Leading independent law firm Brabners has retained its B Corp certification following a rigorous assessment of its ongoing social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency, which has resulted in a notable improvement on its B Corp assessment framework score.
The improved framework score reflects progress across the firm’s responsible business agenda, including its innovative environmental initiatives, community and social impact investments and governance around its sustainability programme.
In recent years, the firm has strengthened its environmental commitments through cross-sector partnerships. This includes the renewal of its long-term investment in the Kingsdale Head peatland restoration project in the Yorkshire Dales — which prevents around 360 tonnes of carbon from entering the atmosphere annually — and the establishment of community allotment partnerships with Liverpool’s Rotunda and Manchester’s Counselling & Family Centre.
The firm has also achieved its commitment to offer 365 days of pro bono support to the communities it serves. It donated more than £210,000 to 70 charities through The Brabners Foundation, and 2024 saw paper usage and waste reduced by 3.1 million sheets and 47 tonnes respectively compared to 2019 levels.
To coincide with its recertification, the firm is also launching the next step of its sustainability strategy by setting out a roadmap to become fully net zero by 2040 — across Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. This is a decade ahead of the UK government’s target of 2050, and in line with the Paris Agreement and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The plan focuses on reducing emissions across its operations and supply chain while further embedding sustainability into its culture and client work. Key measures include transitioning to a rail-first approach for business travel, moving to 100% recycled paper, introducing sustainable lease considerations and building improvements across its offices, as well as implementing a sustainable procurement policy across its supply chain.
Simon Lewis, Partner and Head of Brabners’ Sustainability and Environmental Group, added: “The improvement in our B Corp assessment framework score reflects the focused and systematic approach we have adopted across the firm – and the purposeful engagement and contribution from all our colleagues.
“This recertification also reminds us that harder challenges may still lie ahead — particularly in addressing Scope 3 emissions across our supply chain. Our net zero strategy tackles these challenges head-on, with deliverable targets that prioritise real, net reductions in emissions.
“We are also focused on supporting our clients and our partners to achieve their own sustainability goals. From advising on major regeneration projects to helping businesses achieve B Corp certification themselves, our plan remains to use our position to lead and promote even greater momentum towards the required change.”
Robert White, CEO at Brabners, said: “Our mission to ‘make the difference’ reflects that – as a responsible and purpose-led business – we recognise our responsibility to play our part in building a more sustainable future. This commitment extends through our client work, the fantastic businesses we advise, and our relationships with colleagues and the communities we serve. Our latest B Corp recertification gives us confidence that we are making a substantial change, while recognising we can always do more.
“Our conviction is amplified by the fact that – at the same time – we have enjoyed record business performance in recent years, which has reinforced our belief that responsible business is also good business. We are proud of how far we have come and are excited about the next phase of our sustainability journey, as we set our sights on achieving our net zero target in 2040.”
The firm’s recertification sits alongside continued commercial momentum, with recently reported record revenues of £60.2m and pre-tax profits of £20.3m in FY2025 — an eighth consecutive year of growth — and the announcement of its entry into the London market.