Here at Ignition, we’re proud to have become one of only a few UK law firms with B Corp certification.
In a recent article for Legal Practice Management magazine, our founder Alex McPherson reflected on the firm’s 10-year journey to becoming a high-growth, full-service law firm advising entrepreneurs, SMEs, and scale-ups.
Our strong commitment to core values of integrity, transparency, kindness, and humility has guided the firm’s evolution and inspired our pursuit of B Corp certification.
We’ve distilled some of the key points from his article to offer tips for any company looking to become B Corp Certified…
Why Become a B Corp?
B Corp is widely regarded as the global benchmark for ethical business credentials. Administered by B Lab – a global non-profit – the certification is validation of rigorous standards in performance, accountability and transparency when it comes to doing business the right way.
For Ignition Law, becoming a B Corp was a natural progression. With a values-driven approach already embedded in our culture, we wanted to formalise and demonstrate our commitment. Alex and the senior leadership team were keen to integrate these values into our operations permanently, ensuring they would guide future generations of employees and partners.
The B Corp badge is a magnet for potential employees who want to work for an ethical employer. It’s also a signal to businesses that want to work with suppliers that share their own values.
Achieving B Corp status was a moment of immense pride for our team. It was the culmination of two years’ dedication to this process, and a 10-year journey of building a business with positive impact.
The Challenges of Becoming Certified
The journey to B Corp certification was quite demanding in terms of (digital) paperwork and communication. From the outset, the team understood that the process would be rigorous, but it proved to be even more so than we anticipated. Over two years, the process required significant time and effort, including several comprehensive assessments and extensive documentation.
Achieving certification is not the end of the journey – maintaining B Corp status requires ongoing effort, such as submitting regular business impact reports and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Our success depended on both adequate resources and unwavering support from our senior leadership team. Fortunately, the team was fully aligned and everyone recognises the long-term value of the accreditation.
B Corp Certification Benefits
The B Corp certification benefits have already been substantial for our law firm. Culturally, it has deepened the firm’s connection to its clients and their values. We also feel that we’ve created stronger, long-term partnerships, while attracting new business from like-minded organisations.
From a recruitment perspective, the certification has proven to be a powerful tool for attracting the very top talent. High-calibre legal professionals are increasingly drawn to employers that prioritise purpose and ethical impact.
Within our company, the impact has been equally profound. From volunteering programmes to internal committees and initiatives, we’ve cultivated a vibrant and highly-engaged workplace. Our office is full of products from fellow B Corp clients, which is a visible reminder of our shared values.
Within the business community, B Corp status has opened doors to new networking opportunities. Among like-minded businesses, we’ve forged meaningful professional relationships, further enhancing our impact and reach.
Advice for Aspiring B Corps
We believe that any organisation considering B Corp accreditation should be prepared for a challenging, but extremely rewarding process. The rigorous standards demand that organisations authentically live their values every day, and demonstrate them transparently.
The rewards though – from cultural alignment and purpose to client engagement and employee recruitment – make all that effort worthwhile.
Our experience here at Ignition Law demonstrates the transformative impact that B Corp certification can have across all areas of a company. Commitment to core values and ethical practices doesn’t just lead to a strong company culture, but also to tangible business benefits.
We are here to help you along any stage of your business journey. Please get in touch at info@ignition.law or contact Tammy Evans directly via tammy@ignition.law.
Watch Becoming a B corp: Scaling up with purpose
Watch our Commercial Conversations session below, made-up of a panel of B Corp advocates exploring what it means to become a B Corp and the challenges and rewards along the way.
On the panel:
- Bernard Wiley, Head of Sustainability (Who Gives A Crap) – Transforming eCommerce with a significant social impact.
- Amy Bourbeau, Cofounder and Chief Impact Officer (Seismic) – Advising on sustainability and driving change with companies like Patagonia and Innocent Drinks.
- James Goodwin, Chief of Staff (ENSO) – Pioneering in the clean-tech automotive sector as the first tyre company to earn B-Corp status.
- Victoria McDonnell, Marketing Director (Capsule Insurance) – Specialising in protecting fast-scaling UK enterprises.
- Helen Lucas, Partner (Ignition Law) – Providing integral legal services for start-ups and high-growth enterprises.
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