Studio 91 becomes Greater Manchester’s first B Corp video production agency

Purpose-driven video production agency, Studio 91 Media has certified as a B Corp, joining a growing movement of companies that are reinventing business for the benefit of all people and our shared planet.

Verified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, the achievement demonstrates that Studio 91 meets high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability alongside a commitment to goals beyond shareholder value.

Video storytellers Studio 91 are the only Greater Manchester-based company listed in the B Corp directory within the film, TV and music production industry. In order to become a B Corp, the Studio 91 team underwent a rigorous certification process to demonstrate their progress in five main impact areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers. Studio 91 scored 95.5 points in their B Impact Assessment. B Corps are required to reach a score of 80, providing evidence of responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity, and corporate transparency. B Corps must also legally embed their commitment to purpose as well as profit in their company articles.

Studio 91 specialises in documentary storytelling and educational content, and they primarily work with charities and purpose-driven businesses. Their 2023-24 impact report summarises the ways they have fulfilled their ongoing mission to produce video content that is good for people, platforms and the planet.

Ben Horrigan, Managing Director of Studio 91 Media, said:

“B Corp certification is a big moment for us, but we still have a lot of growing and learning to do. We hope this milestone inspires other media companies in Greater Manchester to join the movement to put people and planet before profit. The B Corp assessment process is tough – that’s why it’s so meaningful – and we’re hugely grateful for the advice we’ve received from other B Corps in Manchester, in particular betternotstop and Tyler Grange.”

The B Corp community in the UK is one of the largest and fastest-growing in the world, with over 1,700 companies spanning a range of different industries and sizes. Names include The Guardian, Innocent Drinks, Patagonia, Tony’s Chocolonely, The Big Issue, Finisterre, Elemis, and Sipsmith Gin.

Studio 91 Media is also part of the Better Business Act — a coalition made up of over 2,000 businesses campaigning for a change to the law that would see all companies in the UK align their long-term interests with those of wider society and the environment.

Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK, said:

“We are pleased to have B Corps of all shapes and sizes as part of our community — from startups to multinationals and across many different industries. Business is a powerful force and B Corps demonstrate that positive impact is possible in any sector. Welcoming Studio 91 Media is an exciting moment for the content production industry.”