South West law firm becomes first in the region to be awarded “vital” B Corp status

South West law firm, Stephens Scown LLP, is the latest UK business to become a Certified B Corporation, joining a growing group of businesses across the world who are committed to balancing people, planet and profit.

Employee-owned law firm, Stephens Scown LLP, announced today it has received B Corp Certification by the non-profit B Lab, becoming the first law firm in the South West to do so and one of only a handful of B Corp law firms in the UK.

B Corp Certification requires a holistic review of a business’ social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency, and is based on a vision of creating a community of for-profit companies committed to redefining success in business.

Managing partner, Richard Baker, commented: “At Stephens Scown, we have always cared about doing things the right way for our people, our clients, our planet and our community.

“As the first large law firm in the UK to become employee-owned, we have built a dynamic and innovative business dedicated to delivering for its clients and providing a rewarding and supportive workplace. Gaining our B Corp certification underlines our long-term commitment to also being a force for good in wider society.

“With the backdrop of global challenges to tackle and the ongoing threat to our environment, it is vital that we showcase just how we are making a difference and that we are part of a much bigger movement, proving there is a better way to do business.”

Empowering employees to do good through four key pillars of fundraising, volunteering, pro bono work and reducing the business’ environmental impact, the Firm’s Giving Back programme was first set up in 2018.

Verity Slater, Giving Back partner and a driving force in the Firm’s B Corp verification process, added: “I am really pleased to report a strong engagement with our Giving Back Programme this year. The whole Firm’s enthusiasm and awareness of our drive to be a force for good has been noticeable.

“Undertaking the B Corp verification process has embedded this yet further and I am looking forward to the additional positive changes and initiatives that will come this year.”

Joint head of Stephens Scown’s Corporate team, Laurie Trounce concluded: “Businesses which are able to build their purpose into the DNA of their organisation will be able to use it as the glue that unites remote teams, creates brand value, and enables them to meet the inevitable consumer demand for more purposeful businesses in the future.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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