Zip World achieves B Corp status

Since we launched our first adventure back in 2013, we could have only dreamt that in just over a decade, we could achieve what we have today. After a vigorous 18-month process, we can now officially announce that Zip World is a B Corp certified company, one of 18 adventure companies to do so worldwide. We are extremely proud to reach such heights, joining a global community of businesses such as Innocent Smoothies and Patagonia. After years of redefining what adventure tourism can be, receiving this certification means our journey has only just begun. Being a B Corp means much more that hitting numbers however, it is a recognition that we are committed to the people that work with us, the almost 1 million of you who visit us each year, to the environment we live and work in, and the communities that we share our space with.

A force for good

At Zip World, we have always centred our values around a deeper commitment to caring for the environment and supporting each individual’s journey, whether that be our team members or our guests’ experiences. Zip World is now committed to using the business as a force for good, whilst encouraging others to strive to do the same. We have already implemented changes to the way we do things with the adoption of solar energy, environmentally friendly flush systems, comprehensive training programmes for staff and securing long-term partnerships with local suppliers.

Andrew Hudson, CEO of Zip World and one of our Trail B-lazers said: 

"We’re incredibly proud to have been awarded B Corp Certification. The recognition aligns with our ambition to use business as a force for good. The B Corp framework will help guide our continuous improvement strategy and realise our mission to unleash the adventure in all of us, in a way that benefits society. The high standards required to maintain B Corp Certification will be met by the entire business, with each department contributing towards a common goal.” 

Of the 2000+ B Corp businesses in the UK, only 45 businesses in Wales have ever been awarded the certification and we are honoured to be one of only 18 other adventure tourism organisations worldwide. Zip World was commended by B Lab for “maintaining natural landscapes” and working within those parameters, and for excelling at “creating jobs and revitalising communities”. We are committed to continuing the standards that B Lab have recognised in us and are proud to be leading the way for responsible adventure tourism.

Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, said:

“Welcoming Zip World is an exciting moment for the adventure tourism industry. B Lab UK and the rest of the B Corp community are delighted that Zip World is paving the way for a new way of doing things. We are pleased to have B Corps of all shapes and sizes as part of our community — from startups to multinationals and across many different industries. Business is a powerful force and B Corps demonstrate that positive impact is possible in any sector.”

What does it mean to be a part of B Corp?

Simply put, B Corp stands for ‘Better Corporation’. B-Corp certification is a global recognition from B Lab, awarded to businesses that meet the highest standards across multiple areas. B Lab certifies companies, known as B Corps, who are leading the way for change. This status reflects and recognises our commitment to high, social and environmental performance standards, transparency and accountability. Certified B-Corporations lead the way in building a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. There are more than 9000 B Corps, across 102 countries and 162 industries.

To be considered a B Corp company you must meet certain criteria, according to their impact areas, and reach a minimum of 80 points to pass. We will also be reassessed every three years to maintain our B Corp status and receive an updated and hopefully further improved score; this will also help us track if we are still heading in the right direction. 

How have we scored?

Since we started our journey to becoming a B Corp, we have been committed to balancing adventure with purpose; determined to improve our B Corp score as we continually strive to move forward. With the dedication of our Trail B-lazers, we have exceeded those standards with a B Corp score of 96.0 points; setting a course for a brighter, more sustainable future at Zip World. This is only the beginning…

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