Woodcut Media achieves certified B Corporation status

Woodcut Media has reached its certification as a B Corporation (B Corp), joining a growing movement of companies that are reinventing business for the benefit of all people and our shared planet. B Corp Certification assesses the entirety of a business’ operations. It currently covers five main impact areas: governance, workers, community, environment and customers. It is believed that Woodcut Media is the first producer/distributor of television content to have gained the certification, which entails a rigorous auditing process verified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement.

Companies are required to reach a score of 80 points in the B Impact Assessment survey, while providing evidence of responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency. A business must also legally embed their commitment to purpose as well as profit in their company articles.

The achievement demonstrates that Woodcut Media meets high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability, alongside a commitment to goals beyond shareholder value. Kate Beal, CEO and founder of Woodcut Media, said: “The B Corp certification process is certainly not for the faint hearted. It requires absolute commitment to the process by every member of your team. So in this case, the ‘I’m incredibly proud’ press-release soundbite could not be more authentic. We’ve always been committed to breaking new ground for the good of our industry, but this prestigious third-party recognition from a respected global partner positions us as true pioneers. In a world where direct to consumer distribution is rising in importance, it’s an indisputable endorsement of the quality not only of what we produce, but how we produce it.”

Woodcut Media celebrated its 10th anniversary last year and is now part of a growing community of more than 9,000 businesses globally that have certified as B Corps. Woodcut Media is now also part of the Better Business Act coalition, which is supported by more than 2,000 businesses. The campaign is working to change the law to ensure that all UK companies align their long-term interests with those of wider society and the environment.

Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK, says: “We are pleased to have B Corps of all shapes and sizes as part of our community — from startups to multinationals and across many different industries. Business is a powerful force and B Corps demonstrate that positive impact is possible in any sector. Woodcut Media’s commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and will help spread the notion that success in business is as much about people and planet as it is profit.”