We are over the moon to share the exciting news that Projects has officially been certified as a B Corp! This accreditation is a testament to our commitment to being a business that cares for both its people and the planet. We have been diligently working towards this milestone over the past year, but our dedication to creating a positive impact dates back to the inception of Projects in 2018.
For those unfamiliar with B Corp, it is a certification for businesses to signify that they meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
This certification reinforces our mission of being the home for better business and shows that we embody our values (to inspire and to include) in five key areas: the environment, governance of the organisation, our workers, our customers and our community.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our incredible team, members and partners for their unwavering support. Their openness and constructive feedback have been instrumental in reaching this important milestone. Our community is the beating heart of what we do. From the very beginning, when we opened the doors at our first location (Beach), they welcomed us with open arms, calling Projects their home.
In the face of unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, their support was unfaltering. Their resilience, solidarity and commitment allowed us not only to weather the storm but to emerge stronger than ever. Projects survived because of them.
Now, as we embark on new horizons, opening in other cities and expanding our reach, it is their spirit that propels us forward.
As we celebrate achieving our B Corp certification, it's essential to recognise that this accomplishment is as much theirs as it is ours. We are immensely grateful for the role that they play in making Projects not just a place of work but a community of people who care.
"To our community: thank you for being the heartbeat of Projects, for calling us home, and for being the reason we can continue to grow and make a positive impact. We look forward to many more shared successes and meaningful moments with you."
Alex Young, Director
Alex and Kyle at the Better Business Summit in Manchester, the day after receiving the good news about having certified
In a time where running physical spaces is increasingly challenging, we remain steadfast in our belief in the importance that coworking plays in society. More than ever, we recognise the incredible value of bringing people together in real life. To be recognised as a B Corp as we continue our mission is a dream come true.
As we look ahead to what is set to be our most exciting year yet, we promise to keep you up to date with our developments. We invite you to follow our journey through our newsletter (link) blog and social media. Whether you're interested in trying our workspaces, attending our events, partnering with us or joining our team, we would love to hear from you.
Here's a summarised overview of our commitments to people and the planet. If you’d like to find out more about our B Corp certification or our social and environmental policies, please reach out - we’d be delighted to chat:
People:
Supporting local communities through prioritised shopping from local and minority-owned suppliers, fundraising for charities, and running an accelerator programme for start-ups who are using business as a force for good
Ensuring we uphold best practises for diversity, equality and inclusion in our recruitment, onboarding and ongoing training process and providing inclusive facilities for team, members and visitors, such as gender neutral bathrooms
Always paying all our staff and contractors, including our cleaners, at least the Living Wage and providing an annual £2,000 self directed fund for each of our team members to be able to upskill, we also give our employees paid time off for volunteering and put them through mental health first aid training, as well as offering comprehensive, fully-funded mental health support
Planet:
Commitment to achieving Net Zero, with plans to release information about our comprehensive strategy in Q2 2024
Energy and waste reduction initiatives and targets, including smart thermostats, recycling programmes and renewable electricity procurement
Sustainable construction and operations, utilising recycled materials and responsible waste disposal
Eco-friendly site services, including the use of non-toxic cleaning products, increased bike storage and reduction of plastic usage in buildings
Our commitment to positive impact doesn't end with our certification; it's a never-ending journey. To our community: thank you for supporting us, sharing our successes along the way and allowing us to be part of yours. We’re eternally grateful.