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B Lab Scoping

Introduction to the process

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Why do the

Scoping Exercise?

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What is B Lab’s Scoping Exercise?

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Is scoping optional?

What are the benefits to the formal scoping process?

Scoping of one form or another is unavoidable.

All businesses must submit information at submission that are designed to discover any complexity or trigger additional requirements.

So, scoping of some kind will either happen to you at submission or you can use a formal stand alone process earlier on to de risk the journey. For some, the formal exercise is compulsory.

The formal scoping exercise was in response to the number of companies being discovered at submission that had an incorrect BIA or were unaware of their additional requirements.

So, the choice is when rather than if you do this.

  • Upfront clarity on pathway to certification�
  • Early warning on additional requirements�
  • De-risking of time and cost investment by ensuring correct assessment set up�
  • Confirmation to use with certifying analyst to accelerate early certification process�
  • Opportunity to discuss material assessment issues with B Lab prior to being evaluated

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What happens during scoping?

Why is it needed?

Who is it for?

Scoping undertakes a review of the structure and context of your company to provide assessment clarity for you and B Lab.

Scoping is specifically aimed at complex situations, as defined by B Lab as:

  • Structures with more than a single entity
  • Trading under more than a single brand
  • Revenue with over £100M
  • For-profit dynamic is non-traditional (eg operating like a business but no shareholder distributions)

And potentially if the company:

  • Has offices in more than five countries
  • Operates in more than one industry
  • Is a subsidiary or related entity to a broader group

To ensure complex businesses are correctly set up prior to certification.

B Lab saw too many at the point of submission that, after a lot of work, had adopted an incorrect/incomplete pathway.

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How can Shoremount help?

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What are the benefits to Shoremount helping?

We save you significant lost cost versus making a submission error.

1

We provide insight and templates to accelerate the exercise.

2

We know who to connect you with if deeper exploration is needed.

3

We can sync it in with your wider B Corp journey to maintain progress.

4

We can help you resource internal discussions and approvals.

5

We complete this quicker than dealing with B Lab directly.

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PROVIDING

GATHERING

REVIEWING

SUBMITTING

CONFIRMING

Shoremount supplies folder that contains all the required documentation.

Client completes correct documents depending on company info and characteristics.

Client and Shoremount review documentation with any obvious follow ups required.

Shoremount submits the materials to the correct team and then liaises on the detail with B Lab.

B Lab sends confirmation memorandum on certification pathway and BIA details.

What is the workflow across the Scoping exercise?

Includes Templates To Complete: �Which depends on company characteristics

  1. B Lab Scoping - Operational Questions
  2. B Lab Discovery Phase Questions
  3. B Lab Scoping - Revenue Streams
  4. Invite Into B Impact Assessment Account
  5. Global Scoping Data Gathering Template
  6. Entity Structure Diagram
  7. Brand Review List

How Much Time Will It Require?

Your time investment typically ranges from 2 - 5 hours for the whole process, depending on complexity.

How Long Will It Take Overall?

Once submitted to B Lab it tends to take 3 - 6 weeks to conclude.

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We typically undertake Scoping as part of the first step, alongside two other exercises to set up the entire journey for short to long term success. However, it can be done as a stand alone exercise.

STARTING

REVIEW

CONTEXT

SETTING

TEAMING & TRAINING

STRATEGY CREATION

Structured support across the five BIA areas to reach the certification standard.

Connect to 2023+ requirements.

GOVERNANCE

WORKERS

ENVIRONMENT

COMMUNITY

CUSTOMERS

IMPLEMENT

FINAL �REVIEW

SUBMIT

Step #1

#2

#3

#4

#10

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

How does Scoping fit into a typical B Corp journey?

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Whilst we typically undertake Scoping as part of a three part exercise, we can cost it separately.

As an indication, total cost for all three parts ranges £2,500 - £10,000 depending on context.

This is a significant value add vs the cost of an incorrect set up or misjudging the commitment.

What does it cost?

PART 1

Discovery Questions

PART 3

Contextual Awareness

What is it?

The Discovery section of the �B Impact Assessment

Why do it?

Highlights any material or controversial issues that might create additional requirements.

How much of your time is needed?

0.5 - 1.5hrs

What is it?

Spot check on context B Corp will live within, particularly amongst leaders.

Why do it?

Reality check of what is required to succeed and align with commitments and new performance requirements.

How much of your time is needed?

1 - 3hrs

PART 2

Scoping Exercise

What is it?

Formal B Lab review of the corporate structure and trading brands.

Why do it?

Create clarity about what the B Corp pathway will be and highlight any additional requirements.

How much of your time is needed?

2 - 5hrs

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Contact Us

Shoremount�Founding UK B Corp

53 Davies Street, London

John Featherby

jfeatherby@shoremount.com

+44 (0)7968 532626

shoremount.com

Shoremount is a think tank, strategic consulting and executive support firm�helping organisations to thrive�in the new economy by�making them more human,�adaptable and purposeful.

Award Winning�Founding UK B Corp

London - Paris - DC