Profit Meets Purpose: Optix Solutions Celebrates B Corp Certification

We’re proud to announce that Optix Solutions has officially achieved B Corp certification, joining a global movement of businesses that prioritise purpose alongside profit. This milestone not only reflects our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices but also reinforces our belief in redefining what success looks like in business.

A Commitment to Positive Change

The journey to B Corp status has been a transformative one for Optix. Since 2019, sustainability has been at the heart of our business. Managing Director Rob Stevens recalls: “When I joined Optix, sustainability was already part of the company’s DNA, from nurturing biodiversity with our wildflower meadow to earning NHS ‘Mindful Employer’ certification. We’ve built on these strong foundations to create a business that truly embodies the B Corp ethos.”

This commitment led us to partner with the University of Exeter’s Sustainability Programme in 2020, implementing impactful measures like switching to LED lighting, installing water diffusers, and improving waste management. A year later, we joined the ‘Race to Net Zero,’ working with SWMAS to audit our carbon footprint and take further steps, including adopting a renewable energy tariff and boosting energy efficiency.

Embedding Purpose into Our Culture

Our sustainability initiatives have always gone hand in hand with our focus on fostering an ethical and inclusive workplace. As a certified Living Wage employer, we’ve invested in our people by training mental health first aiders and maintaining industry-leading team satisfaction scores, consistently ranking in Campaign’s Best Places to Work.

These efforts culminated in the decision to apply for B Corp certification. While our initial attempt fell short, we used the experience to refine our approach. Rob explains: “The application process is complex, and we hadn’t grasped all the intricacies. With expert guidance, we earned an impressive score of 95.1. It’s a result we’re incredibly proud of and one that validates the hard work of our entire team.”

Joining a Global Community

B Corp certification is more than a badge of honour—it’s an invitation to collaborate with a global network of businesses united by shared values. Co-founder Alastair Banks highlights the significance: “Joining the B Corp community is a proud moment for us. It not only validates our efforts but connects us with like-minded businesses, enabling us to learn and grow together.”

For Paul Lawrence, Director of Design, the certification reflects the creative potential of purpose-driven work: “The B Corp principles allow me to innovate positive solutions and foster a culture of accountability and purpose within my team. For me, it’s about using design to drive meaningful change and elevate brands that share a vision for a better, more sustainable future.”

Operations Director Candice Short adds: “It’s empowering to work in a place where success isn’t just measured by profit but by the good we create together.”

Looking Ahead

Achieving B Corp certification is just the beginning. At Optix, we’re committed to continually improving our impact, challenging ourselves to innovate and inspire change within our industry and beyond.

Looking ahead, we aim to have an even greater impact within our local community. We’ve organised our people into teams to support the key pillars of B Corp, and these teams will be supported with paid time to find ways to contribute to local organisations in a positive and impactful way. Any charity or community-focused group wishing to take us up on this time and support should feel free to contact us here at Optix.

By fostering partnerships and dedicating resources to these initiatives, we aspire to be a force for good and to drive meaningful, positive change.

We’re honoured to share this achievement with our team, clients, and the wider B Corp community. Together, we’re proving that business can be a force for good.