The Rise of Purpose-Driven Business

While London and the South East have traditionally dominated the UK’s B Corp landscape, a quiet but powerful movement is taking root in Yorkshire. A growing cohort of companies, from digital agencies to natural mineral water brands, is proving that balancing profit with purpose is not only possible but is becoming a key driver of regional growth.

This is a story of businesses that have committed to a rigorous, externally verified standard of social and environmental performance. These are the companies leading Yorkshire’s ethical economy, and their impact is being felt far beyond their local communities.

Here are B Corp-certified companies with a significant presence in Yorkshire that are setting a new standard for business.

Titus Learning

Sector: EdTech

Analysis: Based in Shipley, Titus Learning is a digital learning company specialising in Moodle and Totara LMS solutions. The company exemplifies how a technology firm can align its commercial mission with a broader social purpose, contributing to a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce by empowering organisations, from charities to global corporations, with the tools to improve their learning. Their commitment to the B Corp ethos is woven into their service model, positioning them as a partner for businesses with a similar mission.

Flaunt Digital

Sector: Digital Marketing

Analysis: Flaunt Digital is a Leeds-based digital agency specialising in SEO, PPC, and web development. Its B Corp certification signals a new era for the digital services sector in Yorkshire, demonstrating that a values-driven approach can be a powerful differentiator. The agency’s commitment to high standards of social and environmental impact, coupled with a focus on employee well-being and community, sets it apart in a highly competitive market.

Full Circle Funerals

Sector: Funeral Services

Analysis: Full Circle Funerals is a company redefining a traditional industry by providing a supportive, person-centred approach to end-of-life care. Its B Corp status is a testament to the fact that the movement can be applied to any sector, as the company’s focus on having a positive impact on its clients, community, and the environment sets a new standard for compassionate business in Yorkshire.

Zest

Sector: GreenTech / Electric Vehicles

Analysis: As one of the fastest-growing companies in its sector, Leeds-based Zest is at the forefront of the UK’s transition to electric vehicles. Its B Corp certification validates its commercial mission, to provide abundant, convenient, and reliable EV charging, with its social and environmental purpose, demonstrating how a business can drive both profitability and positive change.

Harrogate Spring Water

Sector: FMCG / Beverages

Analysis: Harrogate Spring Water’s B Corp certification highlights the growing consumer demand for sustainable and ethically sourced products. The company’s commitment to environmental stewardship is a key part of its brand identity, and its success demonstrates how a values-driven approach can be a powerful competitive advantage in a crowded market.

Ellers Farm Distillery

Sector: Food & Drink / Spirits

Analysis: Based in North Yorkshire and Co-owned by Ricky Gervais, Ellers Farm Distillery is a compelling example of a craft producer building its brand on a foundation of sustainability. Its B Corp status validates its commitment to making high-quality spirits in the most ethical and environmentally friendly way possible, appealing to a new generation of conscious consumers.

Steenbergs

Sector: Food & Drink / Spices

Analysis: Steenbergs, a family-owned business, has successfully scaled its operations while remaining true to its core ethical values. Its B Corp status is a testament to its commitment to fair trading and ethical sourcing, building a business that benefits its community, its employees, and the planet.

Dark Woods Coffee

Sector: Food & Drink / Coffee

Analysis: Dark Woods Coffee is an award-winning speciality coffee roaster whose B Corp certification is a powerful statement of its commitment to a transparent and ethical supply chain. In a market where ethical sourcing is a key differentiator, the company’s B Corp status provides a third-party validation that resonates with its customers and reinforces its brand’s reputation for quality and integrity.

The Bio-D Company

Sector: Consumer Goods / Cleaning

Analysis: The Bio-D Company’s B Corp status demonstrates its commitment to sustainability in a sector often associated with harsh chemicals and single-use plastics. Its focus on effective, ethical, and eco-friendly products positions it as a leader in a market where consumers are increasingly looking for greener alternatives.

A Movement for the Future

These companies are not just part of a global movement; they are a clear sign that Yorkshire’s business landscape is evolving. By prioritising social and environmental impact alongside profit, these B Corps are proving that a successful business can, and should, be a force for good. Their collective success provides a powerful narrative for the future of the region’s economy, one built on the principles of integrity, transparency, and a commitment to all stakeholders.

Are you a Yorkshire B-Corp that would like to be featured? Email editor@thebusinessjournal.co.uk.