Operating Responsibly: The Link Between EO and Good Business Charter

Ahead of the first-ever Good Business Fortnight, we explore the synergies between employee ownership and the criteria of the Good Business Charter accreditation.

Image: Getty Signature Collection

Since the launch of the employee ownership trust (EOT) eleven years ago, there’s been a surge of businesses making the move to EO, embodying a kinder, more ethically driven capitalism that puts people first. 

Driven by core values of supporting people, place, and planet, it should come as no surprise that many employee owned businesses (EOBs) boast accreditations such as B Corp. 

The B Corp movement began back in 2007, rolling out in the UK eight years later. A more recent addition to the UK’s accreditation offering is the Good Business Charter (GBC).

Launched by Julian Richer – founder of eoa member Richer Sounds and winner of the 2024 Phillip Baxendale Fellowship Award – the organisation this year celebrates its fifth anniversary.

To date, it’s accredited more than 1,300 businesses, promoting responsible business practices and behaviours, and raising awareness for what a responsible business looks like.

To secure GBC accreditation, a business must demonstrate it’s operating responsibly in ten key areas:

If that list looks familiar, it’s because these are also key areas where EOBs are statistically more likely to outperform their non-EO counterparts. 

Our research shows that by transferring ownership into the hands of the whole and providing each employee with a meaningful stake and a say, EOBs on average operate in a more responsible and sustainable way – to the benefit of people, communities, and the environment.

It’s no surprise that we’re seeing a growing number of EO businesses actively seeking GBC accreditation to validate and promote their commitment to operating responsibly. 

Over the last few years, more and more eoa member businesses have secured accreditation – often alongside others including B Corp certification.

This includes Richer Sounds, Jerba Campervans, and Cascade. 

In fact, since the eoa Annual Conference 2024 – where GBC joined B Lab UK to deliver a session dedicated to accreditations – GBC has certified Richmond & Towers Communications, Eyeful Presentations, and the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) alone.

“This milestone reflects our dedication to upholding the highest ethical standards in all our operations and reinforces our commitment to making a positive impact in the local community and the environment,” said Harvey Fremlin, MD of NSBRC.

Speaking about the recent certification, Jenny Herrera, CEO of the Good Business Charter, said: "The National Self Build & Renovation Centre reflects the values we champion at the Good Business Charter through their commitment to responsible business practices. 

“Their decision to join the GBC following a recent eoa Annual Conference, and their proactive promotion of our principles at recent events, highlight their dedication to ethical and sustainable business."

Good Business Fortnight

But you don’t need to be GBC certified to take part in the inaugural Good Business Fortnight (3-14 Feb).

By showcasing exemplary conduct, organisers the GBC aim to inspire and empower other businesses to embrace similar practices.

It also strives to educate the public on what constitutes an ethical business and why responsible action matters.

And there’s loads of informative free webinars and great ways to get involved. Just click or tap here and see for yourself. 

Don’t forget to tag both The eoa and GBC in any socials or content you share about how you’re marking Good Business Fortnight.