What is a B Corp company?

In a world where capitalism is increasingly being touted as the cause of many of the world’s problems, B Corp companies aim to make business a force for good by putting sustainability and a positive social impact at the heart of their mission. The B Corp concept aims to revitalise the idea of what a business can do and the good that can come from running an ethical, socially conscious and green enterprise.

If this sounds like the kind of idea you’d like to embrace in your business, here are a few pointers about what being a B Corp means and how your business can move towards these goals.

What makes a business a B Corp company?

A B Corp business is a type of company that prioritises social and environmental impact alongside financial return. In other words, making a profit is no longer your sole aim. Instead, part of your vision is to be a force for good in your community and the wider world.

B Corp companies are certified by B Lab, a non-profit organisation that monitors B Corp certification. B Corp companies need to meet rigorous standards of:

Social performance – looking at how the business interacts with society and how it can use its time, resources and influence to help those in the local and global communities.
Environmental performance – measuring your carbon footprint and your wider environmental impact on the planet, plus the sustainability credentials of the business, your products, your investments and your suppliers.
Accountability – a B Corp business is held accountable to a higher standard of performance, transparency and impact. This helps drive systemic change and create a more responsible and sustainable economy.
Transparency – B Corps must publicly report their impact data on the B Impact Assessment, a document that’s available to the public. This provides stakeholders with a clear understanding of the company's impact and helps increase accountability.

What is B Lab’s aim for the B Corp movement?

B Lab's mission is to use business as a positive force for good. Its aim is to dismantle the view of Western capitalism as a destructive force and to show that businesses can provide employment, take care of their communities and pursue a goal beyond financial profit.

If you want to become a B Corp business, B Lab can assess your social and environmental impact, governance and accountability – and will provide certification to companies that meet its high standards for a well-structured B Corp organisation.

B Lab provides resources, networking opportunities and advocacy support to help your B Corp grow and achieve a greater and more meaningful impact. In essence, B Lab serves as the steward of the B Corp movement. It drives systemic change through the creation of a new type of economy that balances purpose and profit to help you do more good.

Becoming a B Corp

Becoming a B Corp is a rigorous process. But if you have a higher vision for your business, it’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment to social and environmental impact, transparency, and your overriding accountability to your employees, customers and wider communities.

For more information on the process to become a B Corp business see https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/programs-and-tools/pending-b-corps/

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Tips for Moving Day

17 April 2025

It's that time again and Moving Day is upon. Moving Day' is a big day in the farming industry. To help you with a smooth transition here are some tips: Early preparation Make sure sharemilker or contract milker contracts are signed. Plan a farm inspection with relevant parties (farm owner, incoming and outgoing sharemilkers, farm manager, advisor). Recruit and finalise employment agreements for new farm staff. Communicate plans and dates with everyone involved. Contact your insurer and utility providers. Farm owner responsibilities Make sure employees leave the houses clean and tidy. Carry out house inspections for maintenance. Comply with healthy home standards. Confirm departure and arrival times with tenants. Consider drug testing, if needed. Animal movements and biosecurity Plan animal movements carefully. Clean and disinfect farm equipment and machinery. Minimise the risk of introducing exotic pests. About 5,000 farmers do this every year. Talking clearly and planning well makes this important farming tradition go smoothly.

Selling Your Business: What’s Next After You Exit?

by Birgit Hoeglinger • 11 April 2025

Selling your business is a huge milestone—one that marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and vision. But once the deal is done and the dust settles, you may find yourself wondering, “What’s next?” Exiting your business opens up a world of possibilities. Here are five potential pathways to consider as you embark on this new chapter of your life. 1. Enjoy Retirement For many, selling a business is the gateway to retirement. After years of being immersed in the day-to-day demands of running a company, retirement offers the opportunity to slow down and enjoy life at your own pace. Whether it’s traveling, spending time with family, or taking up new hobbies, retirement allows you to focus on the things that bring you joy. Planning ahead—both financially and emotionally—will ensure you make the most of this well-earned time. 2. Invest in Other Businesses Selling your business doesn’t mean stepping away from the business world entirely. Many people choose to invest in other businesses, whether it’s through buying equity, becoming a silent partner, or supporting start-ups. Your years of experience give you a unique perspective, and investing allows you to stay connected to the business community while diversifying your income streams. 3. Start a New Venture Once an entrepreneur, always an entrepreneur! If you have a new idea or are passionate about exploring a different industry, selling your business can provide the resources and freedom to start fresh. Whether it’s launching a tech start-up, opening a café, or pursuing an entirely new market, starting a new venture keeps your entrepreneurial spirit alive. 4. Become a Non-Executive Director Another pathway is to leverage your expertise and become a non-executive director. Many businesses value the insight and guidance of experienced business people. As a non-executive director, you can provide strategic advice, mentor leadership teams, and help shape the future of other companies—all without the full-time commitment of running a business. 5. Pursue Philanthropy For some, selling a business is an opportunity to give back. You might choose to support causes you care about through charitable donations, creating a foundation, or volunteering your time. Philanthropy not only helps make a difference in your community or the wider world but can also provide a deep sense of fulfilment and purpose in your post-business life. Charting Your New Path Exiting your business is both an ending and a beginning. It’s a chance to reflect on everything you’ve achieved and to embrace new opportunities that align with your goals and passions. Whether you’re ready to relax and retire, dive into new ventures, or make a positive impact through philanthropy, the choice is yours. Whatever path you choose, careful planning will help ensure your next chapter is as rewarding and successful as the one you’ve just completed. If you’d like support in exploring your options or preparing for life after your business, don’t hesitate to reach out us for guidance.

How to Protect Your Business from 2025's Cyber Threats

by Birgit Hoeglinger • 7 April 2025

Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to trick businesses, and their scams are harder than ever to spot. Small businesses are especially at risk, often seen as easy targets due to limited resources or weaker security. But with the right precautions, you can protect your business and prove the scammers wrong. Be Aware of New Threats Staying informed is your best defence. Here are some of the latest cyber threats: AI-Powered Scams : Scammers now use artificial intelligence to create convincing phishing emails and fake websites that are difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Impersonation Attacks : Posing as banks, government agencies, or suppliers, attackers aim to trick you into sharing sensitive information. Deepfake Technology : Fake audio and video messages that mimic trusted sources are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. Train Your Team Educating your team is crucial. Teach them to: Spot warning signs, like urgent requests to act quickly. Double-check email addresses and URLs before clicking on links. Be cautious with unusual requests, even if they seem legitimate. Regular training sessions and phishing simulations can help your staff stay alert and recognise scams before they cause harm. Protect Your Business Basic but effective security measures can go a long way. For example: Enable two-factor authentication to secure your accounts. Keep your software and systems up to date. Use resources like the Business Online Security Series for practical cybersecurity tips. It's also wise to consult with your IT provider to evaluate your business’s vulnerabilities and develop a cybersecurity training plan for your team. Taking action now can save your business from potential threats while safeguarding your reputation. Stay informed, train your team, and strengthen your defences!