A Cheltenham-based flexible workspace provider has become B Corp™ certified.

The Workplace, which has two bases in Cheltenham town centre, has become the first flexible office or co-working space in Gloucestershire to achieve a B Corp™ certification.

The Workplace, which was founded seven years ago by Claire Storey, has capacity for up to 200 workers at Star Lodge and Frogmore House.

Claire said: "We've got loads of private spaces as well as co-working, which is only a part of it. We're open to literally everyone. We've got lawyers, writers, photographers, engineers and we've got quite a lot of cyber as well. You name, we've got them."

With private offices, meeting rooms, mailboxes and of course open plan co-working across two sites, The Workplace has made it its mission to keep work off the kitchen table.

Claire, a former teacher, added: "Achieving this B Corp certification means so much to us! This award recognises that The Workplace meets high standards of verified social and environmental performance and responsibility.

"It took months of hard work to document all the practices that have formed our philosophies since we opened our first space seven years ago. It has been an intense process!

"We knew we were doing all of the eco things like recycling, sourcing non-plastic teabags, using energy-saving lightbulbs and shopping local. But it turns out there were so many other elements that boosted our position, such as volunteering, staff benefits or supporting local businesses.

"We are so proud to be recognised for the things that have always made up The Workplace philosophy."

Achieving B Corp certification is a rigorous process, covering five key impact areas of a company's ethos towards governance, workers, community, environment and clients.

"Completing the assessment was insightful and we all discovered that The Workplace is much more than just a flexible workspace provider," added Claire. "Since March 2024 we have been working with B Corp to analyse our practices. This required quite a few spreadsheets and almost 200 questions. Each time we answered one we'd be asked a few more!

"B Corp companies are reverified every three years so we will use this as an opportunity to keep improving.

"The great thing about the B Corp process is the way it can help you to become even more sustainable. Now that we are part of the B Hive, we are able to connect with existing B Corporations around the world. Collaborating with some of these will be our next step to improve even further."

To find out more about The Workplace, call 07850 237799, email claire@theworkplace.network  or visit theworkplace.network