On this episode of #ADDAZERO, we delve into the world of B Corp certification with Russ Wakeham, co-founder of 2 Drifters Distillery. Russ shares his insights on the importance of adopting B Corp certification and how it aligns with the culture of a business. He emphasizes that while certification alone cannot transform a culture overnight, it is worth going through the exercise of conducting the free assessment and utilizing the tools provided by B Corp to develop one's business.

Russ discusses the cost and significant work involved in obtaining B Corp certification but also highlights the value of the free tools available on the B Corp website that can help businesses understand different ways of thinking and problem-solving. Many businesses today are striving for transparency and sustainability, and Russ mentions how 2 Drifters Distillery has made conscious choices, such as partnering with carbon-neutral courier service DPD and actively seeking sustainable transport solutions.

We learn about Russ's background as an academic chemist researching carbon capture and storage, and how this passion led him to start his own venture in the distillery industry. 2 Drifters Distillery aims to be a carbon-negative distillery and has partnered with Climbworks to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it underground. Russ emphasizes the importance of mitigating environmental impact and avoiding greenwashing and shares his experiences and challenges in obtaining B Corp certification.

Certification has become one of the best tools for pushing 2 Drifters Distillery forward in sustainability, encouraging continuous improvement and putting purpose before profit. The distillery not only aims to produce great rum but also to educate people about carbon capture technologies and the importance of considering carbon as a waste material. By fully embracing renewable energy and being an example for other businesses, the distillery hopes to have a massive impact on reducing carbon emissions across industries.

Russ also shares his research on the failure of big corporate businesses and the lessons that can be learned from it. He highlights the importance of creating a workplace that is enjoyable and fun, which sets 2 Drifters Distillery apart in the market.

The episode explores the holistic approach to scaling a business and the need for constant review, revision, and adaptation to keep up with changing circumstances and advancements in technology. The discussion also touches upon the potential misuse of B Corp certification for short-term commercial gain, and Russ encourages consumers to look beyond just the certification and consider a company's history and commitment to B Corp. He shares some of the big wins 2 Drifters Distillery has directly attributed to their B Corp certification, such as partnerships with British Airways and The Pig Hotels. The B Corp journey has not only changed the company's thinking but has also led to the creation of a run club and regular beach clean events, reflecting their commitment to sustainability.

This episode concludes with the exciting news of 2 Drifters Distillery launching an event inviting buyers and customers, including The Pig Hotels, to participate in beach clean activities at Smith Beach. It's an engaging episode that explores the importance of B Corp certification and sustainability in the distillery industry, providing insights and inspiration for businesses of all sizes.

All as part of our mission to eradicate unemployment in the UK, by supporting Business Leaders & Entrepreneurs to scale up their businesses sufficiently, that collectively we create more new roles, than there are those actively seeking employment. To learn more, about the scaleability of your business, visit: www.addazero.co.uk/free-scale-audit