Joining the B Corp Movement
Travel positive
We are unbelievably proud to be certified as a B Corporation (or B Corp). This brilliant milestone is not simply a tick box but a reflection of our commitment to using business as a force for good.
Being a small independent self-catering company based in Cornwall, this certification means a lot to us. It celebrates everything we’ve been working on towards sustainability, community support, and running our business with kindness and care. We have been warmly welcomed and supported by the community of like-minded businesses striving to do the right thing. It is much more than a certification, together we are part of a global movement and a local group of businesses that are dedicated to doing the best we can.
A growing Cornish hub
We’re proud to join an inspiring community of B Corps here in Cornwall, home to 78 certified businesses, all dedicated to creating positive social and environmental impact. What’s more, we’re one of only three female-owned B Corp holiday accommodation companies in the UK.
Alongside local businesses like Cornish Gems and Forever Cornwall, we’re working to make Cornwall’s tourism industry more sustainable. It feels great to be part of a group that’s proving that business can be a force for good.
The Journey to B Corp Certification
Achieving B Corp certification has been on our wish list for a little while and is something our team has been passionate about for years. The process wasn’t exactly a walk in the park (it happened during one of our busiest times of the year!), but it was worth every effort. The assessment, carried out by the not-for-profit B Lab, dives deep into five key areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers.
Our Managing Director, Emily, sums up her excitement: “I am beyond delighted to have achieved B Corp certification. The team and I have been talking about communicating our values through the medium of B Lab for several years. Cornish Holiday Cottages was founded on the principles of kindness, honesty, and doing right back in 1978. We have always believed in looking after our environment, taking care of each other, and looking after our community.”
This journey has been made possible by the support of many wonderful people and organisations. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Andy Hawkins of Business on Purpose, B23 Cornwall, Wildanet, Leap Media, Phil Clarke of Consciam, Andrew Robinson of Konnect for Business, Chris Phillips of the University of Exeter, and all our stakeholders for their unwavering support.
Community Spirit
One of the ways we support our community is by working with local charities, including the Children’s Sailing Trust. This incredible charity has been providing water sports opportunities for young people, particularly those with complex physical disabilities or special educational needs, for the past 25 years.
Many children in our local area face financial or accessibility barriers that prevent them from enjoying time by the water. The Children’s Sailing Trust works tirelessly to overcome these challenges, offering subsidised opportunities for water-based activities. Through the generous support of businesses and individuals, the Trust ensures that more children can experience the joy and freedom of water sports.
We were also delighted to sponsor the Firecrests, an under 12, all girls, Falmouth Community Football Club team with their new club jackets, training tops and bench. It is wonderful to see girls thriving in sports and having a fun time doing it. Falmouth Community Football Club is highly regarded in our town and provides great opportunities for our young people to exercise, grow in confidence and broaden their team skills.
When it comes to managing our properties, we’re mindful of the local housing market and the impact holiday lets can have on communities. Balancing this is so important to us, and we’re proud to bring a thoughtful, local approach to the work we do.
There is no planet B
As a company deeply rooted in the beautiful landscapes of Cornwall, we are committed to protecting it. It is where we walk, swim and watch precious wildlife. From donating £10,000 to Penryn-based Cool Earth – an incredible charity fighting climate change by saving rainforests – to planting trees with Plant One, we’re taking active steps to make a difference.
We’ve also embraced sustainability in our day-to-day operations. Our company car is electric, we keep our service area within a 10-mile radius, and we make sure at least 70% of our resources are local.
One of our highlights last year was a tree-planting day in Bodmin with the team from Plant One. Let’s just say it was a muddy but fun-filled adventure, and we’re excited to check in on our little saplings as they grow.
Caring for our people
Looking after our planet is vital but so is caring for our team. We’re proud to pay our staff a living wage, share profits, and make sure our workplace is where people feel supported and valued.
Our approach has always been guided by our core values: kindness, honesty, and doing the right thing. These principles have been part of Cornish Holiday Cottages since we started in 1978, and they continue to shape everything we do.
How Did We Score?
Curious about how we did? Here’s a snapshot of our B Corp assessment:
- Governance: 18.9
- Workers: 30.3
- Community: 24.7
- Environment: 13.0
- Customers: 3.6
For some context, we earned an overall score of 90.7, and the median score for ordinary businesses who complete the B Corp assessment is 50.9. To achieve a B Corp certification you must score 80 or above, while we’re so proud of these scores, we know there’s always room for improvement – and that’s exactly what being a B Corp is all about.
Continuing the Journey
B Corp certification doesn’t mean we’re perfect (far from it!), but it shows our commitment to constantly doing better. We’re thrilled to be part of a community that’s proving that success isn’t just about profit – it’s about people, community and the planet too.
As Chris Turner from B Lab UK said: “Welcoming Cornish Holiday Cottages to the B Corp community is hugely exciting. Its commitment to doing business differently will inspire others and help spread the notion that success in business is as much about people and planet as it is profit.”
Thank you all for supporting us on this journey. Here’s to continuing to create positive change – together!
