Hedgehog lab gains B Corp status, launches impact fund

Digital product consultancy hedgehog lab has gained B Corporation certification and set up a Social Value Fund that allocates a percentage of revenue from client contracts to social impact activity.

Based in Newcastle and Leeds, the company is also introducing an updated social value framework, setting out how it will commit time, skills and funding to community initiatives.

Certified B Corporations are part of a global group of businesses assessed against standards for social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. B Corp status is awarded by B Lab, the non-profit behind the certification scheme.

Social Value Fund

The new Social Value Fund will ringfence a percentage of revenue from client contracts for impact projects. It will support volunteering activity, enable pro-bono or discounted work, back staff-led initiatives, and strengthen collaboration with clients focused on impact.

Alongside the fund, hedgehog lab is introducing five paid "impact days" per employee each year. Staff can use the days to volunteer with partner organisations or for learning and development linked to social value, equity, inclusion and sustainability.

The framework is designed to align with the UK Government's five social value "missions", which form part of the approach used in public procurement and supplier evaluation. The alignment is intended to make impact measurable for clients, partners and communities.

Partner organisations

The programme includes partnerships with If U Care Share, The Hygiene Bank, and Groundwork North East & Cumbria.

Hedgehog lab describes itself as a global digital product consultancy, providing digital delivery for clients as well as software products and services.

Managing director Malcolm Seagrave said the certification reinforces accountability and measurement across the business.

"B Corp certification is an important milestone because it formalises something we've believed for a long time: building great technology and building a better future should go hand in hand. This is about accountability - committing to high standards, measuring what we do, and making sure our growth benefits people, communities, and the planet," said Seagrave.

B Corp growth

The B Corp movement has expanded quickly in the UK and internationally, spanning sectors from consumer goods to services. It has become a more common reference point for businesses seeking external assessment of social and environmental practices alongside financial performance.

Hedgehog lab joins a global group of more than 10,000 certified B Corps. In the UK, the B Corp community includes more than 2,600 companies of different sizes and sectors, including Innocent Drinks, Patagonia, Finisterre, Elemis and Sipsmith Gin.

Chris Turner, CEO of B Lab UK, said hedgehog lab would add to the community.

"We are delighted to welcome hedgehog lab to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies that are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good. We know that hedgehog lab is going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward," said Turner.

The company plans to embed the new framework in day-to-day working practices, with the Social Value Fund and annual allocation of paid impact days forming the core of its approach.