Historic Local Business Ruddocks Achieves Certified B Corporation Status

Lincoln-based creative production agency Ruddocks has officially become a Certified B Corporation, joining a global community of companies that balance profit with purpose.

Only around 30% of applicants achieve certification, making this a major milestone for the 141-year-old family business. The accreditation recognises Ruddocks’ long-standing commitment to balancing commercial success with a positive impact on its people, community, and the planet.

What is a B Corp?

B Corp stands for “Benefit for all”, a certification recognising businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

It is often associated with sustainability, but it is much more than that. B Corp assesses every area of a business, from employee wellbeing and community engagement to governance and customer relationships. In short, it’s about using business as a force for good.

Globally, there are now more than 10,000 Certified B Corporations across 102 countries and 162 industries, including over 2,600 in the UK. Well-known names such as Ben & Jerry’s, Innocent, Tony’s Chocolonely, and Patagonia are part of the movement, alongside thousands of smaller businesses sharing the same mission to build a fairer, more sustainable economy. Locally, Ruddocks joins fellow Lincolnshire B Corps Stokes Coffee and Reuseabox.

A natural next step

For Ruddocks, applying for certification was a natural extension of values that have guided the business for generations.

“We’ve always believed in doing the right thing for our people, our customers, our community and the environment,” said Paul Banton, Managing Director at Ruddocks.

“We are amongst some of the oldest organisations to achieve B Corp status, and I am so proud of our journey and everyone at Ruddocks for helping us get this far.

It’s a real statement of intent. For us, business success has never been just about profit; it’s about people and the planet, too.

B Corp gives us a framework to measure that and to keep pushing forward. It also reflects our values and demonstrates to customers and partners that we’re serious about long-term, responsible growth.”

A rigorous process

The B Corp certification process is detailed and demanding. Businesses must complete a B Impact Assessment, covering five key areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers.

To qualify, companies must score at least 80 points, while the median score for ordinary businesses is 50.9. Ruddocks achieved an impressive 97.8, reflecting strong performance across all impact areas.

Importantly, though, the B Corp community isn’t about competition; it’s a collaborative movement focused on raising awareness and driving positive change together.

Built on strong foundations

Many of the practices recognised through certification were already part of Ruddocks’ culture. These include:

• A 9-day fortnight, flexible working, and an employee assistance programme to promote wellbeing and work-life balance.
• Living Wage commitment, birthday leave, and profit sharing.
• ISO 14001 and FSC® environmental certifications held for more than 17 years.
• Use of recycled and FSC® certified materials, and continuous efforts to reduce waste and energy use.
• A wildlife garden and pond, supporting biodiversity in its industrial setting.
• Community initiatives such as mentoring young people, offering work experience, and supporting local food banks through their volunteering scheme.
• Supporting and advising clients on their own sustainability journeys.

The company also updated its articles of association to legally commit to balancing purpose and profit, embedding responsibility into its governance structure.

What’s next

Certification is just the beginning. Ruddocks will publish an annual impact report to track progress and maintain transparency, undergo re-certification every three years, and continue working towards carbon neutrality by 2030.

“Since our beginnings in 1884, we’ve never stopped evolving,” added Banton. “While we’re incredibly proud of this achievement, our efforts won’t stop here. We’ll keep learning, collaborating with others, and encouraging more businesses to join the movement and make a positive difference.”

Discover more about Ruddocks’ approach to doing business the right way.