Ocean Vertical, the ethical outdoor adventure company based on the East Lothian coast, has achieved Certified B Corporation status. The accreditation places the business among a global community of companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
The non-profit organisation B Lab awards B Corp certification to businesses that demonstrate strong performance across five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment and customers. More than 100 Scottish companies now hold the accreditation, spanning sectors such as food and drink, finance, technology, energy and the creative industries.
Former charity and youth worker Stevie Boyle founded Ocean Vertical in 2019. He later welcomed record-breaking mountaineer and polar expedition leader Mollie Hughes as a fellow director.
From the outset, Ocean Vertical set out to do more than operate as a traditional outdoor adventure company. The team placed ethics at the centre of the business and embedded them in its approach to safety, coaching and environmental responsibility. The company focuses on low-impact operations, responsible land and coastal use, and strong community connections. Achieving B Corp status formally recognises this commitment.
The company has also experienced growing demand from organisations seeking nature-led alternatives to traditional corporate away days. Its client list includes Baillie Gifford, the University of Edinburgh, Patagonia and the Scotland Women's Rugby Team.
Ocean Vertical achieved a score of 85 in its B Impact Assessment, exceeding the minimum qualifying score of 80.
Ocean Vertical Managing Director Mollie Hughes said:
"Becoming a Certified B Corporation is something we have worked towards from the very beginning. It recognises that businesses in Scotland can, and should, be measured by more than profit alone.
"Our values have always extended beyond commercial success. We built Ocean Vertical around a genuine duty of care for the people we work with, the communities we serve and the landscapes we depend on. We are proud to join a movement that is reimagining what business can achieve."
Businesses, investors and consumers increasingly recognise B Corp certification as a benchmark for corporate responsibility. There are now more than 10,890 Certified B Corporations operating across 102 countries and 163 industries worldwide. Together, they employ more than 1.1 million people.
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