In September 2016, the total shareholding of Bennetts Associates was transferred to an Employee Ownership Trust, a significant landmark in the development of the practice. This move aimed to safeguard the future of the practice by consolidating the values and attitudes that had informed its development over the 30 years since its inception. The move to Employee Ownership ensures that the fundamental ethos of the practice is protected for future generations, and that the company will continue to be run in the best interests of its employees.

Our partnerships take many forms, from our active involvement with industry groups and select charities to memberships with key organisations in the built environment and those allied to the sectors in which we work. Below is a representative list of these associations.

The B in B Corp stands for benefit, and refers to businesses that benefit the community, the workers and the environment. 

Since February 2022, we achieved B Corp® certification, becoming the highest scoring UK architectural practice and joining the global network of companies committed to the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

What is a B Corp?

Certified B Corporations are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. Unlike other certifications for businesses, B Lab is unique in our ability to measure a company’s entire social and environmental impact.

How did we do it?

To gain B Corp certification, the 'B Impact Assessment’ tool is used to evaluate how a company’s business model impacts five categories: workers, community, environment, customers and governance. B Corp Certification not only evaluates a product or service, but also the material positive impact of the company behind it. 

Bennetts Associates was named a 2022 Best for the World™ B Corp™ in recognition of our exceptional positive impact on its Workers in the 50-249 Employees category.

Why did we do it?

Through research, we found that B Corporation aligned with our agenda and what we were looking to achieve. We realised that being a B Corp could help us develop a framework for continued improvement - to help us not just sit back and congratulate ourselves, but to encourage us to continue to drive to influence things for the better.

How did we do?

The median score for ordinary businesses who complete the assessment is 50.9. To achieve B Corp certification, the company must score at least 80 points, Bennetts Associates achieved a score of 121.5 which is exceptional and the highest of any architectural practice in the UK.

View our profile in the B Corp directory.

There are now over 4,700 B Corps with 670 in the UK and we're delighted to join the growing community particularly in the Built Environment sector. If you're interested in knowing more of our journey. Get in touch!