A new business group aims to boost the local economy and community.
B Local Cambridgeshire is a regional network which seeks to build on the momentum of the growing B Corp movement.
Certified B Corporations – or B Corps – are independently verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
There are over 2,600 certified B Corps across the UK working to transform the global economy for the benefit of all people, communities and the planet.
B Locals are place-based communities set up to create connections, maximise the positive impact of local B Corp communities, and raise awareness of the B Corp movement.
B Local Cambridgeshire will serve as a hub for networking, collaboration, and collective action among businesses in the region that meet B Corps’ highest standards.
The initiative is led by a team of four volunteer co-chairs representing diverse sectors across Cambridgeshire’s business landscape:
Matthew Walkley, Head of B2B Marketing, Cambridge Judge Business School
Zoë Scorer, Managing Director, Conscious Communications
Ian Sparks, Head of Business Operations, Coracle Online
Sophie Pearson, External Engagement Manager, Costello Medical
The co-chairs will be responsible for leading engagement with members, organising regular events and activations, coordinating collective action initiatives, and spearheading regional participation in key campaign moments such as B Corp Month, which takes place every March.
B Local Cambridgeshire’s inaugural event took place in December at Hilton Cambridge City Centre.
“Cambridgeshire has a thriving community of purpose-driven businesses, and B Local Cambridgeshire will amplify our collective impact,” said co-chair Zoë Scorer.
“We’re excited to create meaningful connections and demonstrate that business can be a powerful force for positive change in our region.”
Fellow co-chair Sophie Pearson added: “Following a successful collaborative event to mark B Corp month in March last year, Costello Medical is excited to be involved in this new B Local to build on the interest in the Cambridgeshire region from businesses committed to being a force for good.”
Matthew Walkley said: “By bringing together purpose-led organisations and sharing knowledge, we can accelerate collective impact and demonstrate how business, education and community can work hand in hand to drive meaningful change.”
“B Local Cambridgeshire gives businesses like ours a vital platform to connect with other purpose-driven leaders, share best practices, and truly accelerate our collective impact,” added Ian Sparks.
The UK is currently home to 19 B locals, each with their own points of focus. By joining together through B Local Cambridgeshire, certified B Corps and aspiring businesses in the region will have opportunities to learn from each other, collaborate on shared challenges, and collectively drive positive change in Cambridgeshire and beyond.
