Muckle Media, a creative PR and communications agency based in Edinburgh, made history by becoming the first Scottish PR agency to achieve B Corp certification. This prestigious certification recognises businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Muckle Media’s journey to B Corp status highlights both the rewards and challenges of this rigorous process, offering an inspiring example for other small to medium-sized enterprises in Edinburgh considering the B Corp path.

The Benefits of Certification: Muckle Media’s certification showcases their commitment to a business model that values more than just profit. This accomplishment has enhanced their reputation and connected them with a global community of businesses that share a vision of sustainability and positive impact, including organisations like Patagonia.

The certification has also helped Muckle Media attract clients who prioritise working with ethical businesses. Their Returners to Communications Programme, Kickstart trainee scheme, and commitment to being a Living Wage employer highlight their dedication to fair work and community engagement​. These initiatives not only strengthen their business but also demonstrate the tangible impact they are making in their community.

Challenges Along the Way: The road to B Corp certification was not easy. As Nathalie Agnew, Muckle Media’s managing director, shared: “Getting started was the hardest part. I initially thought we would be Scotland’s first B Corp, but it took us a while to find the time and energy to complete the process. Many evenings and weekends went into getting everything done”​.

The thorough certification process involved documenting and proving the agency’s ethical practices, from employee benefits to waste management.

Muckle Media also had to make a legal commitment to change their governance structure, ensuring they are accountable to all stakeholders, not just shareholders. This shift required the buy-in and participation of the entire team to uphold and continue improving their sustainability and ethical standards​.

An Ongoing Commitment: Achieving B Corp status is only the beginning. Nathalie emphasised that while the certification is a fantastic achievement, it also comes with the responsibility of continuous improvement: “We recognise that this is just the start of our B Corp journey. We’re committed to growing our impact and fulfilling the promises we’ve made to our people, our clients, and our planet”​.

Why Muckle Media’s Journey Matters: For Edinburgh businesses considering B Corp certification, Muckle Media’s experience is a powerful example. Despite the challenges, the benefits – from attracting values-aligned clients to fostering a stronger internal culture – far outweigh the effort. Their journey shows that with persistence, any business can transform itself and contribute to building a more sustainable and inclusive economy.

Is your business ready to take the leap? Muckle Media’s story demonstrates that no matter your industry, becoming a B Corp is an achievable goal that can open doors to new opportunities and positive impact. For further information on Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s B Corp project check out: https://www.edinburghchamber.co.uk/edinburgh-b-corp-500/