Local MP Marsha de Cordova, who represents the Battersea constituency, visited x+why in Clapham Junction today alongside Milk & Honey PR and Julius Rutherfoord & Co, showcasing her support for local, purpose-driven businesses.
During the visit, hosted by the Better Business Act Campaign, de Cordova heard how B Corp x+why’s business model has boosted the local economy through sustainable business practices and local job creation, showing that purpose and profit go hand-in-hand.
The award-winning flexible workspace business has 13 spaces across the UK, and recently launched at Arding & Hobbs, close to Clapham Junction station, bringing the disused department store back to life, supporting local businesses and creating a community hub.
x+why also hold workshops for small businesses looking to gain their B Corp certification. The WhyB Programme brings together a range of businesses and helps them all navigate the B Impact Assessment, with the support of a network of peers, and an inspiring environment in which to meet and work.
Milk & Honey, an award winning public relations agency with offices in London, New York, Singapore and Munich also discussed how their work as a B Corp includes increasing team ownership to 80 per cent and reporting their percentage of turnover from high-carbon clients, which is currently at 0 per cent.
The purpose-driven agency strives to increase diversity in the industry, leads fundraising days and has avoided close to 2,000 tonnes of CO2e going into the atmosphere — equivalent to a petrol-powered passenger car driving for over 3 million kilometres.
Julius Rutherfoord & Co integrates environmental responsibility into every aspect of its operations, from reducing single-use plastics and carbon emissions to pioneering non-chemical cleaning technologies and operating an all-EV fleet.
UK law currently encourages businesses to operate under a legal regime of shareholder primacy, which means company directors too often prioritise profit over people and the planet.
The Better Business Act campaign calls for an amendment to Section 172 of the Companies Act, giving all UK businesses the freedom to think for the future by aligning shareholder interests with those of employees, customers, local communities and the environment.
More than 3,000 businesses across the UK support the Better Business Act campaign, which has grown tenfold since 2021. The coalition comprises a mix of local firms, SMEs, high-street brands, and publicly listed companies in more than 15 sectors, including technology, finance, insurance, and science.
Companies backing the act include Iceland, Tony’s Chocolonely, Olio, Charlie Bigham’s, Virgin Group, Little Moons, Gü, ELEMIS, alongside non-profits and membership organisations such as ShareAction, Institute of Directors and RSPB.
Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea, said: “I was delighted to visit x+why and see the work they are doing to support local businesses and the community by offering innovative and environmentally friendly work spaces, alongside Milk & Honey PR.
“Milk & Honey PR are a great Battersea business, driving an innovative business model that puts people and planet first. It is vital that businesses consider the impact of their operations on people and the planet and it is great to see businesses in Battersea doing just that. ”
