Travel management company Travel Places has announced its B Corporation certification, joining more than 1,400 B Corps in the UK, including The Guardian, innocent and The Body Shop.
The TMC, which specialises in arranging travel for the sports, media and entertainment industry, said the certification process meant it had to meet “rigorous standards” of accountability.
The Worthing-based agency had to verify its social and environmental performance and the impact of the business on employees, customers, communities and the environment.
Travel Places joins a small number of travel companies to have achieved certification and is only the second business travel management company within the B Corp community.
Matthew Warren, joint managing director at the TMC, said: “This is an incredible milestone for us at Travel Places, and one that we are all exceptionally proud of.
“We’ve always been passionate about balancing profit and purpose but by becoming a certified B Corporation we now have a globally recognised stamp of these efforts that further strengthens our commitment to contribute to a better, more sustainable future.
“We accept the impact that travel and events programmes can have on our resources, society and the environment.
“But we also strongly believe that they can be a powerful force for good and we have embraced our responsibility in facilitating that.
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“Becoming B Corp marks the start of the next phase of our journey.
“We’re committed to a path of continual improvement and will keep pushing forward, identifying more ways to support our community of staff, local suppliers and charities, and always striving to make the right decisions to increase our positive impact on the world.”
As a certified B Corp business, Travel Places has shown how it can “balance profits with purpose”. To maintain certification, companies must reassess and reverify every three years.
Chris Turner, executive director of certification body B Lab UK, added: “This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good.
“We know that Travel Places are going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.
“Welcoming Travel Places is an exciting moment because they have an opportunity to lead the way within the business travel industry.”
In order to reach the standards required by B Corp, Travel Places has taken steps such as cutting its carbon footprint at its head office with solar panels and a switch to electric vehicles.
It is offsetting emissions that are impossible to avoid and increasing its community involvement by partnering with local charities to fundraise, support and raise awareness.
The firm improved provisions for staff by committing to paying a living wage, refreshing wellbeing campaigns, and is supporting its clients’ sustainability efforts.
It has also launched a training academy, providing increased opportunities for those looking to begin a career in travel.