A family-run cleaning contractor has been recognised by the prestigious B Corporation (B Corp) for meeting rigorous social and environmental standards.
NuServe, which has been certified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, takes pride of place in being only the second UK company providing services in cleaning and facilities management to achieve the accolade.
Companies certified as a B Corp must meet stringent social and environmental standards that reflect commitment to goals outside short-term profits, and excel in practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity, and corporate transparency.
NuServe, founded in 1996, has also acquired a number of other accreditations which underline its track record in establishing itself as a planet conscious company. These include being awarded a Planet Mark certificate after achieving a carbon-neutral status by offsetting emissions it produces through its operations with programmes and funding for carbon reduction. Its target next year is a further five percent reduction in its overall carbon footprint.
NuServe is a recognised Living Wage Service Provider and celebrates its team successes through its ‘Above and Beyond’ recognition programme. It is also transitioning its entire workforce to Living Wage Foundation pay rates by 2022. NuServe has additionally made a contribution to the World Land Trust’s (WLT) Carbon Balanced Programme to offset the equivalent of 27 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide emissions from buildings, travel, waste and procurement.
Simon Duke, MD of NuServe, said: “Our mission is to uphold the right to good work and fair pay, to protect our people and our planet, and to deliver quality services that honour the trust afforded us. Fundamentally, we’re a family business, with family values, but with a modern and innovative approach.
“At the heart of our business is a commitment to sustainability. In fact, in 2019, we amended our articles of association, making our directors legally responsible for ensuring that through our business and operations we have a material positive impact on society and the environment.”
Simon added: “NuServe hopes achieving the B Corp certification will resonate with business leaders keen to work with suppliers that can demonstrate a genuine and concerted effort to limit their environmental impact and work towards a fairer society.”
Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome NuServe to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates, who believe business really can be a force for good. We know that NuServe are going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.”
Ten years ago, NuServe pioneered the adaption of bio-enzymatic cleaning agents, utilising the power of nature to keep customers’ offices clean. Its ‘green’ range of cleaning materials are certified under EU Ecolabel, Ecologo and the Defra Approved buying scheme.
The fast-growing company, which employs nearly 600 people throughout London, the South East and West Midlands lists clients including large London employers such as Ion Group and international consultancy and construction company Mace.
The B Corp community in the UK represents a broad range of industries and sizes, comprises over 360 companies and includes well-known brands such as The Guardian, innocent, Patagonia, The Body Shop, and organic food pioneers Abel & Cole.
