Five ways your business can make a positive change

As we enter B-Corp Month with this year’s theme of ‘This Way Forward', it's paramount for businesses to reflect on their role in shaping a better future for everyone.

However, it can be a minefield of where to start and what to do taking into account the day to day pressures of running a business. So, drawing insights from our own team of business experts, recent statistics and industry practices, we are sharing five actionable steps that businesses can take to lead the charge for positive change.

1. Educate and empower your audience

A lack of information about sustainable practices can prevent widespread adoption, with 50% of people in the UK acknowledging this challenge (Unilever, 2023). This gap can be bridged by leveraging cultural content and social media platforms to educate and empower consumers.

Over three-quarters (78%) of individuals who recognise themselves as people who will take up planet-saving lifestyle choices, state that social media is the information source most likely to encourage them to do this (Unilever, 2023). Considering this, there's a significant opportunity for businesses to disseminate informative and engaging content on their platforms. Now is the time to start using your business’s platform to share actionable, practical, and optimistic advice.

Watch our webinar: Pause for Purpose - During the pandemic, when all live events came to a complete standstill, and to coincide with Global Exhibitions Day, Ignition CEO Sam Rowe shared ideas and examples to inspire a new sustainable mindset for companies who take part in multiple exhibits and discuss innovative ways to help drive a new agenda for their future exhibitions programme.

Watch our webinar

2. Be transparent

Transparency is key to building consumer trust and confidence. Adopting comprehensive sustainability reporting practices not only enhances brand perception but also encourages accountability. By being able to effectively promote a positive narrative around change with evidence to support this, your business can motivate other individuals and partners to operate in the same way. It also allows you to grow a network of businesses and individuals who share the same passion for positive impact as you. We believe in a warts-and-all style of reporting.

3. Champion social responsibility

It’s easier said than done, but organisations (both private and public sector) play a key role in addressing societal challenges. As consumer trust in governments has declined in recent years, corporations are increasingly filling the void. With 62% of consumers trusting businesses more than political leaders (Edelman, 2022) companies have a duty to champion community involvement and social responsibility. Whether it's supporting initiatives to combat climate change or advocating for economic equality, you can drive meaningful change in your community.

4. Think about your tech

Technology is forever evolving, and small technological adjustments can have significant environmental benefits. Businesses can collectively make a difference by integrating sustainable practices into their everyday operations, such as evidenced by Google Maps' fuel-efficient routing. The tech giant’s efforts have saved a staggering 1.2 million metric tonnes of CO2, showcasing the transformative power of tech-driven sustainability (Google, 2023). As a business it’s important to be continually assessing your use of technology, how it is currently being used in your business, and how you want to be using it in the future.

5. Start small

Knowing where to start isn’t always easy, and if you’re at the start of your journey, our advice is to start small. Make sure the changes you’re planning to make are achievable. Quick wins will help you and your team build the confidence and motivation you need to continue with your journey!

Businesses have a unique opportunity to lead the transition towards a more sustainable future. By harnessing technology, educating consumers, prioritising transparency, championing community involvement, and reporting their efforts, companies can drive tangible and lasting change. As we celebrate B-Corp Month and reflect on the theme of 'pay it forward', let's commit to taking meaningful actions that benefit both people and the planet. If you’re not sure where to start, or want some advice on sustainability reporting, take a look here.

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