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A County Durham-based supported employment firm dedicated to supporting people with disabilities and long-term health conditions is celebrating becoming a B Corporation (B Corp), as the UK B Corp movement marks 10 years.
This Is Me Agency was founded in 2019 with the sole purpose of empowering people who are often overlooked in the world of work. It has supported over 300 clients to build confidence, secure employment and create sustainable futures for themselves and their communities. At the same time, the business has grown to a team of over 20 employees, embedding values of inclusion, well-being and flexibility into its own workplace culture.
With many of the team at This Is Me having their own lived experiences of disability and neurodivergence, the business provides a range of policies and measures to ensure inclusivity, such as quiet areas, movement breaks, noise-cancelling equipment and sensory aids.
Director and Founder Michelle Dobson said, “At This Is Me, we see the difference every single day that the right support can make. For someone who feels like the odds are stacked against them, having guidance, encouragement and belief in their potential can be life-changing, not just for them, but for the people and communities around them, and our regional economy too. Our business exists to make sure no one has to face those challenges alone.
“Becoming a B Corp is a huge milestone for us, and something that perfectly encapsulates our focus on people and positive impact.
“We’ve always believed business should be about more than profit – it should be about people, purpose and positive impact. This recognition shows that we’re a force for good, on the right track, and we’re so proud to be part of a movement that puts those values at the heart of everything.”
The B Corp certification, awarded by the not-for-profit B Lab, is regarded as one of the most rigorous accreditations for responsible business. To achieve the status, organisations must demonstrate accountability and transparency across five areas: governance, workers, community, environment and customers.
This Is Me is now one of only a select few B Corps in the North East, and acts as a call for more businesses in the region to consider joining the movement.
The co-chairs of B Local North East – Suzi McCreedy, Chief Commercial Officer at UMi, Gemma Brannen, Head of Marketing at Robson Laidler Accountants, Jessica Williams MBA Founder of Just Williams Sales Academy – said: “We’re delighted to welcome This Is Me Agency into the B Corp community. B Corp accreditation is awarded to those companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability – in essence, those using business as a force for good.
“As B Local North East, we’re proud to connect like-minded companies like This Is Me and champion social and environmental responsibility in business.
“With over 30 North East businesses now B Corps, it’s clear that our region is a hub for sustainability and positive social impact. The UK B Corp movement is the fastest growing network globally, and to help gain even more momentum in our region, we urge other businesses and organisations to consider going balancing people and planet alongside profit.”
“Each new certification strengthens the B Corp community as a force for good, and This Is Me is a brilliant example of the impact that can be made when people and communities are put first.”
As a newly certified B Corp, This Is Me is already looking ahead to how it can deepen its impact. Alongside its continued work with clients, the business is committed to building stronger partnerships in the region, raising awareness of the employment support available, and championing inclusive growth in the North East economy.
“Becoming a B Corp is a benchmark,” concludes Michelle Dobson. “Our next step is to track our social impact in great detail, measuring how our work improves wellbeing, confidence and empowerment for our clients by empowering them to work in a way that suits them.”