The official accreditation evidences high social and environmental business performance across five key areas, with the Herefordshire-based company scoring particularly highly within the areas ‘workers’ and ‘community’.

“It’s the culmination of a lot of work and an 18-month process that’s built on our existing foundations over the last 18 years.

“It was a no brainer to go for B Corp as our company values were so aligned already, with our focus on giving back to people and planet,” says Catherine Linch, managing director and founder of Pinstone.

One of Pinstone’s initial B Corp investments was to set-up 10 commercial beehives and plant a wildflower mix over seven acres set within a 40-acre commercial apple orchard last year to improve the area as a habitat for pollinators.

Other commitments include the ‘Target 52’ team training initiative, with everyone in the agency tasked with participating in 52 hours of training throughout the year.

“We’re also engaging clients and the industry in championing issues that impact them. This year that’s taking the form of hosting an event that brings experts together on the implications of artificial intelligence on the communications sector.

“Providing role models for women in business and supporting the professional networking group Meat Business Women, through our sponsorship, is another example where we are aiming to make a difference.

“It really is a holistic commendation for a well-run business and it doesn’t stop here,” says Mrs Linch.

“There was already an internal mantra of ‘being the Bees’ Knees’ which encompasses everything from our investment in our people and professional development, through to giving back to the environment and the industry we are rooted in,” Mrs Linch adds.

“Fundamentally we want to use ‘communications as a force for good.

“All of our team are a member of at least one subgroup – people, planet or purpose – to contribute to our ongoing B Corp journey.

“So, the ‘planet team’ for example are trialling different systems to help reduce waste, review emissions and energy use and are getting everyone thinking more about being planet friendly,” she says.

The whole company B Corp assessment entailed a rigorous process that included changing the corporate governance structure to be accountable to all stakeholders, not just shareholders.

Pinstone now joins over 1,500 businesses who are currently certified B Corp in the UK – a number that has nearly doubled in the past year. There are now over 7,000 Certified B Corporations in the world, across more than 80 countries spanning over 150 industries – including big food brands such as Innocent and Gousto.