Bristol creative group Istoria has become the latest business in the city to achieve the rigorous global standard of B Corp certification, which recognises firms that balance profit, people and planet
Following its accreditation, Istoria Group – a collective of creative agencies spanning exhibitions, events, design and branding founded in 2007 – has become part of a community of 5,575 businesses globally that see business as a force for good and create benefits for all stakeholders and not just shareholders. 
Its recognition by B Corp takes the number of Bristol businesses to gain the prestigious accreditation to 20, making the city second only to London for accreditations reflecting its standing as a hub for businesses with purpose.
Across the UK there are more than 950 businesses certified as B Corps employing nearly 46,500 people between them.
Among Bristol organisations with B Corp status are Business West, the region’s largest business group which also runs Bristol Chamber of Commerce, PR firms Purplefish, Greenhouse and Wild West, specialist energy investment company Thrive Renewables, tea brand Pukka Herbs and financial planning firm Paradigm Norton.
UK B Corps include The Guardian, innocent, Patagonia, The Body Shop and organic food pioneers Abel & Cole.
Gaining B Corp status is the latest in a series of landmark business achievements for Istoria Group and its constituent companies – exhibitions, events and symposia designers Ignition and its purposeful digital designers Tiny Spark along with hospitality, retail and branding designer Phoenix Wharf. 
Ignition is the only company in its industry to hold The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development (2020 – 2025), alongside three ISO certifications (ISO 20121, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001).
Istoria Group, Ignition and Phoenix Wharf also have, within the last five years, won over 20 awards for project creativity, leadership and good people management.
Istoria Group and Ignition CEO Sam Rowe, pictured, said: “Whilst it’s wonderful to receive awards for individual projects and other aspects of our business achieving B Corp Certification stands alongside our Queen’s Award as indicators of what we really want to be known as – a serious business, making a serious stand on balancing people, planet and profit.
“Since our inception, we have had a particular focus on sustainability, which we don’t only define as environmental, but as being about a commitment to a long-term view of client relations, internal teambuilding, staff retention and a business culture of continuous improvement. 
“This is set in the DNA of all we do, ensuring the long-term perspective always wins out over short-term gain.”
Achieving B Corp certification meant addressing the entirety of Istoria Group’s operations, covering five key impact areas: governance, workers, community, environment and customers.
The certification process was rigorous. Applicants must reach a benchmark score of over 80 out of 200 while providing evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency.
To complete the certification, the company must also legally embed their commitment to purpose beyond profit in their company articles.
The median score for a first-time company assessment is 50.9 points. Istoria Group scored 97.1 – 17.1 points above the pass point of 80.
B Lab UK executive director Chris Turner said: “Being able to welcome Istoria Group to the B Corp community is hugely exciting.
“Their commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and really help spread the idea that we can redefine success in business to be as much about people and planet as it is about profit.
“We know that Istoria Group is going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.”
