Use Your Voice, Share Your Power: The New Role of Business in Society

Next Wednesday (9th July), I’ll be heading to Westminster for my first-ever Mass Lobby event. A whole bunch of organisations including WWF, RSPB, Wildlife Trust, and thousands of ordinary people will come face-to-face with their MPs to demand bolder action for climate and nature. It’s a moment of shared courage, a reminder that change doesn’t just happen in boardrooms or ballot boxes, it happens when people show up and speak out.

If, like me, you’ve ever felt frustrated by the slow pace of change or overwhelmed by a mix of grief and grit, you are not alone. The good news? You’re not powerless either.

The Mass Lobby isn’t just a protest, it’s an invitation. A collective call for leaders (in politics, business, and community) to act together for the future we all deserve. You can still join us or support from wherever you are: Take part in the Mass Lobby – The Climate Coalition. #ActNowChangeForever

Frustrated But Not Powerless

At UK for Good, we work with business leaders who are ready to move beyond “Business as Usual” because let’s face it, that model is failing people, communities, and the planet.

The power of business lies in its ability to act swiftly, collectively, and transparently. Alone, our influence is limited. But when we act together, we become a force that cannot be ignored.

B Corp’s New GACA Requirement: What It Means for SMEs

For me, one of the most important updates in the B Corp standards is the introduction of the Government Affairs & Collective Action (GACA) impact topic. This is about more than compliance – it’s about business stepping into its vital role in shaping a fairer, greener economy.

B Lab is making it clear: business cannot be neutral. Companies are expected to lead, not just within their organisations, but in public life. Here’s what that looks like:

1. Responsible Lobbying

Businesses are now required to publicly declare where they stand and how they seek to influence policy. This includes:

• Publishing a clear policy on lobbying, grounded in evidence or science.
• Disclosing any political contributions – financial or in-kind.
• Being transparent about how they work with intermediaries like trade associations, think tanks, or lobbyists.

Even if your business doesn’t actively lobby, you’ll still need to state that publicly and explain your stance.

💡 Recommended resource: Responsible Lobbying Framework

2. Collective Action

Collaboration is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’. B Corps must now actively participate in coalitions, mentorships, campaigns, or shared learning initiatives to help drive systemic change. Examples include:

• Mentoring peers in your sector to build social or environmental capacity.
• Partnering with others on research or campaigns.
• Using your voice (and platform) to influence public understanding and policy.

💡 Recommended resource: Collective Action

3. Tax Transparency

It’s not just big corporations that need to pay their fair share. SMEs are being asked to lead by example too. That means publishing a tax policy and clearly reporting where tax is paid. For small businesses, this isn’t about technical detail, it’s about public trust and social contribution.

💡 Recommended reading: UN Sustainable Development Goals – especially Goals 16 and 17 on institutions and partnerships.

Why This Matters for You

If you’re on your B Corp journey, or simply trying to build a more ethical business, this new GACA standard is a call to clarity and courage. It’s not just about what you do within your business, but how you show up beyond it.

Ask yourself:

• Are we transparent about our values and positions?
• Do we support collective movements that align with our purpose?
• Are our practices (including tax and lobbying) contributing to the kind of society we want to live in?

If the answers make you uncomfortable that’s OK. Growth begins with awareness.

So what now?

🌿 Join the Mass Lobby on 9th July or support it in your community. Sign up here

📢 Review your approach to lobbying, partnerships, and public influence. Could you:

• Publish your position on climate or social policy?
• Join a relevant coalition or working group?
• Share your expertise to help others?

🧭 Need a sounding board? We’re here to help you navigate these new standards with purpose and integrity.

Final Thought

The GACA standard is not about adding more to your to-do list. It’s about aligning your doing with your being. About showing up, standing up, and stepping forward – not just for your business, but for the generations to come.

Let’s be the leaders who move beyond narrow self-interest, and model what courage in business really looks like.

If you’d like guidance on how your business can meet the new GACA standards, build meaningful partnerships, or use your influence for good, get in touch. Together, we can build a fairer, greener, more compassionate economy—one bold step at a time.

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