Unlike other certifications for businesses, B Lab (the non-profit, global, certifying partner for B Corp) is unique in its ability to assess a company’s entire social and environmental impact across operations and products/services. B Corps are also legally committed to bringing benefit not just to shareholders, but all business stakeholders — employees, customers, communities, and the environment. The process of certification includes reporting on 5 key areas of THINKHOUSE’s business: workers; environment, governance, customers and community.

Claire Hyland, Head of The Youth Lab, THINKHOUSE, said: “A Herculean effort was made by the team to get to this point. The B Impact Assessment was a stringent and detailed process that forced us to document and record many of the positive contributions we make through our work; both independently, with partners and in collaboration with our clients. We work with progressive brands that care about people and planet and this certification is a validation of our commitment and credibility in this space, and a tribute to our clients who seek to improve their own social and environmental outcomes. Together, with them we’re here to make business a force for good, and ensure that alongside profit; people and planet can thrive. And as all B Corps know, first-time certification is just a benchmark for a journey of continuous improvement…”

Since 2006 the B Corp movement has been advancing its mission and now over 7,400 companies across 92 countries and 161 industries are B Corp Certified. In Ireland, the movement is at a very early stage with just 20 B Corp Certified companies including Danone, Baileys and Strong Roots. Internationally, Patagonia, Ben & Jerry's, Tony Chocolonely and WeTransfer are amongst the most well recognised B Corp brands. In the marketing world, in recent years, agencies such as Weiden + Kennedy network, Barkley and Elvis have joined the B Corp community.

James McManus, Director, B Lab Ireland, said “We’re really excited to welcome THINKHOUSE into the B Corp community, they are demonstrating real leadership in the marketing sector and we hope that others will follow. The company really exemplifies what it means to be a B Corp and its commitment to ‘working with brands and businesses that care about people and planet’ is evident in the work they do and organisations they partner with. We look forward to benefiting from THINKHOUSE’s creativity, ambition and passion as they help us, through this movement, transform the global economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet.”

David Coyle, Head of Commercial Operations, THINKHOUSE said; “Without doubt it is a big undertaking for any company, but the benefits are widely documented. Being a B Corp means being part of a community of businesses that are outperforming ‘business as usual’ across multiple metrics including, but not limited to; reputation, employee attractiveness, revenue and growth. (EU B Corps have achieved an impressive 22% annual increase in revenue between three-year certification periods. Source: B Corp). B Corp entities are pro-profit; without margin there is no mission. The goal is to find a sweet spot that promotes sustainability and social benefit while still making money.”

Jane McDaid, Founder of THINKHOUSE said: “Becoming a B Corp is such a THINKHOUSE thing to do. It’s about putting in immense effort into something that we know actually matters, even if it’s not ‘what the industry does’ yet. For years, we’ve been very inspired by the B Corp clients we’ve worked with; Ben & Jerry’s; Tony Chocolonely and innocent drinks; their world-view has always been a strong match for ours. Being part of this international community brings enormous opportunity to us, and our client network. I think it’s no longer good enough to aim to be ‘the best in the world’, but instead we must also aim to be the ‘best for the world.”

LINKS: B Corp | B Lab Global Annual Review 2022 | THINKHOUSE |