BGF, one of the largest and most experienced growth capital investors in the UK and Ireland, has become a certified UK B Corporation.
BGF says its B Corp status reflects its long-standing commitment to creating a positive impact both within and beyond the organisation. Through its investments, BGF seeks to foster sustainable, responsible and transparent business practices across its large, diversified portfolio of growth companies.
Since its inception in 2011, BGF has provided over £3.8 billion to more than 550 companies across every corner of the UK and Ireland.
The B Corp certification addresses the entirety of a business’s operations and covers five key impact areas of Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers. The certification process is rigorous, with applicants required to provide evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency.
“We are incredibly proud to join the B Corp community which has been a central goal for BGF,” said Roshni Bandesha, head of ESG at BGF.
“It was a fantastic learning journey with multiple opportunities for cross-collaboration across the business, and the team at B Lab provided tremendous support along the way. While the certification process requires a benchmark score of over 80 to pass, BGF achieved a score of 97.5.
“This is a strong place to start and reflects the positive actions that we are already taking. We look forward to building on the score further in the months and years to come.
“BGF exists to deliver a positive impact, through our investment, support and influence and we believe that aligning to good ESG practices is essential to building strong, sustainable and prosperous businesses that have a positive impact on both people and the planet.”
In the last 12 months, BGF has launched the BGF Foundation to deliver meaningful impact to small and mid-sized charities across the UK and Ireland. It is also leading the field in spearheading ED&I both within its own teams and those of its portfolio.
Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK, added: “Being able to welcome BGF to the B Corp community is hugely exciting. Their commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and really help spread the idea that we can redefine success in business to be as much about people and planet as it is about profit.”