ISP Zen Internet Joins iDNET to be Certified as a B-Corporation

ISP Zen Internet has just become the United Kingdom’s second broadband provider, after iDNET in May 2020, to be certified as a “B Corporation.” This means they’ve met a number of social and environmental standards, which reflect their commitment to goals outside of shareholder profit.

Many of our readers may be unfamiliar with what being certified as a B Corporation actually means. In short, this reflects for-profit companies that have committed to create a positive impact on society and the environment through their operations (i.e. businesses that want to do some good in the world, beyond simply making profit).

At present there are known to be over 3,500 Certified B Corporations in more than 50 countries around the world, including approximately 330 here in the UK (e.g. Ben & Jerry’s, Patagonia, Innocent Drinks, Danone, Teapigs and The Body Shop). The certification requires firms to meet strict standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

Admittedly some may view this as a form of virtue signalling, but on the other hand it’s nice to have practical business virtues worth signalling in the first place, as opposed to none.

Richard Tang, Founder and Chairman at Zen, said:

“From the moment I started Zen, my philosophy was to create a company that made a positive difference to the wider world, not just the bottom line. This accreditation backs up the years of hard work to make this happen. For too long companies, particularly large companies, have focused on short-term profits to the detriment of all else. Zen wants to show its customers and the industry that we can be a successful and profitable company, without compromising our values.”

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