Crystal Doors renew BCORP status with phenomenal results
Richard Hagan’s company, Crystal Doors, recently achieved an amazing B Corp status, one of the highest scores in the country and by far the highest within their sector. B Corp status is a designation given to businesses that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. B Corps are part of a growing movement of companies committed to using business as a force for good, and Crystal Doors is one of only a handful of UK manufacturers to have achieved this status.
Crystal Doors has been operating for over 25 years. Based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, the company manufactures bespoke vinyl-wrapped doors and accessories for the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom industry. Their products are used by some of the UK’s leading kitchen and bedroom manufacturers and are supplied through a network of distributors.
In order to achieve B Corp status, a company must undergo a rigorous assessment process that evaluates its impact on workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. The assessment covers a range of areas, including governance, employee benefits and training, supply chain management, and environmental impact.
Richard Hagan with Professor Jurgen Meir, Chair of Digital Catapult who visited Crystal Doors last year regarding their digital transformation, with two Rochdale Council members. Talking about Crystal Doors digital championing, with Ben Horn, the digital transformation director.
Crystal Doors scored particularly highly in the areas of governance, employee relations, and environmental impact. The company has a strong focus on employee wellbeing and engagement, and offers a range of benefits and training opportunities to its staff. It has also implemented a number of environmentally sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources and reducing waste.
Richard Hagan, the managing director of Crystal Doors, has been a vocal advocate for the B Corp movement and the need for businesses to be more socially and environmentally responsible. In an interview with the Manchester Evening News, he said: “The world is facing a range of complex challenges, from climate change to social inequality. As businesses, we have a responsibility to address these issues and to use our resources and influence to create positive change.”
Richard believes that the B Corp movement provides a framework for businesses to do this, by setting clear standards and metrics for measuring social and environmental impact. He also believes that B Corp status can help businesses to attract and retain customers and employees who are increasingly looking for companies that align with their values.
The B Corp movement has grown rapidly in recent years, with over 4,000 certified B Corps in 77 countries around the world. These companies range from small start-ups to large multinational corporations, and operate in a wide range of industries. Some well-known B Corps include Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, and The Body Shop.
The growth of the B Corp movement reflects a growing recognition that traditional business models, which prioritize profit above all else, are no longer sustainable. Businesses have a responsibility to consider the social and environmental impacts of their operations, and to use their resources and influence to create positive change.
B Corp certification provides a way for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to these values and to differentiate themselves from their competitors. It also provides a framework for continuous improvement, with B Corps required to undergo a re-certification process every three years.
Crystal Doors’ achievement of B Corp status is particularly significant given that the company operates in the manufacturing sector. The manufacturing industry is often associated with high levels of pollution and resource consumption, and has traditionally been seen as incompatible with sustainable business practices.
However, as Crystal Doors’ example shows, it is possible for manufacturers to operate in a socially and environmentally responsible way. By implementing sustainable practices and focusing on employee wellbeing and engagement, manufacturers can reduce their environmental impact and improve the lives of their workers.
Crystal Doors’ achievement of B Corp status is also significant for the Greater Manchester region. The region has set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and improving social outcomes, and businesses have a key role to play in achieving these targets.
By achieving B Corp status, Crystal Doors is demonstrating its commitment to these goals and providing a model for other businesses in the region to follow. It is also helping to position Greater Manchester as a hub for socially and environmentally responsible businesses.
In addition to its focus on sustainability and social responsibility, Crystal Doors has also demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. The company has invested heavily in research and development, and has developed a range of new products and processes that are more sustainable and cost-effective than traditional manufacturing methods.
For example, Crystal Doors has developed a range of energy-efficient doors that use less energy in their manufacture and in use. The company has also implemented a closed-loop recycling system, which recycles 100% of its waste and reduces its carbon footprint. Plus an innovative system that can track the products life.
Crystal Doors’ commitment to innovation has helped to drive its success and position the company as a leader in its industry. The company’s focus on sustainability and social responsibility has also helped to attract customers who are looking for products that are more environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for sustainable products and services, as consumers become more aware of the environmental and social impacts of their purchasing decisions. This trend is likely to continue, and businesses that are able to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility are likely to be well-positioned for success.
Crystal Doors’ achievement of B Corp status is therefore not only a reflection of its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, but also a smart business decision that is likely to benefit the company in the long run.
The BCORP logo. An image inspiring a real change.
However, achieving B Corp status is not an easy feat, and requires a significant investment of time, resources, and effort. It requires a fundamental shift in the way that businesses think about their role in society and their impact on the environment.
This is why the B Corp movement is so important, as it provides a framework for businesses to make this shift and to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. B Corp certification also provides a way for businesses to differentiate themselves from their competitors and to attract customers and employees who share their values.
In conclusion, Crystal Doors’ high score achievement of B Corp status is a significant milestone for the company and for the Greater Manchester region. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and innovation, and positions it as a leader in its industry.
It also provides a model for other businesses in the region and around the world to follow, and highlights the importance of using business as a force for good. As Richard Hagan said in his interview with the Manchester Evening News, “We have a responsibility to use our resources and influence to create positive change, and the B Corp movement provides a framework for doing that.”
