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journey – not least because there are legal requirements to the process , such as amendments to our members ’ agreement , in order to instil the B Corp philosophy within our constitution .
“ Overall , we needed to change very little to achieve accreditation because running this firm with an eye on supporting the community is what we ’ ve been about for a long time .
“ I wouldn ’ t say we sailed through the process . It was challenging and demanding . But it seemed that we had most of the policies and procedures in place in the way we were already doing things . Purpose , with a capital P , has been part of this firm for a couple of decades .”
P for Purpose Muckle has long championed community giving . The firm ’ s fund at the Community Foundation was set up in 2002 and has since given almost £ 700,000 to charities across the North-East and Cumbria . The firm also encourages its people to give their time , with every employee getting two volunteering days a year and providing legal work pro bono .
One of the areas where the firm scored full marks was for the health , wellbeing and safety of its people , mirroring the accolades the firm received in the last 12 months , including being named Best Place to Work at the North East Business Awards and most recently maintaining its Excellence accreditation from the Better Health at Work awards . It was also recognised for its work towards diversity , equality and inclusion – winning Most Inspiring Employer at the North East Chamber of Commerce ’ s Inspiring Female Awards .
A growing community In March , B Corps of all shapes and sizes came together to celebrate B Corp Month – an annual campaign aimed at raising the profile of the certification , as well as encouraging collaboration and best practices . Regional B Corps include Robson Laidler Accountants , Scott Logic , Just Williams , Sail Creative , UMi , Berghaus and Space Architecture .
Hugh said : “ As a business committed to driving positive change , we understand the importance of collective action .
“ It allows us to share knowledge , insights and best practices , and by working together with other regional B Corps , we can hopefully use our influence to encourage and support more businesses in the North-East and Cumbria to embrace this standard for sustainable business excellence .
“ As a firm , we ’ re excited about the opportunities being part of the B Corp community will bring . Our people are proud to work at Muckle , and that pride comes from seeing there is more to law than just making a profit .
“ I also genuinely believe that business can and should be a force for good , and I hope we can continue to be that force through our B Corp accreditation .
Managing partner Jason Wainwright said : “ We are thrilled to pioneer this significant milestone as the first law firm in our region to attain B Corp certification .
“ This achievement reaffirms our dedication to not only delivering exceptional legal services but also actively contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for our community and beyond .”
Muckle ’ s commitment to becoming a B Corp aligns seamlessly with its longstanding values of trust , teamwork , responsibility and care , and builds on its recent double award win at the North East Business Awards for Company of the Year and Best Place to Work 2023 . By achieving this certification , the firm not only underscores its dedication to legal excellence but also sets a benchmark for ethical leadership in the legal sector throughout the region .
“ As a firm deeply rooted in our local community , we recognise the importance of using our platform to drive positive change ,” Jason added . “ Becoming a B Corp is a natural progression in our journey toward a more sustainable and responsible legal practice , and we are excited about the possibilities it brings .”
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