Wirral's independent local news website
A Wirral business has become one of the first veterinary organisations in Europe to be awarded B Corp status.
Animal Trust Vets, with clinics in Birkenhead and Ellesmere Port, passed the rigorous assessment process first time, something that very few companies achieve. In order to achieve certification, it was certified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, as having met rigorous social and environmental standards that represent its commitment to goals outside of shareholder profit.
“Becoming a B Corp is a huge achievement for Animal Trust and passing the assessment first time is something I’m very proud of,” says CEO and founder Owen Monie. “We’re a company with a social heart, and being here to help the pet-owning community is the reason we exist. Our B Corp status is official recognition of everything that we represent, and marks a major milestone on our journey to becoming the leading veterinary provider that delivers for the community.
“We’re already partnering with other organisations on initiatives that will help local communities – such as our partnership with Be.EV to install electric charging points at some clinics – and our B Corp status will enable to explore more possibilities,” he adds.
The Wirral Animal Trusts employ 88 people.
Not only is Animal Trust one of the first veterinary organisations to achieve B Corp status (and with 11 surgeries across the UK, it is also the largest), it is also the first veterinary Community Interest Company (CIC) in the UK to date.
As a CIC, there is an asset lock in place, ensuring that the assets remain within the organisation and there are limits on the profits that can be distributed. In addition, as a CIC, the company’s social mission – essentially, offering universal pet healthcare and sensible veterinary care options – is locked in law.
Owen concludes, “We became a CIC approximately two years ago and becoming a B Corp was a natural next step for our organisation.”
Image: Owen Monie of Animal Trust with Wilson the dog
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