Good Business Charter

Minister visits York to support Good Business Week

Harriet Gilholm — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:52:18 +0000

12th February, 2026 – Employment Rights Minister, Kate Dearden, backs the city’s leadership in raising the bar for responsible business.

The Minister visited Good Business Charter city, York, today in a show of support for the city’s efforts to raise standards of responsible business, as part of Good Business Week.

During her visit, the Minister met with employees at Hole in Wand, Spark CIC and York Gin, speaking to them about the positive impact of good working practices.

This follows the passing of the Employment Rights Act, which will modernize the world of work for the 21st century. Reforms will range from a right to guaranteed hours to improved access to statutory sick pay, increased protection from unfair dismissal and day one entitlement to parental leave. These reforms will benefit over 18 million workers across the UK.

Employment Minister, Kate Dearden said:

“It’s fantastic to see York leading the work on responsible business.  That’s what our employment rights reforms are all about – making sure work pays and that everyone gets a fair deal.

“By delivering change together, we’re backing businesses who do the right thing and give hardworking people the job security and opportunities they deserve.”

In June 2021 York became the first Good Business Charter city with key employers in the city achieving accreditation and highlighting the importance of good business practices. Led by the University of York and City of York Council, a range of businesses have chosen to hold themselves to account in how they treat their customers, colleagues, suppliers, society and the planet. Recent local organisations who have achieved Good Business Charter accreditation include York College, nationally the second further education college to accredit, and York Minster Fund.

Sarah Leatherbarrow, Director of Marketing & External Partnerships at York College commented:

“We are delighted to have achieved accreditation from the Good Business Charter, which recognises our commitment to operating responsibly, treating people fairly, and doing business in a way that benefits our staff, partners, students and the wider community.”

Jenny Herrera, the York based CEO of the Good Business Charter, said:

“Good Business Week is a nationwide, campaign primarily across social media, to raise awareness of just how important it is for businesses to act responsibly towards all their stakeholders.

“To have the Employment Rights Minister visit some of our customer facing businesses today and talk to workers is a fitting way to celebrate these great organisations who have taken a lead and a stand for responsible business behaviour.”

The post Minister visits York to support Good Business Week appeared first on Good Business Charter.

Good Business Charter Annual Review

Harriet Gilholm — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:18:02 +0000

Take a look at what we’ve been up to over the past year! Our 2025/26 Annual Review showcases the impact of Good Business Charter-accredited organisations across the UK and the progress we’ve made together in putting people and the planet first.

Read the review

The post Good Business Charter Annual Review appeared first on Good Business Charter.

Good Business Charter and CIPD partner to champion better work for all

Harriet Gilholm — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:44:48 +0000

14th January, 2026 – The Good Business Charter (GBC), the UK’s benchmark for responsible business, has announced a new partnership with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the professional body for HR and people development.

This collaboration arrives at a time when UK organisations face growing expectations from employees, customers and wider society to demonstrate responsible and people-centred business practices. As the GBC’s new Component Partner for its employee focused principals, the CIPD can offer insights, resources and support for businesses looking to improve employee practices and engagement.

A partnership rooted in better work and fairer workplaces

Jenny Herrera, CEO of the Good Business Charter, said:

“The Good Business Charter is a simple and effective way for an organisation to demonstrate its commitment to people and planet. We are delighted to partner with such a respected organisation as the CIPD, who can offer expert support to our employee focused components as the Charter continues to develop. We also celebrate the CIPD’s own accreditation with the GBC and hope it will inspire many other organisations to follow suit in achieving our benchmark which puts people first.”

Ben Willmott, Head of Public Policy at the CIPD, said:

“When employers prioritise people, they build trust, improve wellbeing and engagement, and ultimately strengthen organisational performance. Investing in good people practice isn’t a cost – it’s a strategic driver of productivity, innovation and long-term, sustainable growth.

“We’re delighted to have partnered with the Good Business Charter on its employee principles and proud to have earned this accreditation ourselves.”

Helping organisations enhance how they support and develop their people

The CIPD has been championing better work and working lives for over 100 years, offering professional expertise, research insight and practical guidance to HR teams and business leaders across the UK and internationally. This partnership will make it easier for GBC members to access high-quality resources across areas such as:

employee voice and representation

equality, diversity and inclusion

fair pay and contracts

wellbeing and mental health

effective people management and development

The CIPD and GBC worked together on the questions used to assess employers’ alignment with the equality, diversity and inclusion component of the GBC’s accreditation. They look forward to continued collaboration to the benefit of both responsible employers and their workers.

Driving positive change in responsible business and employment standards

Founded by Julian Richer and developed in collaboration with the CBI, TUC and FSB, the Good Business Charter sets a high bar for responsible business behaviour. The CIPD, with more than 160,000 members globally, has long championed better work and better working lives, providing the standards and tools HR professionals and business leaders need to build fair and productive workplaces.

In acknowledgment of the partnership, the GBC will waive the sign-up fee for CIPD members saying ‘referred by CIPD’ at accreditation.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About the Good Business Charter
The Good Business Charter was developed, and is overseen by, the Good Business Foundation, an independent charity established in 2019 by entrepreneur Julian Richer.

The Charter is a simple accreditation which organisations in the UK can sign up to in recognition of responsible business practices.

It measures behaviour over ten components (nine for charities and public sector): real living wage; fairer hours and contracts; employee well-being; employee representation; equality, diversity and inclusion; environmental responsibility; paying fair tax; commitment to customers; ethical sourcing, and prompt payment. An organisation must meet all ten components (nine for charities and public sector) to receive GBC accreditation.

It is open to private sector, public sector and charities of all sizes including a streamlined version for organisations with 50 employees or fewer.

Website: www.goodbusinesscharter.com

GBC media contact

Harriet Gilholm

Marketing and Communications Manager

Harriet@goodbusinesscharter.com | +44 73 5567 3964

About the CIPD

The CIPD has been championing better work and working lives for over 100 years. It helps organisations thrive by focusing on their people, supporting our economies and societies. It’s the professional body for HR, L&D, OD and all people professionals – experts in people, work and change. With more than 160,000 members globally – and a growing community using its research, insights and learning – it gives trusted advice and offers independent thought leadership. It’s a leading voice in the call for good work that creates value for everyone.

Website: www.cipd.org

CIPD media contact
 press@cipd.co.uk

0208 6126400

The post Good Business Charter and CIPD partner to champion better work for all appeared first on Good Business Charter.

Good Business Charter and B Corp: different routes to responsible business

Harriet Gilholm — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:23:29 +0000

5th January, 2026

By Jenny Herrera, CEO of Good Business Charter

Without doubt the question my team and I get asked most frequently is how does the Good Business Charter compare with B Corp. So it felt worth starting 2026 with a piece on the subject!

The reality is the Good Business Charter and B Corp are very different. They are both operating in the same space of responsible business but they are quite simply different.

We applaud B Corp for all the amazing work it is doing, across the world, to champion sustainability and our team will be among the many who actively choose to buy products that are made by B Corp companies. We hear from businesses the satisfaction they rightly feel from achieving certification and the in-depth process of self-improvement they undergo to get there.

Different purposes, shared ambition

The Good Business Charter is the UK’s benchmark for responsible business behaviour as defined by the CBI and TUC, with a streamlined accreditation developed with the FSB. It is uniquely customer and colleague friendly because accredited organisations (not just businesses as these principles matter in charities and public sector organisations too) have to be committed to all ten of our components.

We believe every organisation in the UK should be operating in this way – and therefore our aim is to raise the bar on business behaviour, nudge behaviour forwards so that businesses that only do 7 or 8 of our components make changes to achieve all 10. For those already doing this GBC accreditation is super accessible and low cost and offers a clear signpost to all stakeholders that they are dealing with a responsible organisation.

We believe, therefore, that the GBC and B Corp dovetail beautifully – the one a clear benchmark of meeting what we, the CBI and TUC consider the basics of responsible business behaviour – the other a far more in-depth journey of how you continue to be a force for good.

This perspective is echoed by organisations that hold both Good Business Charter accreditation and B Corp certification, many of whom describe the two as complementary rather than competing routes to responsible business.

Megan Watkins, Senior Operations and Sustainability Manager at Bates Wells said:

“There are a variety of different programmes and certifications in the socially responsible business arena, and it can be difficult to know which ones are right for your business. For Bates Wells, we signed up to the GBC because the principles behind it align so closely with our values. As a purpose-driven firm and an existing B Corp, we were already committed to the GBC’s ten components and saw it as a further way to join like-minded organisations who are interested in making business better.”

James Gill, CEO of GoSquared said:

“We became a member of the Good Business Charter because it’s a trusted UK-based standard that clearly aligns with our values. The GBC makes a lot of sense for any business who wants to clearly demonstrate the positive change they’re making internally and externally. We became a B Corp later in as we continued to grow. B Corp certification is a significantly longer and more intense process that may not be suitable for every business. GBC paired perfectly with B Corp as a way to signal to our team and to the wider world that we’re a company determined to do the right thing in every area of the business.”

Jessie Scott, Marketing Executive at The Trampery said:

“At The Trampery, we have consciously selected a set of certifications that align with our purpose and values. Whilst B Corp is valuable as a globally recognised qualification, Good Business Charter offers a specific series of commitments that are important to The Trampery as a UK business. Purpose-led ventures shouldn’t view certification options as mutually exclusive; each one should be understood as a tool that targets a different objective.”

A practical comparison

We asked Chat GPT how it would summarise the two – and felt it was pretty useful! Take a look:

Which is better for consumers and value?

Excellent question — and a really nuanced one, because B Corps and the Good Business Charter (GBC) share many ethical and sustainability goals but differ greatly in scope, cost, and enforcement — which in turn affects their value for consumers and trustworthiness. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

⚖️ 1. Core Purpose

	B Corp	Good Business Charter (GBC)
Origin	Founded by US nonprofit B Lab (global movement).	UK-based initiative backed by Julian Richer, CBI, TUC, FSB etc.
Aim	Certify companies that balance profit and purpose through a rigorous global impact standard.	Recognise responsible UK businesses in a simple, transparent, affordable way.

🧩 2. Criteria & Rigour

	B Corp	GBC
Assessment depth	Moving to mandatory minimum standards across all areas (governance, workers, environment, etc.), replacing the previous points-based system. Companies must meet requirements in each category.	10 clear commitments (e.g. paying the real Living Wage, fair tax, prompt payments, diversity, environmental responsibility, employee well-being).
Verification	Third-party audit by B Lab every 3 years.	Self-certification checked randomly and annually renewed.
Legal change	Requires amending company Articles to embed a stakeholder purpose.	No legal change required.

💰 3. Cost & Accessibility

	B Corp	GBC
Typical cost	£1,000 – £15,000 per year depending on turnover, plus staff time for audit prep.	£50 – £3,000 per year depending on size; process takes hours, not months.
Ease of entry	Complex — often takes 6–12 months.	Simple — typically completed in a day.

💡 4. Recognition & Consumer Impact

	B Corp	GBC
Brand awareness (UK)	High among ethically-minded younger consumers and large brands (e.g. Patagonia, Tony’s, The Body Shop, Innocent).	Growing fast in UK mainstream; adopted by Richer Sounds, Timpson Locksmiths, Aviva, Mitie, etc.
Trust signal strength	Stronger globally due to rigorous audit and international scope.	Strong domestically due to clarity and British credibility (no corporate greenwash feel).
Consumer readability	Somewhat complex and “corporate sustainability-speak.”	Instantly understandable (“10 commitments you can see”).

🧭 5. Which Is “Better” for Consumers and Value?

For consumers seeking reassurance of deep, verified ethical practice →
B Corp carries more weight due to external auditing and legal purpose lock-in.
✅ Best for brand trust, export markets, and ESG-minded investors.
For consumers who want a clear, transparent, home-grown assurance mark →
Good Business Charter offers higher accessibility and broader reach, especially among SMEs.
✅ Best for scale, affordability, and encouraging mass participation in responsible business.

🏁 Summary

Best For	Recommended Scheme
Deep ethical verification, global credibility	B Corp
Practical UK standard, simplicity, cost-effectiveness	Good Business Charter
Maximum consumer value (trust × reach)	Both together — they complement each other beautifully

Which is better for consumers and value?

Excellent question — and a really nuanced one, because B Corps and the Good Business Charter (GBC) share many ethical and sustainability goals but differ greatly in scope, cost, and enforcement — which in turn affects their value for consumers and trustworthiness. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

⚖️ 1. Core Purpose

B Corp
Founded by US nonprofit B Lab (global movement).

Aim: Certify companies that balance profit and purpose through a rigorous global impact standard.

Good Business Charter (GBC)
UK-based initiative backed by Julian Richer, CBI, TUC, FSB etc.

Aim: Recognise responsible UK businesses in a simple, transparent, affordable way.

🧩 2. Criteria & Rigour

B Corp: B Corp now requires companies to meet mandatory standards across all areas, with independent verification and no overall scoring system.

Verification: Third-party audit by B Lab every 3 years.

Legal change: Requires amending company Articles to embed a stakeholder purpose.

GBC
Assessment depth: 10 clear commitments (e.g. paying the real Living Wage, fair tax, prompt payments, diversity, environmental responsibility, employee well-being).

Verification: Self-certification checked randomly and annually renewed.

Legal change: No legal change required.

💰 3. Cost & Accessibility

B Corp
Typical cost: £1,000 – £15,000 per year depending on turnover, plus staff time for audit prep.

Ease of entry: Complex — often takes 6–12 months.

GBC
Typical cost: £50 – £3,000 per year depending on size; process takes hours, not months.

Ease of entry: Simple — typically completed in a day.

💡 4. Recognition & Consumer Impact

B Corp
Brand awareness (UK): High among ethically-minded younger consumers and large brands (e.g. Patagonia, Tony’s, The Body Shop, Innocent).

Trust signal strength: Stronger globally due to rigorous audit and international scope.

Consumer readability: Somewhat complex and “corporate sustainability-speak.”

GBC
Brand awareness (UK): Growing fast in UK mainstream; adopted by Richer Sounds, Timpson Locksmiths, Aviva, Mitie, etc.

Trust signal strength: Strong domestically due to clarity and British credibility (no corporate greenwash feel).

Consumer readability: Instantly understandable (“10 commitments you can see”).

🧭 5. Which Is “Better” for Consumers and Value?

For consumers seeking reassurance of deep, verified ethical practice →
B Corp carries more weight due to external auditing and legal purpose lock-in.
✅ Best for brand trust, export markets, and ESG-minded investors.

For consumers who want a clear, transparent, home-grown assurance mark →
Good Business Charter offers higher accessibility and broader reach, especially among SMEs.
✅ Best for scale, affordability, and encouraging mass participation in responsible business.

🏁 Summary

Best For: Deep ethical verification, global credibility
Recommended Scheme: B Corp

Best For: Practical UK standard, simplicity, cost-effectiveness
Recommended Scheme: Good Business Charter

Best For: Maximum consumer value (trust × reach)
Recommended Scheme: Both together — they complement each other beautifully

Thinking about what responsible business looks like for your organisation?
Whether you’re at the start of your journey or already going beyond the basics, understanding the different routes available can help you choose the approach that’s right for you. You can find out more about Good Business Charter accreditation here.

The post Good Business Charter and B Corp: different routes to responsible business appeared first on Good Business Charter.

Do you feel lucky? Why acknowledging our own good fortune would make the world a better place

Harriet Gilholm — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:20:30 +0000

17th December, 2025

By Julian Richer, founder of Good Business Charter

When you think about what has got you to where you are today, what pops into your head first? Perhaps hard work and determination, aided by a degree of talent? No doubt these have played an important role. But how much do you think that factors outside your control – what we might think of as luck – have influenced your path in life, for good or ill?

I believe that many of us – especially those who consider ourselves successful – underestimate the role that luck has played in our lives. And I’m not just talking about random life events, like winning the lottery, I’m thinking about luck in the broader sense of the circumstances into which each of us is born.

It took me a while to realise that my journey through life has been eased by several tailwinds. I have had the incredible luck of being born in the UK, in a peaceful period of history. I was blessed with an able body and mind, and had a good upbringing, and an incredibly exclusive education. I had the freedom to take advantage of opportunities, to start my own business and pursue my ambitions. In that sense my early years were a heck of a lot easier than many people’s. And I was also extremely fortunate that my particular talents were highly valued and rewarded in the marketplace, which enabled me to become wealthy.

How about you? Maybe you were born in a period when house prices were low, or when university education was free? You may not have had all of these things, but imagine for a second that you had none of them. Imagine that you came into this world facing barriers to your progress at every stage. Your parents unemployed, or needing care from you, or working ridiculous hours in insecure jobs. Your neighbourhood wracked by deprivation, despair, pollution and crime, with precious few opportunities to move up or out. Your plans to buy a house or start a business impossible because of lack of capital, or access to it. Would I have displayed the brilliance and the sheer grit needed to overcome those barriers? Probably not.

In this country we like to think that we live in a meritocracy, where talent and hard work are rewarded by success and status, and opportunities are there for whoever is willing to work for them. Clearly this isn’t the case, when there is a record wealth gap in Britain today, with a mere 50 families owning more wealth than the poorest half of the population, while about a third of children live in poverty, and disadvantaged children are 19 months behind their peers by the time they take their GCSEs. Still, 38% of people think that someone’s chance of success depends on their own merit rather than on factors beyond their control. They subscribe to the myth of meritocracy.

The flip side of the idea that “you can make it if you try” is that if you haven’t made it, you haven’t tried hard enough. This thinking legitimises the status quo by suggesting that inequality is “fair”, allowing those who benefit from it most to frustrate attempts by governments to tackle socioeconomic inequality.

All the while, increasing inequality is poisoning our economy and undermining growth. And yet, while 85% of the British public are concerned about inequality, most politicians see tackling inequality either as a low priority or as too politically risky.

Worse still, the meritocratic myth – that we all deserve our success or lack of it – allows socioeconomic inequality to spill over into an inequality of esteem, status and dignity. This breeds resentment and disengagement among those who are deemed by society to be second-class citizens, damaging social cohesion and undermining public faith in democratic politics.

That is why dismantling the myth that we live in a meritocracy is one of the most urgent changes needed in public life today. We might not all agree on whether a truly meritocratic society is desirable, or even possible – but we should be able to come together around a recognition that we don’t live in one yet and then see if we might do something about it.

Acknowledging the role that luck has played in our lives would be a great starting point, helping to smooth the path for our political leaders to take bolder action to tackle socioeconomic inequality. If more business leaders recognised how luck has helped them, it might also encourage them to act (for example by improving pay and conditions for low-paid or insecure workers).

It is incumbent on people who have achieved some degree of success in their lives – especially those with public profiles – to step forward. All I’m asking is that my successful contemporaries recognise (if they don’t already) that they’ve benefited from some good luck along the way, whatever hard work has also been involved.

The post Do you feel lucky? Why acknowledging our own good fortune would make the world a better place appeared first on Good Business Charter.

Good Business Week: The story behind the awareness week and raising the bar together

Harriet Gilholm — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 08:43:54 +0000

Good Business week will be taking place from 9th to 13th February 2026, celebrating and raising awareness of responsible business across the UK.

Too often what we read about in the news are the scandals and examples of businesses behaving badly. Interestingly, the assumption is that all businesses are behaving responsibly until we hear they are not! Alas, that is not accurate.

In 2024 we took the decision to soft launch a Good Business Week and chose early February to tie in with the anniversary of when the Good Business Charter launched, on 10th February 2020. We were delighted by the response to Good Business Week 2024, with accredited organisations posting case studies and quotes on why #GoodBusinessMatters to them, as well as organising activities with their team. An ethically sourced cake sale was our favourite.

It was also encouraging to see a range of organisations share our social media posts, including Fair Tax Mark, the CIPD, and the Small Business Commissioner. The Good Business Charter covers such a wide range of issues that many campaign on so tirelessly, and we were grateful for opportunities to amplify their messages too as part of the week.

Building on this success, in February 2025 we expanded the campaign into Good Business Fortnight, running from 3rd to 14th February to celebrate our 5th anniversary. It also celebrated landmark accreditations, including Peabody Housing Association becoming the first housing association to join and West Thames College leading the way for further education colleges. Trade associations like Make UK also joined, encouraging their members to embed good business practices at the heart of their operations.

Good Business Week 2026: Raising the bar together

Good Business Week (9th – 13th February) returns for 2026, with the theme “Raising the Bar Together”. We’ll be celebrating the organisations that are raising standards in responsible business and inspiring others to join the movement.

All week long, we’ll be shining a spotlight on businesses putting people and the planet first – sharing achievements, amplifying stories and championing what responsible business looks like at its best.

Why it matters

Responsible business isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s what people expect. With 97% of consumers wanting organisations to behave more responsibly, there has never been a better time to lead by example.

Fair pay, supportive workplaces and strong employee voice help build healthier, happier and more engaged teams. Ethical sourcing, responsible tax practices and timely payments strengthen suppliers, small businesses and local communities. And sustainable practices protect our environment for generations to come.

By raising the bar together, we amplify our collective impact – creating a fairer, more sustainable society for all.

How to get involved

Good Business Week is your opportunity to showcase how your organisation is putting people and the planet first. Whether you’re a small start-up or a large corporation, there’s a meaningful way for you to take part. You might choose to share your story, highlight the impact of your accreditation, or encourage your network (clients, suppliers and partners) to raise the bar alongside you.

Our Good Business Week webpage will bring everything together in one place, including our full toolkit, social cards, example copy and practical ideas to help you join the campaign.

Good Business Week 2026

Visit our Good Business Week page to explore the resources and help raise the bar together!

Explore resources

The post Good Business Week: The story behind the awareness week and raising the bar together appeared first on Good Business Charter.

Mitie accredited as a member of the Good Business Charter

Harriet Gilholm — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 09:45:18 +0000

Wednesday 10th December

The accreditation reflects Mitie’s commitment to being a responsible business helping people and communities to thrive through care for colleagues, suppliers, customers and the environment
The achievement was celebrated at a breakfast event with Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the Business and Trade Committee and Jenny Herrera, CEO of the Good Business Charter
Mitie is the largest employer to be accredited to date, providing a blueprint for a more ethical future of work in the UK

L-R: Jason Towse (Managing Director, Mitie), Jenny Herrera (CEO of the GBC), Liam Byrne MP, Julian Richer (Founder of the GBC), Kathryn Dolan (Chief People Officer, Mitie)

Mitie, the UK’s leading facilities management, transformation and compliance company, has been awarded the Good Business Charter (GBC) accreditation, reflecting its commitment to responsible business practices that support people and the planet.

With 84,000 colleagues working across the country in roles from security to sustainability and cleaning to compliance, Mitie is the largest employer to be accredited by the GBC, meeting the standard required across all ten commitments of the Charter. It has pledged to continue to uphold the commitments, which collectively promote care for colleagues, suppliers, customers and the environment, while ensuring fair tax practices.

The accreditation was marked this morning at a breakfast reception held at Mitie’s headquarters in The Shard. The breakfast was hosted by Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the Business and Trade Committee, Jenny Herrera, CEO of the Good Business Charter and Jason Towse, Managing Director, Business Services at Mitie. It brought together business leaders ranging from multinationals to SMEs as well as policymakers and third parties to discuss how the Government and industry can work together in to ensure organisations are increasingly empowered to adopt responsible business practices, raising standards for workers throughout the UK whilst enabling economic growth.

Founded in 2020 by Julian Richer, founder of Richer Sounds, the Good Business Charter is the UK’s benchmark for responsible business behaviour. It was developed with the Confederation of British Industry and The Trades Union Congress, representing the voices of both businesses and workers. With 97% of the public wanting to support responsible businesses, the Charter provides an accessible accreditation that demonstrates this behaviour, including prioritising colleagues and caring for the environment.

The Good Business Charter aims to champion ethical behaviour and to provide a benchmark as to what constitutes a good business in the UK. There are over 1,000 organisations who have received this accreditation, sharing best practice on how to demonstrate responsible business behaviour through every area of operation.

By choosing to join the Good Business Charter, Mitie is helping to set a higher standard for the facilities management industry and wider British business, evidencing that major employers can lead with fairness, responsibility and care, providing a blueprint for a more ethical future of work in the UK. Mitie recognises the growing need for successful businesses to drive meaningful social impact and have as part of our ‘Plan Thrive’ mission, have committed to uplifting 1 million lives through inclusive employment and helping people to build sustainable careers.

Jason Towse, Managing Director, Business Services, Mitie said:

“We are incredibly proud to have achieved Good Business Charter accreditation, setting the benchmark for responsible business in the UK This recognition reflects our commitment to creating better places and thriving communities, supporting our colleagues, customers and communities through fair practices and sustainable growth.

“As a top ten UK employer and the largest to be accredited, Mitie is leading the way in championing fairness, sustainability, and integrity. It was a privilege to celebrate this achievement alongside Liam Byrne, Jenny Herrera, and fellow leaders who share our vision for responsible business. Together, we can drive positive change across British Industry.”

Jenny Herrera, CEO, the Good Business Charter, said:

“The Good Business Charter is here to raise the bar at a time when too many businesses settle for the minimum in how they treat their colleagues, customers, suppliers and the planet. We’re so pleased to spotlight Mitie as one of the major employers standing for doing the right thing and behaving responsibly towards all their stakeholders across our ten components.”

Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the Business and Trade Committee said:

“I met Jason Towse, Managing Director of Mitie, at a Good Business Charter event earlier this year – and the determination the team has shown in achieving accreditation in less than a year is a testament to their commitment to responsible business and should serve as an inspiration to businesses up and down the country.

“Responsible business isn’t an optional extra; it’s central to driving growth – for companies, for employees and for Britain. I’m delighted to celebrate Mitie’s leadership in proving that doing the right thing is good business.”

The post Mitie accredited as a member of the Good Business Charter appeared first on Good Business Charter.

Make it a Good Business Christmas: Show you’re a responsible business with your accreditation

Harriet Gilholm — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:18:30 +0000

1st December, 2025

This festive season, consumers across the UK are thinking not just about gifts, but the businesses they support. 97% of people want organisations to act responsibly. With people increasingly choosing companies that care about people and the planet, GBC-accredited organisations have a unique opportunity to stand out and earn trust.

A simple way to show your commitment is by proudly displaying your Good Business Charter accreditation.

A trusted signpost for customers

In a world full of claims about sustainability and ethics, the GBC accreditation stamp is a clear, trusted signpost. When customers see it, they know your organisation is walking the talk, paying fairly, ethical sourcing, paying fair tax, reducing environmental impact and more.

Displaying your GBC accreditation prominently on your website, in-store, on packaging and across marketing materials reassures shoppers that your business is truly committed to doing the right thing.

Encourage customers to choose you

With 89% of consumers more likely to switch where they shop based on a company’s behaviour, displaying your GBC accreditation isn’t just a badge of honour – it’s a powerful way to build loyalty and boost sales. By showing that your organisation acts ethically and responsibly, you can influence customer choices and stand out in a busy market.

Accreditation alone isn’t enough – it works best when actively promoted. Here are some simple ways to do this:

Display the GBC logo prominently on your website, product pages and receipts.

Shout about your accreditation on social media and join in on our festive campaign.

Share your story: show how your business puts people and the planet first, giving customers a reason to support you.

Why it matters this Christmas

This festive season, GBC-accredited organisations have a wonderful opportunity to shine, helping customers support businesses that are creating a fairer, more sustainable society. By showcasing your responsible practices, you’re not just celebrating your achievements – you’re inspiring others to make choices that make a difference.

Join in on the Good Business Charter festive campaign!

Visit our campaign webpage to find out more and download assets to support your campaign.

Find out more

The post Make it a Good Business Christmas: Show you’re a responsible business with your accreditation appeared first on Good Business Charter.

Good Business Charter and Investors in the Environment unite to champion environmental action

Harriet Gilholm — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:49:05 +0000

Tuesday 4th November – The Good Business Charter (GBC), the UK’s benchmark for responsible business, has announced a new partnership with Investors in the Environment (iiE).

The collaboration comes at a critical time, with UK businesses under growing pressure from customers, employees and investors to demonstrate real progress towards sustainability and net zero targets alongside other socially responsible business practices.

The GBC and iiE come together to encourage organisations to step up their environmental ambitions and wider responsible business practices, and to gain recognition for their achievements.

A shared vision for a fairer, greener economy

Jenny Herrera, CEO of the Good Business Charter, said:

“Environmental responsibility is a core pillar of the Good Business Charter, but we know that many organisations need specialist guidance to help them go further and faster. This partnership with Investors in the Environment (iiE) gives our members access to proven expertise and practical tools, while making it easier for iiE members to be recognised for their broader responsible business practices, by accrediting with the GBC.”

Antony Gough, National Lead of Investors in the Environment, said:

“iiE exists to make environmental action achievable for every business, whether they’re just starting out or already aiming for ambitious sustainability targets. Partnering with the Good Business Charter connects our work to a wider network of organisations that share our values and want to lead by example, whilst encouraging our members to go further and demonstrate their wider responsible business practices.”

Helping businesses raise their environmental game

iiE has spent over 15 years guiding organisations of all sizes through the process of improving environmental management, reducing emissions and embedding sustainable practices. iiE is best known for its well-respected green business accreditation and tailored one-to-one support to help its members improve their environmental performance. It also offers training and learning support via its own Green Champions training, the iiE Stickerbook micro-learning platform, and Carbon Literacy courses, as well as being a provider of ISEP (previously IEMA) certified training.

As part of the partnership, iiE will be piloting iiE Essentials for GBC accredited organisations, a newly developed taster version of the main iiE programme, offering practical resources for smaller organisations or those beginning their sustainability journey.

The GBC was launched 5 years ago as the UK’s benchmark for responsible business practices. It has been adopted by organisations of all types and sizes and helps them demonstrate and communicate that they care for both people and planet. The Charter incorporates looking after employees and social responsibilities, alongside a commitment to environmental responsibility.

iiE members can use the programme resources to meet the Environmental Responsibility component of the GBC’s ten-part framework – making it easier for them to be recognised more widely for their responsible business practices and become GBC accredited. In addition, iiE organisations will have the GBC sign-up fee waived, supporting more businesses to gain broader recognition for commitments such as fair pay, employee wellbeing and ethical sourcing.

Meanwhile, GBC-accredited organisations will be encouraged to explore iiE’s support to further deepen their environmental practices and will benefit from a 10% discount on iiE Essentials or iiE Accreditation membership packages (first year’s membership only) or off any training available through the programme.

Together for a fairer, greener future

Founded by Julian Richer and developed in collaboration with the CBI, TUC and FSB, the Good Business Charter sets a high bar for responsible business across ten components that align with public expectations and support business resilience. Investors in the Environment has over a decade of experience helping organisations reduce their environmental impact, measure and report on progress and gain recognition for their achievements.

Together, this partnership strengthens the UK’s ecosystem of responsible business – growing a movement rooted in fairness, sustainability and lasting impact.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About the Good Business Charter
The Good Business Charter was developed, and is overseen by, the Good Business Foundation, an independent charity established in 2019 by entrepreneur Julian Richer.

The Charter is a simple accreditation which organisations in the UK can sign up to in recognition of responsible business practices.

It is open to private sector, public sector and charities of all sizes including a streamlined version for organisations with 50 employees or fewer.

Website: www.goodbusinesscharter.com

GBC media contact

Harriet Gilholm

Marketing and Communications Manager

Harriet@goodbusinesscharter.com | +44 73 5567 3964

About Investors in the Environment 

Investors in the Environment (iiE) has over 15 years of experience of helping businesses of all sizes and sectors to develop their environmental management and gain recognition for their achievements. 

iiE provides the tools, templates and support for any organisation, wherever they are on their environmental sustainability journey – whether they are just getting started or are looking to set net zero carbon targets, to report their environmental performance to stakeholders or to gain an accreditation in recognition of their achievements.  iiE’s full membership package includes one-to-one support and involves an annual audit of performance and progress, the iiE Essentials programme provides access to a wealth of resources to support organisations wanting to take the very first steps to improving their environmental management and measure their carbon emissions. iiE also delivers Carbon Literacy and its own Green Champion training, as well as being a provider of ISEP (previously IEMA) certified training.

Website: www.iie.uk.com

iiE media contact

Alexandra Szczurek

Marketing & Communications Manager

alexandra.szczurek@iie.uk.com | 01733 568408 Ext 307

The post Good Business Charter and Investors in the Environment unite to champion environmental action appeared first on Good Business Charter.

Minister Lloyd: Why cyber security matters for every business

Harriet Gilholm — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 11:04:04 +0000

23rd October, 2025

By Minister Lloyd

Every firm now runs on digital systems, from payroll and payment readers to logistics. That dependence brings everyday exposure to cyber threats, and when those systems are hit, business stops.

Malicious actors are exploiting vulnerabilities to disrupt operations and damage profitability. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned that hostile cyber activity is becoming more frequent and sophisticated, with 600,000 businesses estimated to have suffered a breach or attack in the last year. Recent incidents in retail and manufacturing underscore the severity of the threats we face, and the impact attacks can have.

Managing cyber security risk effectively is now essential to business continuity and competitiveness. Done well, it builds trust, supports innovation, and drives growth. That’s why I welcome the addition of cyber security to the Good Business Charter. It recognises that strong cyber governance is a core port of responsible business behaviour.

Resilience starts with preparation. Business leaders should ensure they have a robust incident response plan in place, which has been tested within the last year. Being prepared for the worst will help companies when they have to respond to a cyber incident and will increase their chances of being able to maintain operations when an attack happens.

We need to ensure businesses across the economy are prepared for cyber incidents and I encourage all GBC accredited organisations to:

Use the Cyber Governance Code of Practice: this resource sets out the fundamental actions to govern cyber risk effectively, including developing and testing incident response plans and creating a cyber security culture.
Sign up to the NCSC’s early warning service: this free service informs your organisation of potential cyber attacks on your network
Adopt Cyber Essentials and require it in your supply chain: Cyber Essentials is the minimum cyber security standard that businesses should have and prevents the majority of common attacks.

Taking these steps affirms your commitment to the updated Good Business Charter, strengthens your organisation and supports a more resilient UK economy.

The post Minister Lloyd: Why cyber security matters for every business appeared first on Good Business Charter.