When it comes to purpose-driven business, B Corp recertification is more than a hoop to jump through, it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and consider the progress made. In LAVA’s recent recertification, the result was remarkable: our score climbed 37%, to an incredible 119.6 points. That’s not just a number, it’s proof that our structural shift to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), and concerted ESG efforts across all areas of operations, translate into real, measurable impact. 

Whilst it’s far from a simple task, firms pursuing B Corp status can realise some incredible benefits for themselves, their teams, and of course, the broader community. 

Why this matters 

For those of you not steeped in the world of B Corps, it’s worth saying: becoming certified is no small feat. The B Impact Assessment is tough, and deliberately wide-ranging, covering the intricate details of governance, workers, community, environment and customers. It isn’t about glossy statements or one-off initiatives; it’s about hard evidence and embedding real, tangible impact across every part of the business. 

The minimum score to qualify for B Corp certification is 80 points, with the average company sitting around the 50 points mark. To come through at 119.6 means we’ve gone beyond compliance to put purpose and people at the core of how LAVA operates, and we’ve been able to demonstrate significant, measurable progress even against our own already high standards. 

The role of employee ownership 

One of the biggest drivers of this uplift was our transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in summer 2024. Moving 100% of LAVA into employee ownership has fundamentally reshaped our governance and accountability, giving every member of our team a stake in the future of the business and protecting our culture and ways of working for the future of our colleagues, and clients. 

That change directly and dramatically strengthened our score in areas such as governance and workers, but more importantly it transformed how we operate day to day, as well as the team’s confidence in the future of LAVA. With the EOT in place, decisions are taken with a longer-term, stakeholder-focused lens, and the team is more engaged, more invested, and more empowered to influence the future direction of the firm. 

For our clients, that translates into continuity, stability and a deeper alignment between the advice we give and the values we hold. For other B Corps and ethically-led companies, it also gives a clear message that we’re prepared to work hard to do the right thing, and put our money where our mouth is when it comes to pushing positive change. 

What B Corp means for us, and for you 

For the LAVA team, this recertification is validation that the steps we’ve taken genuinely make a difference. It reflects the culture we’ve built together, where ownership is shared, contribution is recognised, and positive impact is measured alongside financial performance. 

For our clients and partners, it’s a signal of confidence. Working with a B Corp isn’t just about a badge; it’s a reassurance that we’re operating to a globally recognised standard of transparency, accountability and purpose. 

And for the wider M&A sector, it’s a(nother) reminder that there’s room, and appetite, to do things differently. 

Thinking about impact  

If you’re a firm considering how to raise your own impact, or even considering taking the B Corp plunge, here are a few things we’ve learned along the way: 

• Start with structure. Embedding impact is much easier when it’s built into your ownership, governance and decision-making. 

• Engage your people. The B Impact Assessment looks closely at how employees are treated, involved and supported. The stronger your culture, the stronger your score. 

• Measure what matters. Don’t just guess at your positive impact. Track it, document it, and be ready to show improvement over time. 

• Think long term. Certification isn’t a one-off project. Recertification every three years means you need to be improving continuously. 

Looking ahead 

We’re thrilled with the progress we’ve made, but this isn’t the end of the journey. B Corp is about continuous improvement, and we’ll keep continuously pushing ourselves to raise the bar, for our people, our clients, and our wider community. 

To everyone who’s supported us so far: thank you. And to other firms thinking about taking the leap, it’s hard work, but it’s oh so worth it.