Profit meets purpose as Optix Solutions secures B Corp status

Exeter-based marketing strategy agency Optix Solutions has been awarded B Corp certification, a globally recognized mark of excellence in balancing profit with purpose.

This milestone places Optix among a growing community of businesses redefining success by prioritizing social and environmental impact.

The company’s journey to B Corp began several years ago as Optix embarked on a series of impactful initiatives to align its operations with sustainable and ethical practices. Managing Director Rob Stevens explained: “When I joined Optix in 2019, sustainability was already part of the company’s DNA - from nurturing biodiversity through a wildflower meadow to achieving NHS ‘Mindful Employer’ certification. We’ve since built on these foundations to create a business that truly embodies the B Corp ethos.”

In 2020, Optix partnered with the University of Exeter’s Sustainability Programme to implement measures to reduce its environmental footprint. These included switching to LED lighting, installing water diffusers, and improving waste management. A year later, Optix made the ‘Race to Net Zero’ pledge, working with external auditor SWMAS to conduct a carbon footprint audit. This led to further improvements, such as transitioning to a renewable energy tariff and enhancing energy efficiency.

The audit, plus other positive developments including becoming a certified Living Wage employer, training three internal mental health first aiders and achieving top four success in Campaign’s Best Places to Work awards served as catalysts in the decision to apply for B Corp certification.

There was an unexpected setback when Optix initially fell short of the pass mark. “The application process is complex, and we hadn’t grasped the intricacies,” Rob said. “We sought expert guidance to refine our submission, ultimately earning an impressive score of 95.1, a really strong result and one that we’re all proud of.”

B Corp certification solidifies Optix’s reputation as a purpose-driven business, enhancing the company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and fostering an ethical workplace culture.

Optix Co-founder Alastair Banks said: “Joining the B Corp community is a proud moment for us. It not only validates our efforts but also connects us with a network of businesses sharing our values. We’ve always put a high importance on our purpose, so to learn how to be better from other ‘B Corpers’ is really exciting.”

Director of Design, Paul Lawrence added: “The B Corp principles allow me to innovate positive solutions and help foster a culture of accountability and purpose within my team. Ultimately, in my heart it’s about leveraging design to drive meaningful change, elevating our brands to allow those to share a vision for a better and more sustainable future.”

Operations Director Candice Short said: “It’s empowering to work in a place where success isn’t just measured by profit but by the good we create together.”