Law firm is region’s first to secure certificate

NEWCASTLE independent law firm Muckle LLP has become the first North East legal company to gain B Corporation certification as part of its mission to pursue purpose as well as profit.

B Lab, the not-for-profit organisation behind the B Corp movement, confirmed Muckle met the certification process, which assesses a company’s performance across various criteria, including social responsibility, environmental impact, transparency, and accountability.

B Corp certification has become a mark of distinction for companies prioritising social and environmental impact alongside profitability. Senior partner and head of the ESG Programme at Muckle, Hugh Welch, said the achievement reflects Muckle LLP’s commitment to its ESG strategy and continuous improvement, and to lead the way in ethical and sustainable business practices.

He said: “Being a responsible business and caring for the wider North East community has been at the heart of our business for the last two decades. Becoming a Certified B Corp is a wonderful endorsement of all that we are doing. It will also be the catalyst for us to increase our community contribution and to show how we believe that business can and should be a force for good.”

The UK B Corp movement has gained momentum in recent years, with over 1,500 certified companies including brands like The Guardian, innocent drinks, The Body Shop, Patagonia GiffGaff and Too Good To Go.

Regional B Corps include Robson Laidler Accountants, Scott Logic, Just Williams, Sail Creative, UMi, Berghaus and Space Architecture.

Jason Wainwright, managing partner at Muckle LLP, added: “We are thrilled to pioneer this significant milestone as the first law firm in our region to attain B Corp certification

“This achievement reaffirms our dedication to not only delivering exceptional legal services but also actively contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for our community and beyond.”