It's a phrase I've heard many times - Actions speak louder than words. But as I sat in the stalls at the New Theatre Oxford for the B-Corp Festival, Louder than Words, which showcased the largest collection of B-Corps in the world...it hit me.
There were c2000 people in the audience, from a wide variety of backgrounds, sectors, cultures but all with a common belief. We should and could be doing more…
The overarching belief is that Business is a Force for Good – we should and can do more to protect our planet and our people whilst staying aligned to our purpose and just to be clear for the naysayers out there, this is not at the risk of profit
we include that too. Coming together to take action, discuss, challenge and collaborate. I also partake with many others in drinking red wine and eating lots of food, the odd run, walk and stroll around the sensational city that is Oxford before you even go there.
In a world where so many tick boxes, take the path of least resistance and value convenience over the future of our planet, the sustainability of our eco systems and the responsibility of doing Better, even when no-one is watching- this is refreshing. There is no being here to look good, tick a box or hit a quota, we are committed to change, acknowledge our responsibility and hold a desire to challenge the capitalist economy we live in.
Louder than words provided challenge. How can we be better, do better, act better
an interesting, thought provoking question I’m sure you will agree. B-Lab UK, who led the conference, stated their ambitious and bold vision that within the next ten years, every business will be acting as a Force For Good. Each morning the collective sessions at the New Theatre formed a collaborative space to listen and learn from some inspirational key notes with Mary Portas leading the way for a more beautiful business, panels asking us to consider equity in every decision making process and Less, Better, Local from Patrick Grant. The afternoon sessions were spread across the spectacular Oxford city scape and hosted a plethora of topics and options to choose from. We attended sessions including;
Reframing diversity,
Big relationships = Big impact,
Embodying purpose,
Policy making for SMEs in a B-Corp world
Empowering Change – Better Business Act
For those of you still new to the B-Corp concept, it’s one to review. Have a look at the Better Business Act (About The Better Business Act – A Campaign for Better Business) the impact you as an individual and business can have locally to your community, economy and overall environment. In the coming weeks I’m proud to have been nominated as a co-chair as we officially launch the B-Local in the North East along with Gemma, Mandy and Suzanne. We will be hosting regular events and ways for North East businesses to collaborate, engage and share, B-Corp or not and hope to see many of you there.
We at Just Williams believe above all that our businesses should be used as a force for good, we have a responsibility for our future generations, for our planet and to leave our world in a better place. If you want to know more – you know where we are
www.justwilliamsltd.co.uk