CIL becomes latest consultancy to confirm B Corp status

Global consultancy CIL has become a certified B Corporation. According to the firm, the accreditation reflects the company’s determination to make “a positive impact on society and the environment”, while reinforcing its commitment to “responsible governance and transparency”.

B Corporations (or B Corps) are companies that meet the standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability set by B Lab, a non-profit network. Over the course of certification, it evaluates companies according to their verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability.

Founded in 1986, CIL  is a dedicated strategy consulting firm that partners with management teams and investors to identify and prioritise growth opportunities across diverse sectors. The firm defines its three core values as excellence, integrity, and supportiveness. These principles “shape its operations and interactions with clients and the broader community”.

And while the company is growing rapidly, it aims to ensure that this is done in a sustainable manner. As a result, it has worked to become the latest consulting firm to receive accreditation from B Lab.

Speaking on the news, Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK, said, “We are delighted to welcome CIL Management Consultants to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies that are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good. We know that CIL is going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.”

With B Corp certification, CIL becomes part of a network of businesses committed to using their influence and resources to “create positive change”. This includes the firm’s charitable efforts, pro bono work, and sustainable business practices, which are each core elements of its strategy to grow.

Expanding on this, CIL’s Managing Partner Jon Whiteman added, “We ensure our operations are environmentally responsible and community focused. Our dedication to making a difference is reflected in our charitable partnerships, fundraising efforts and pro bono work as well as the fact we offset 110% of our emissions as part of a comprehensive climate action strategy focused on measuring, reducing, and mitigating our environmental impact. We are extremely proud that our efforts have been recognised with B Corp status.”

However, a debate around what being a B Corp actually means continues to rage around the concept. While it is often billed as being a ‘movement’, or an indicator of ethical business practices, some certified B Corps maintain that their status should not depend on which companies – such as big oil firms – they work for.

Contrary to the belief of B Corps as a movement among equals, however, And Rising CEO Jonathan Trimble has argued, “B Corporations pay a fee to support B-Lab, which formulates meticulous criteria for stakeholder management; however, B-Lab lacks capability or mandate to monitor a company’s actions on-going. B-Lab is not an ombudsman, or standard’s authority – it has no inherent duty to review anything beyond a score for certification.”