In celebration of its 21st year in operation, Material, the Glasgow-based creative agency, has officially attained B Corp certification. Following a rigorous application and assessment process, Material now joins the esteemed B Corp community, consisting of just over 8000 businesses globally that share a commitment to using business as a force for good.
The principles of B Corp align seamlessly with Material’s internal culture and its diverse portfolio of clients, including The Macallan, University of Strathclyde, the SEC, BAFTA, and Celtic FC. The certification reflects Material’s dedication to purpose-driven work, marking a significant evolution in its approach and outlook.
Founder Colin Spence expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Being a B Corp will hold us to high social and environmental standards. But we also believe it will continue to inspire us to break new ground – for our people, our community, and importantly, in the work that we do for our clients. And that’s genuinely exciting for us.”
Material, previously recognized as the ‘UK’s Best Small Place to Work,’ commits to re-certification every three years in adherence to B Corp protocols.
This announcement follows the launch of Material Change last year – a specialized social and environmental sustainability strategy and communications service. Developed in response to increasing market demand, the service supports businesses of all sizes and sectors in integrating climate impact and sustainability into their operations.
Material, known for its groundbreaking work in sport, music, and culture, has been a leader in audience understanding for over two decades. The agency, with T in the Park as its inaugural project, has delivered compelling campaigns for prestigious brands and events, including COP 26, the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, TRNSMT, Tennent’s Lager, OVO, MTV Europe Awards, BAFTA Scotland, and the Scottish FA.
Colin Spence envisions that B Corp certification will positively influence the agency’s approach to sponsorship and events: “Being guided by B Corp’s principles and taking the knowledge we’ve gained through our social and environmental sustainability work can only help to positively influence our approach to our work in sponsorship, live events, and brand experiences.” He emphasizes that sustainability best practices will become integral to every aspect of the business, showcasing Material’s unique blend of knowledge and expertise in the Scottish marketing sector.
Image Credit: Ryan Johnston