Imagine having the opportunity to transform a beloved brand into a B-Corp certified company, driving sustainability and ethical practices to new heights. That’s exactly what Josh Marchbank, a Saltire Scholar, is doing at Taylors. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Josh is helping Taylors achieve B-Corp certification, the steps involved, and why this initiative is vital for our business. Whether you’re a sustainability enthusiast, a small business owner, or a B-Corp aspirant, you’ll find valuable insights and inspiration here.
The Need for B-Corp Certification
The wider business community at Taylors has been eager to move in the direction of B-Corp certification for some time now. Achieving this status means more than just a badge; it signifies a commitment to higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. However, pinpointing the gaps and actioning the plan without disrupting day-to-day operations presented a challenge.
“It’s not just about implementing sustainable practises; it’s about changing our viewpoint on everything we do and believe within the business.”
Josh Marchbank, Environmental Management System Project Coordinator
Seeking the Right Resource
To address these challenges, we decided to engage an external resource—one that could dedicate time and energy to this project without diverting focus from our core operations. We turned to Entrepreneurial Scotland and their Saltire Scholars programme. This initiative offers a skilled pool of students looking for career development and industrial placements, making it an ideal fit for our needs.
Meet Josh Marchbank
After reviewing many candidates, Josh Marchbank stood out due to his energy, enthusiasm, and passion for sustainability. “I’ve always wanted to work on something meaningful,” Josh says, “and this project at Taylors offered just that.”
Understanding B-Corp Requirements
Josh’s first task was to thoroughly understand the requirements of B-Corp certification. This involved studying detailed documentation, industry standards, and existing case studies. “The detail that B-Corp requires is intricate,” Josh explains. “It’s not just about implementing sustainable practises; it’s about changing our viewpoint on everything we do and believe within the business.”
“The way the whole supply chain works together is impressive.”
Josh Marchbank, Environmental Management System Project Coordinator
Identifying Gaps and Stakeholder Engagement
Once familiar with the requirements, Josh worked closely with various stakeholders to identify gaps between Taylors’ current practices and B-Corp standards. These gaps ranged from environmental impact to employee welfare and community engagement. “The way the whole supply chain works together is impressive,” Josh notes. “Working with different departments helped me see how each part of the business contributes to the bigger picture.”
Developing an Action Plan
With the gaps identified, Josh developed a comprehensive action plan. This plan outlined the steps needed to meet B-Corp standards, complete with timelines and responsibilities. “One key aspect of striving to achieve B-Corp is changing the viewpoint of our business,” Josh says. “It’s about evolving to get better and better, which is exciting.”
Monitoring Progress
Josh didn’t just stop at planning; he also took on the role of monitoring progress to hold Taylors accountable. Regular check-ins and updates ensured that the team stayed on track. “I’ve been given a big project with meaningful and important outcomes,” Josh shares. “There’s key responsibility on my part, which is really helping me thrive.”
“Having Josh as a key part of our team has been a joy… He’s hardworking and dedicated, propelling us forward on the sustainability front.”
Matt Dunmore, Head of Engineering & Facilities
Achievements and Impressions
Josh’s contributions have been nothing short of impressive. He has successfully set the wheels in motion for Taylors’ B-Corp certification, bringing stakeholders together and mapping out our ambitions. “Having Josh as a key part of our team has been a joy,” says Matt Dunmore, our Head of Engineering. “He’s hardworking and dedicated, propelling us forward on the sustainability front.”
The Road Ahead
We’re delighted with everything Josh has offered over the past few months and are considering extending his role beyond the initial three-month window. Josh has also identified an opportunity to base his Product Design dissertation on a live project within Taylors, benefiting both parties. “Taylors is such an evolving company,” Josh says. “Being involved on the sustainability front during a period of growth is very rewarding.”
Why B-Corp Certification Matters for Small Businesses
For small businesses, achieving B-Corp certification can offer numerous benefits, from improved brand reputation to attracting top talent. “The consistency around product is a factor that has surprised me,” Josh notes. “It’s incredible to see how much care and effort goes into producing high-quality, consistent output.”
Tips for Aspiring B-Corps
If you’re considering B-Corp certification for your own business, here are some tips:
Understand the Requirements: Study the B-Corp standards and understand what will be required from your business.
Engage Stakeholders: Work closely with different departments to identify gaps and opportunities.
Develop a Plan: Create a comprehensive action plan with clear timelines and responsibilities.
Monitor Progress: Regularly check in on progress to ensure that you’re on track to meet your goals.
Seek External Help if Needed: Don’t hesitate to bring in external resources like Saltire Scholars to help drive your project forward.
In Josh’s Words
Reflecting on his experience, Josh shares, “The best thing about working at Taylors is the people. Full stop. It’s a friendly, supportive, and constructive place to work. I feel like I’m learning and developing each day, surrounded by people who care a great deal about what they’re doing.”
Conclusion
Josh Marchbank’s work at Taylors exemplifies the impactful role that young, passionate professionals can play in driving sustainability initiatives. His efforts have not only set the stage for our B-Corp certification but have also inspired a culture of continuous improvement. We’re excited about the future and look forward to continuing this journey with Josh.
Interested in learning more about Taylors Snacks and what we stand for? Explore our site to find out more about what we stand for – and join us in our mission for a more sustainable future.
