How we support clients with B Corp certification

If you’re seriously thinking about becoming a B Corp, congratulations! It’s a big decision, and it requires a deep commitment to being a truly sustainable business, but you’ll become part of an extraordinary, supportive network, and it’s a step we believe every business should take when they are ready.

Becoming a B Corp requires a lot of planning and organisation. It also may require support from your professional advisers, and that includes your accountant.

Preparing your business for B Corp

There are some key considerations for applying for B Corp membership in 2026. The first is to note that B Corp has brought in new standards for applications. Large enterprises and multinational companies now have to apply under the new standard, which comes into operation in March 2026. Smaller companies – known as Standard Approach companies – can apply before the end of February 2026, but you will need to have your completed assessment ready by this time.

So, if you’re only just starting to contemplate B Corp status, here’s what you need to do:

1. Take a look at the B Corp training options so you know exactly what’s involved.
2. Make sure you’re eligible by looking at the B Corp website.
3. Complete the B Impact Assessment, which is a self-assessment process. This will help you to see what you’re doing well, and identify any gaps in your approach.
4. Use all the guidance and support available – it really will help!
5. Speak to other B Corps – they will all be willing to chat to you about the process and give you help and advice based on their own experiences.
6. Download our free Be Climate Confident guide.

 

How can Switchfoot Accounting help your B Corp process?

It’s a good idea to involve your professional advisers in your B Corp application. That’s partly because your focus on sustainable operations will also have an effect on your business planning and day-to-day working, but it’s also because there are some practical things you’ll need to prove.

Working with Switchfoot Accounting puts you ahead of the game because we are already a B Corp. So, we’ve been through the process, we’re actively involved in the B Corp and wider sustainability community, and we know exactly how to help you through the process.

This can include:

• Helping to set up Xero to help generate the data needed for the B Impact Assessment
  • Financials and year-end figures
  • Supplier spend analysis
  • Supplier analysis
  • Customer spend analysis
  • Customer analysis
  • Set targets & budgets
• Putting in place accurate bookkeeping and accounting to give you and B Labs UK visibility over your business.
• Working with carbon specialists to create the calculations and reduction plans you need. This helps you to identify priority areas and make suggestions for actions. And encourage you to look more widely than carbon emissions when calculating your impact.
• Making an introduction to specialists if support is needed in particular areas, such as B leaders, Justice, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) specialists or impact consultants.
• Giving you support with banking choices, pensions and investment planning through our associated company, Switchfoot Wealth.
• Providing financial education and training consultancy for long-term sustainability gains if needed.
• Introducing you to creating collective actions and system thinking strategies.
• Supporting you with planning for the future and identifying priority projects for impact.

Talk to us about your B Corp ambitions

We know that this is a big step, and not one you take lightly. Why not start by chatting to us about our experience, and share the lessons we’ve learned – not just from our own certification but from our wide network of B Corp companies.

Just get in touch today for that all-important initial chat.