Certify as a Responsible Business

What is it?

A single, prestigious level of certification—“Responsible Business”— that offers a clear and simple message for companies to communicate to stakeholders.

Open to founders, start-ups, and SMEs with up to 250 employees and under £50M annual revenue, across most industries.

The “Responsible Business” certification empowers founders, start-ups, and SMEs to adopt and demonstrate strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

The certification is designed to equip small businesses with a competitive advantage, preparing them for investment opportunities, market expansion, and long-term sustainability.

The certification is designed to be attainable for businesses at various stages of their journey, ensuring even small companies with limited resources can qualify.

Certification lasts 1 year and to retain the certification an annual audit is required.

Certification enables the certified business the use of the Responsible Business Logo as per the usage policy.

Benefits of being Certified

  1. Be Ready for Investment:

    • Gain the trust of Responsible Investors by showing a strong foundation, making your business more attractive for funding and future buyout opportunities.

  2. Stand Out with a Unique Selling Point:

    • Differentiate your business from competitors by demonstrating your commitment to sustainability and responsible practices, giving you a powerful edge in the market.

  3. Win More Work and Clients:

    • Showcase your certification as proof of your responsible business credentials, meeting the growing ESG expectations of clients, customers, and partners.

  4. Take Simple, Practical Steps:

    • Access an easy-to-follow framework that helps you embed ESG principles into your business without overwhelming you, making real progress achievable no matter your size or resources.

  5. Create Long-Term Value:

    • Build a stronger, more resilient business model that drives growth, enhances reputation, and delivers positive impacts for your stakeholders and the planet.

Our Commitment to Ethical Partnerships

At Responsible Business, we are dedicated to promoting sustainability, integrity, and positive impact. As part of our values, we do not certify or work with businesses involved in industries or practices that conflict with our mission to foster a responsible and sustainable future.

This includes, but is not limited to, companies primarily engaged in:

  • Tobacco production or distribution

  • Arms manufacturing or the sale of weapons

  • Fossil fuel extraction or coal-powered energy production

  • Gambling or adult entertainment industries

We reserve the right to assess the nature of each applicant’s operations to ensure alignment with our principles. By doing so, we uphold the integrity of our certification and our commitment to meaningful, positive change.