As Little Dot Studios proudly announces its certification as a B Corporation®, we sat down with our Sustainability Lead, Saunders Carmichael Brown, to talk about what this achievement means for our industry, our business, our people and our future.
Q: For those who may not know, what is B Corp™ certification?
A: B Corp™ certification is a global standard managed by the non-profit B Lab. It recognises companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Achieving it means we are legally and operationally committed to balancing profit with purpose, using business as a force for good.
Q: So why does it matter that Little Dot Studios is now a B Corp™?
A: We’re trying to shift the narrative as to what makes a business successful. Rather than striving to be the “best in the world,” we want to be the best for the world. It goes beyond lip service and pledges - we’re meeting difficult, verified standards and committing to improve year on year. For our clients and partners, it’s a promise that our decisions are guided by what’s best for people and the planet, not just profit.
That commitment extends across all areas of our business. Our certification not only covers Little Dot Studios’ global operations, but also subsidiaries History Hit and WING London, reflecting a collective, global effort from our company.
Q: What does B Corp™ certification actually look at and what’s the process?
A: It looks deeply into every part of an organisation, from how we treat our people to how we impact the environment and the communities around us. We were assessed across the areas of governance, workers, community, environment and customers. To pass, a business must score 80 points or more - many companies only just surpass that mark. However, we’re extremely proud that Little Dot Studios achieved 94.2!
This score is calculated by a rigorous and thorough process, where businesses are asked over 200 questions (sometimes closer to 400), examining everything from who we hire, where we work, who we work with, what we do and how we do it…even the ergonomics of our desks. Beyond that, our score recognises the wider impact of our work, including charity partnerships and donations, health and wellbeing initiatives, our commitment to paying a global certified living wage and the purpose-led work we deliver for clients.
We were also recognised for our ‘Impact Business Models’ which reflects the positive ways our business operates. This includes our educational programmes through History Hit and network channels, to how we manage our channels, content services and insights, and how our productions and ad sales promote values-driven clients.
Q: Why is becoming a B Corp™ company important for the industry we operate in?
A: As a certified B Corp™ company, Little Dot Studios joins a global community of just under 10,000 organisations across 102 countries who are committed to using business as a force for good. Only a fraction of those operate at the scale, pace, complexity and volume of content that defines the digital media sector. That’s exactly why this matters.
The process took almost two years to complete, and that rigour is vital when you consider the potential impact our industry has across every B Corp™ assessment pillar. From the way we work with people and communities, to the influence of travel and energy use, to the environmental footprint of data storage, advertising and streaming content, our responsibilities are significant. Certification ensures we consider the footprint of our entire ecosystem and make improvements that create long-lasting, positive changes.
Q: Beyond purpose, does being a B Corp™ company have a commercial impact?
A: Absolutely. It helps differentiate us in a competitive marketplace. There’s increasing demand from clients and audiences for responsible businesses, and data shows that B Corps™ are growing faster, in both turnover and team size, than the UK average. That tells us the world wants companies that act responsibly and transparently.
Being a B Corp™ can also help secure a spot on pitch lists, because there’s an inherent confidence placed in a certified business that is proven to operate positively. We’re proud to stand alongside companies like Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, The Guardian and The Jamie Oliver Group - businesses leading the way in sustainability and social impact.
Q: What’s next then for Little Dot Studios as they continue on this journey?
A: B Corp™ certification isn’t a badge we put on the website and move on from. It’s a framework that embeds continuous progress into the DNA of our business. We’ll keep challenging ourselves to do better, from our charity initiative and responsible procurement to our employee support groups and inclusive culture. We’re proud to be carbon neutral back to Day Dot (inception) and are firmly on track to become Net Zero by 2030. Alongside our ISO compliance, these commitments reinforce that we have a responsibility to help shape a future that supports both people and the planet. Our goal is not just growth, it’s growth that leaves a positive impact on the world.
Learn more about our B Corp™ certification on our Impact Page.