Joiin has celebrated its B Corp Certification, an international endorsement that recognises the company’s collective commitment to upholding the highest standards of social, economic and environmental responsibility.
Since 2022, Joiin have been working towards becoming BCorp certified. Through this process they are demonstrating their commitment to BCorp’s core values: People, Planet, Profit. Often termed the ‘triple bottom line’, the objective is to measure success against all three of these pillars, rather than to focus solely on financial performance.
Based in the UK but with a global customer base, Joiin is the consolidation app for accountants, owners, investors and business collaborators, offering a cloud-based solution to management reporting.
What is a BCorp?
In 2006, BLab developed the BCorp certification process. This uses a set of guiding principles to support organisations to shift their business models to balance profit with social and environmental responsibility. B Corp is now a globally recognised certification body with over 8,000 Certified B Corporations in more than 100 countries and over 160 industries.
Journey to B Corp
B Corp certification involves the implementation of changes to improve social and environmental performance. Joiin hope to create a ripple effect and the changes will benefit their workforce and customers, and the world in which they do business.
Joiin is a company with a conscience. Before applying to BCorp, they had implemented schemes such as car sharing, the cycle to work scheme, and purchasing recycled and sustainably-made furniture for our offices. Their decision to base themselves at Exeter Science Park was influenced by its impressive eco credentials, including net zero carbon buildings, electric vehicle charge points and an electric bike station – all designed to enable commuters to choose more sustainable methods of transport into work.
They also undertook a charity hike in spring, covering 28 miles along the Jurassic Coast to raise money for WaterAid. As a close knit team from a coastal town in East Devon, Wateraid was a natural choice for Joiin, and together they raised over £1500.
Certification means that Joiin is now part of a community of businesses leading the way for a better future, putting people, communities and the environment we all live in first. Recent changes include working with suppliers that are transparent on their own environmental and social impact and reinforcing their commitment to having an open door policy on subjects like equality, diversity, mental health and inclusion with their team.
For Kate Baker, Joiin’s Social Media and Communities Manager, who led the certification process, B Corp puts Joiin within a global movement of companies dedicated to using business as a force for good. Kate commented: “The B Corp Certification process has been fascinating, challenging and at times quite intense! It’s a huge achievement for us at Joiin. I’m thrilled to bits we’ve been certified and the entire team is proud to join a community of businesses making a difference.
“We feel strongly that organisations of all sizes, in all sectors are accountable for the impression we leave on our planet and the people we work with. — going through the BCorp process has propelled us forward in making the necessary changes.”
Achieving B Corp status is a significant milestone. It involves a rigorous process that begins with a comprehensive application that examines every aspect of business practices – from environmental impact and community involvement to employee welfare and governance structures. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about demonstrating genuine, measurable commitment to making a positive impact.
The verification process, which can take up to a year, involves detailed documentation, third-party assessments, and often a series of challenging improvements to meet the standards set by B Lab, the nonprofit behind the B Corp certification.
For Joiin, this journey has been one of reflection and growth, aligning our business practices with the values we want in our community.
The company strongly believe that profit and purpose go hand in hand, and it doesn’t stop now. It is excited about the future and the opportunities this certification brings.
Joiin’s Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Shipway, said: “We are delighted to achieve B Corp Certification at Joiin. This milestone underscores our unwavering commitment to social and environmental responsibility, reflecting the inclusive and sustainable culture we are working hard to build. It is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication to the triple bottom line – People, Planet, and Profit – showcasing our ongoing efforts to balance purpose with business success.”
