Frobishers achieves B Corp certification

Soft drinks supplier Frobishers has been certified as a B Corp, meaning it has met high standards of social and environmental performance and transparency.

The Exeter-headquartered firm has now joined a network of more than 8,000 companies dedicated to using their businesses for good.

The company’s status has been verified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, and also underlines a commitment to goals beyond shareholder value.

Companies are required to reach a score of 80 points in the B Impact Assessment while providing evidence of responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency.

Frobishers reached a verified score of 86.9, which it said it was proud of “although there is still lots to be working on in future and we are looking forward to the challenge of increasing our score even higher next time”.

A B Corp business must also legally embed its commitment to purpose as well as profit in its company articles.

David Pearce, managing director of Frobishers, said: “Business culture and sustainability are two of our highest priorities. We want to celebrate the great culture we have at Frobishers, how we look after our team and all our longstanding relationships with our suppliers.

“I believe companies like ours have an important role to play in shaping the future of sustainable business by showing it is possible to balance profit with people and planet. Achieving B Corp accreditation reflects how we can use business as a force for positive change.”

Frobishers has undertaken measures including becoming a carbon neutral business, using fully recyclable packaging, supporting food charity FareShare Southwest and partnering with St Petrock’s, a local charity supporting the homeless community in Exeter.

Internally, Frobishers has also become a Living Wage employer, has introduced staff volunteer days and everyone in the team is part of an EMI share option scheme.

Other recently certified B Corp companies include caterer Social Pantry, London restaurant, Fallow, the Pig hotel group and Welsh craft brewer Tiny Rebel.