better ways to run your business     

So, what does this mean for businesses?  

To become certified, a company must complete the B Impact Assessment, which measures performance across five key areas:

Customers – ethical marketing, product responsibility, and data protection

Governance – how the business is led and how decisions are made

Workers – employee wellbeing, benefits, and engagement

Community – impact on local communities and suppliers

Environment – sustainability practices and environmental footprint

The process is rigorous. It involves detailed documentation, reflection, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Certification isn’t just a one-off achievement; B Corps must recertify every three years and demonstrate ongoing progress.

Globally, the B Corp movement includes thousands of companies across industries, from food producers and fashion brands to tech firms and consultancies. In Ireland, fewer than 100 businesses currently hold the certification, a number that’s steadily growing as more organisations seek to align profit with purpose. You can review the full list of Irish B Corps here: Find a B Corp

At &Smyth, becoming a Certified B Corporation was the result of an 18-month journey. It gave us the opportunity to take a close look at how we work, how we support our team, and how we contribute to the wider community and environment. The process was challenging, but it affirmed the values we’ve held since the beginning and helped us strengthen them.

We’re proud to be part of this global community, and we believe B Corp offers a meaningful way for businesses to show, and grow, their commitment to positive impact.

If you’re curious about B Corp or considering it for your own organisation, we’re happy to share what we’ve learned. It’s not just a certification, it’s a mindset, and one we believe is worth embracing.

To learn more, visit the B Lab Ireland website.