Market Harborough Building Society
Market Harborough Building Society (MHBS) has been awarded B Corp™ certification. Joining a global network of organisations recognised for meeting high standards of social and environmental performance. The accreditation follows a rigorous assessment by B Lab, the non-profit organisation behind the B Corp movement. They evaluated the Society’s impact across areas including colleague wellbeing, customer service, community engagement and environmental responsibility.
MHBS say that the recognition reflects the Society’s values-led approach. This encourages collaboration and continuous improvement, leading to lasting and significant results.
“Our ambition has always been to prioritise purpose in our decisions,” said CEO Iain Kirkpatrick. “Becoming a certified B Corp is a proud milestone. It proves our purpose of ‘fighting for our customers and communities to thrive’ is real. This achievement reflects the work of many, including colleagues and members, each contributing to something bigger.”
The “Thrive” Programme
The Society’s ‘Thrive’ programme combines grant-giving, volunteering, partnerships, education, and social investment to build long-term community resilience.
Through Thrive, MHBS invested £2 million in social housing. It opened its head office to local groups and charities. And launched Thrive Forward to support young people’s well-being, learning, and future opportunities.
Thrive now guides daily decisions and long-term commitments. Programmes are shaped by local need. Partnerships are selected for measurable benefit, and colleagues are encouraged to contribute through volunteering.
“This is a moment to celebrate with everyone connected to the Society,” said Tim Neal, Head of Footprint. “Becoming a B Corp aligns with our values and motivates us to keep raising the bar for positive impact.”
As part of the B Corp framework, MHBS must demonstrate continuous improvement and maintain transparency in key areas of social responsibility. The Leadership team welcomes the structure, describing it as complementary to the organisation’s long-term commitment to responsible business.
“As a modern mutual, we exist to benefit the many, not the few,” Kirkpatrick added. “Becoming a B Corp strengthens that commitment, providing a framework that keeps us accountable, transparent, and focused on building a more inclusive, sustainable future for all.”
Further details about MHBS’s B Corp journey and the Thrive Forward programme can be found at www.mhbs.co.uk/thrive/
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