It's been an incredible year since we achieved B Corp certification! We're taking a moment to reflect on our journey as a B Corporation.
At Cambridge & Counties Bank, we're proud that the way we work meets the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
Today, we sit down with Richard, the steward of our B Corp strategy, to discuss how this certification has shaped our business, motivated our team, and what lies ahead in our ongoing quest for improvement.
What inspired Cambridge & Counties Bank to pursue B Corp Certification?
Hearing about B Corp sparked our interest, leading us to reach out to a couple of existing B Corps to learn about their journeys. Their stories and enthusiasm inspired us to want to join a global community of organisations committed to not just being the best in the world, but the best for the world. Our journey towards B Corp certification was driven by a fundamental belief that business can be a force for good. The decision was a natural progression of our existing values, aiming to embed our commitment to positive social and environmental impact deeper into our business practices.
How has achieving B Corp Certification benefited our business so far?
Achieving B Corp certification has been immensely beneficial. It has enhanced our reputation, making it easier to build trust with our clients, customers, and business partners who share our values. Internally, it has benefited our team, attracting individuals passionate about making a difference. Operationally, it has sharpened our focus on sustainability, leading to more conscious decision-making that balances profit with purpose.
How does the B Corp Certification influence our day-to-day operations and decision-making?
Richard: B Corp principles are now deeply integrated into our daily operations and culture. From procurement to product development, we ask ourselves how we can create the most benefit for our communities and the planet.
Looking ahead, what are the next steps for Cambridge & Counties Bank on its B Corp journey?
Richard: Our B Corp journey is far from over; it’s a commitment to perpetual improvement. We plan to deepen our engagement with the B Corp community, sharing insights and learning from our peers. Additionally, we're setting ambitious targets for further reducing our environmental impact and increasing our positive social contributions. We see this as an ongoing process of evolution, continually striving to set new standards for responsible banking.
Can you share some initiatives we have undertaken since achieving our B Corp Certification?
Richard: Certainly! One of the initiatives we're most proud of is the introduction of employee volunteering days. These have not only contributed significantly to our local communities but also brought our team closer together. We've also forged meaningful collaborations with other B Corps, working on projects that amplify our collective impact. On the sustainability front, we’re working on setting out our path to Net Zero.
