North East marketing agency Silverbean has achieved B Corp status as recognition of its efforts to become a better employer.
The Newcastle firm has achieved the certification after a two-year progress in which it was examined on performance, accountability and transparency across areas including employee benefits, charitable giving, and supply chain practices. The company instituted a number of measures to help achieve the status, including the installation of solar panels and low-flow toilets, new inclusive hiring practices and donations to community initiatives.
CEO Neil Robbins said: “Achieving B Corp Certification is one of the proudest moments in Silverbean’s journey so far. It’s a reflection of the incredible commitment, care, and hard work our entire team has put into building a business that does the right thing, for our people, our clients, and the planet.
“I’m immensely grateful to everyone across the agency who contributed to this milestone. This certification isn’t the end goal, it’s the beginning of an even bigger mission to grow responsibly and make a real impact in the world around us.”
Silverbean is an affiliate and performance marketing agency and currently employs 80 people at its head office in Hoults Yard, as well as sites in Chicago and Sydney. Clients include HelloFresh, John Lewis, New Balance, IG, and Barker and Stonehouse. It said that B Corp status should assure clients that its is a “values-led agency committed to ethical, sustainable practices.”
There are more than 10,000 B Corps around the world, around a quarter of them in the Ƶ. Companies can achieve the accreditation by meeting standards in five areas: governance, workers, community, engagement and customers.
Molly Garrett, head of HR at Silverbean, added: “Becoming B Corp Certified is no small feat. The process is incredibly detailed and rigorous, touching every part of how we run our business, but it’s absolutely worth it.
“This certification recognises the work we’ve done to build a people-first culture and hold ourselves to the highest standards.
“It’s proof that values-led business isn’t just possible, it’s powerful. I’m so proud of the team and what we’ve achieved together.”
