ImagesMagUK_December_2020

IS DECORATOR PROFILE www.images-magazine.com 38 images DECEMBER 2020 B Corp is seeing exponential growth as more and more businesses are going for it us to look at our governance, the way that we’re running the business, and all of the details of our employees’ contracts and how we’re working with the community. It’s really useful to be forced to think like that.” Improvements introduced since the start of the B Corp journey include amending employees’ appraisal forms to make it easier to track employee engagement and satisfaction and to attract ideas on how to improve the company’s environment policy. Annual leave has been increased and there is now a “time off in lieu” system to allow for flexible working. The company also provides a team lunch once a month and is working more closely with the community. After only a few months, I Dress Myself was nearing completion of its B Corp assessment, but this was put on hold when the global pandemic hit. “It takes a little while,” Hannah admits. “It’s probably a few days to score everything, then some time making changes to the business to improve the score. Luckily we were already scoring pretty highly so this wasn’t too onerous for us. And then I think it will be another two to three days pulling all of the evidence together. It’s time well spent though as all the points should be considered when running a business. We had almost got there several months ago and then lockdown happened and it’s all been a bit crazy ever since then.” Business was hectic after the start of the second lockdown, but Hannah hopes they can complete the assessment to gain the accreditation soon. However, even before that, they have already been able to tap into the B Corp community. “We have been in touch with a few people and had advice from other businesses, and people have shared their paperwork in terms of how to write a company handbook which has all been really lovely. B Corp is seeing exponential growth as more and more businesses are going for it and of course all of our customers are more likely to be interested in that side of things.” While there is a sliding scale of fees to gain the accreditation, the assessment process is free and confidential so Hannah recommends it. “Even the initial scoring will give you some pointers for positive change, and you have nothing to lose.” During the first lockdown, all five of I Dress Myself’s employees were furloughed while Pete and Hannah ran operations, but business steadily returned after Easter and more than doubled over the summer, boosted by enduring demand for fashion garments online. Despite the current uncertainty, Hannah believes I Dress Myself is well placed as part of a growing trend for sustainable decorated clothing. “It might cost a little bit more, but then you can charge a little bit more, and it’s going to become more and more the norm.” www.idressmyself.co.uk Hannah Conway Pete Conway Screen printing with Permaset ink on the RoqPrint You