The Social Hub secures B Corp certification

Hybrid hospitality group The Social Hub has secured Certified B Corporation for the first time. The Social Hub currently operates hubs combining hotel and student accommodation, food and beverage, events and coworking spaces in 18 locations across the UK and continental Europe. It became a B Corp at the first attempt, achieving an overall score of 107.1 out of the maximum 200.

Becoming a B Corp involves a “rigorous” testing process carried out every three years by B Lab, the non-profit behind the B Corp movement, across five key areas of an organisation’s operations including governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. 

Applicants must reach a benchmark score of at least 80 while providing evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices on energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity, and corporate transparency. Certified companies must legally embed their commitment to “purpose beyond profit”. 

By 2030, The Social Hub has committed to reduce 78% of its greenhouse gas emissions, produce 50% of its energy on-site, achieve further environmental certification through BREEAM (In-Use) for all properties, and divert 100% of residual waste from landfill or incineration.

Community impact is also central to its operations, with The Social Hub hosting more than 5,500 “purpose-driven” community events and experiences, engaging more than 100,000 attendees across its locations every year, as well as working with other B Corps across its network. 

It also pledged to donate 1% of revenues to the recently launched TSH Talent Foundation, a non-profit that supports changemakers facing barriers to opportunity; presents masterclasses that upskill the next generation of social leaders through The Better Society Academy; and collaborates with Talent Garden to develop skill sprints for students and co-workers within its hubs. 

For The Social Hub, B Corp certification is also significant ahead of the roll out of updated European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) for use by all companies subject to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Charlie MacGregor, The Social Hub’s founder and CEO, said: “Environmental and social responsibilities are crucial to remaining relevant in any industry. It affects customer loyalty, brand credibility, and your ability to do business. Banks are already becoming stricter on who they finance, and legislation such as CSRD makes the urgency greater. Any organisation that doesn’t move now will have to move fast or be obsolete within five years. 

“As a large hybrid hospitality company that will soon grow to operate 23 hubs and counting across Europe, we feel the responsibility to keep innovating for the greater good and a more sustainable hospitality sector. B Corp certification is just the beginning. We plan to open more hubs and welcome millions of guests, including students, the next generation of leaders and a central part of our unique community-building model. From here, our contribution to creating a better society will only get bigger and bolder.”