About this Event
Many entrepreneurs, startups and large corporations alike are asking themselves the same question: not just how to build a better business, but how to show they are one.
For many, the answer has been certification. Frameworks such as B Corp, Ethy and others have become trusted signals of credibility, accountability and purpose.
In 2025 alone, the number of B Corps in the UK grew by a staggering 40%, bringing the total to more than 2,700 certified businesses. But as certification becomes more widespread, so do the challenges that come with it.
For smaller organisations in particular, the time, cost and internal resources required to certify can be a significant barrier. And with the introduction of B Corp’s new, more rigorous standards, it is clear that the bar for certification is rising - a shift that other frameworks may soon follow.
So where does this leave businesses that want to do the right thing, but may not be ready, able or willing to certify?
Join us for our second Powering Purpose event, on Thursday 23rd April at 6:00pm, where we will delve into how organisations can embed ethical, sustainable and socially responsible practices into the core of their business - with or without a badge - and how they can communicate this work credibly and transparently.
Together, we will explore:
- What defines an ethical business beyond certification
- The realities and implications of recertification for growing businesses
- What the new B Corp standards mean in practice, and who they may exclude
- How organisations can embed “good business” behaviours without formal certification
- How you can communicate purpose, impact and accountability externally without greenwashing or certifications
- What this shift could mean for the wider Better Business movement in the UK
Whether you are certified, considering it or consciously choosing another path, this session will be an opportunity to be part of a nuanced and informative conversation.
We will be joined by:
Charlotte Harrington, CEO of Belu Water
Charlotte Harrington is CEO of leading drinks company Belu Water, a social enterprise with a clear purpose: to change the way the world sees water. She joined in 2015 as Chief Operating Officer, fulfilling her ambition to lead a business with purpose. Prior to this she had a successful career in retail, latterly as Category Director at Tesco. As a mother of three children, Charlotte is passionate about being a working parent and chooses to work flexibly to balance her priorities & commitments.
Will Powell, Founder of Future Shift
Will Powell is the founder of Future Shift, a consultancy on a mission to make sustainability accessible for every business. He works with organisations to translate complex frameworks like B Corp into clear, practical action that delivers measurable environmental and social impact. Through Future Shift, Will helps businesses move from ambition to meaningful progress.
Louis Howell, Founder of Revolution Hive and 7PK
Louis Howell is a dynamic and rounded professional with experience that pans the voluntary youth sector, education sector and the world of small business. Today, he co-runs an educational social enterprise, Revolution Hive, that equips young people for life by running programmes focused on Personal Development, Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship at schools, colleges and universities. Louis’ experience has also led to him setting up another enterprise, 7PK, a transformation partner that helps charities, social enterprises and corporate organisations to improve their approaches to Social Mobility and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.His other commitments include being the Chair of TRIUMPH, an independent action group creating equity in the youth sector, a trustee of an academic mentoring charity, and he is a proud member of the 100 Black Men of London. Louis’ central belief is that young people are the leaders of today.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Impact Hub London Euston, 1 Triton Square, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00 to GBP 27.80
