Latest news with #BCorporation
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayrshire hospitality firm earns prestigious B Corp certification
Buzzworks has become the first multi-venue hospitality business in Scotland to achieve B Corporation certification. An Ayrshire hospitality firm has become the first multi-venue hospitality business in Scotland to achieve B Corporation certification. Buzzworks, who own and operate a range of hospitality venues across the county, announced they had successfully completed the rigorous certification process. Organised by the non profit organisation B Lab, B Corp certification shows that a company meets a high standard of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. The B Corp movement is a growing global movement of businesses engage in social responsibility, sustainability and ethical business practices. Buzzworks earned its certification following an in-depth evaluation by B Lab. The company showed it worked closely with a range of charities and community partners and that it takes significant steps to address its environmental impact - including a commitment to reduce waste and energy consumption - throughout the evaluation process. These efforts are underpinned by ongoing ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) tracking to measure Buzzworks' progress and ensure continued accountability. Kenny Blair, Buzzworks managing director, led the business through the process. He said: 'Achieving B Corp Certification has been one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys we've undertaken as a business. 'With our scale, it was no small task, but we were absolutely determined to make it happen. 'At Buzzworks, we've always believed in doing the right thing for our people, through industry-leading training and development initiatives, for the communities we operate in, by creating jobs and supporting local charities, and for the planet. 'Becoming a Certified B Corporation is a major step forward in our commitment to all three. 'We are incredibly proud of this achievement. It's a testament to the collective effort of our team and the values we live by every day at Buzzworks.' The recognition comes on the back of another successful year for the family-owned business, with turnover rising 18 per cent from £29.9m to £34.8m in 2024. Buzzworks' Ayrshire venues include The Duke in Kilmarnock, The Fox in Troon, Lido in Troon and Prestwick, Scotts in Largs and Troon, Vic's and the Vine in Prestwick, The Long House in Kilmarnock, The Tree House in Ayr, The Corner House in Kilwinning, The Mill House in Stewarton and T-Bar in Ayr.
Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Times
‘Join up words and actions to make ESG simply how you do things'
From a council estate in Lincoln, Ampa group chief executive Sarah Walker-Smith became the first and only female non-lawyer to lead a top-50 law firm. She steered the firm to become the largest legal and professional services group to achieve B Corporation accreditation (meaning they are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on people, customers, suppliers, communities, and the environment) and has increased turnover by over 65 per cent in just three years. Here's her brief to do the same 1 Embrace the power of being the perpetual apprentice: The more experienced you are, the more you learn. When you think you have worked it all out — you haven't. Remember that you fail to then succeed. 2 Set off with realistic
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
360PR+ BECOMES CERTIFIED B CORPORATION
Award-winning PR agency has long focused on advancing mission-driven brands BOSTON, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As it approaches its 25th anniversary, 360PR+ has been certified as a B Corporation, undergoing B Lab's highly rigorous process that has evaluated the company's purpose, ethics and transparency, commitment to employee health and wellness, employee engagement and satisfaction, economic and environmental impact in communities in which the agency operates, and other criteria for certification. Certified B Corporations are companies that believe in using business as a force for good. The development of B Corporation standards for certification are overseen by B Lab's independent Standards Advisory Council. B Lab is a non-profit organization, founded in 2006 and certifying some 9,000 B Corporations globally across a range of sectors. 360PR+ has long prioritized representing and advancing organizations and brands that are doing good in the world. "To do that authentically, we must hold ourselves to the highest possible standards – our certification as a B Corporation is validation of that and a testament to all of our employees, whose engagement and feedback makes us better every day," commented Laura Tomasetti, 360's founder and CEO. 360PR+ is a fully integrated communications and marketing agency, recognized for a long list of award-winning PR campaigns for some of the most trusted and admired brands. Over the years, that's included B Corporations such as Blue Wave Solar, Full Circle Home, Pete & Gerry's Organic Eggs, Stonyfield and Vermont Creamery. Based in New York, 360PR+ is a partner in PROI Worldwide, offering clients in-market resources in 100+ cities across North America and globally. In addition to certifying as a B Corporation, 360PR+ has undergone WBENC's process to become a certified women-owned business. For more information, visit For the latest B Corporation news, visit the B Corp blog: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE 360PR+ Sign in to access your portfolio
CNET
12-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNET
Cariloha Retreat Mattress Review 2025: An Entirely Unique Eco-Friendly Bed
With 5+ years of mattress testing experience, we use our different sleeping position and body type perspectives to offer well-rounded, honest reviews. 8.25 /10 SCORE CNET Score With five-plus years of mattress testing experience, we use our different sleeping position and body type perspectives to offer well-rounded, honest reviews. Read more on How we test Our Verdict Our Verdict Best for: Score Breakdown Performance 8.5 /10 Policies 7 /10 Durability 8.5 /10 Features 9 /10 Pros and Cons Pros Unique feel Supportive bounce Organic materials Lots of pressure relief Zone support Cons Expensive Only one firmness profile Cariloha Retreat Mattress 8.25/10 CNET Score $2,599 at Cariloha Jon Gomez/CNET Cariloha makes a wide range of products, including mattresses, sheets, pillows and even bathrobes and towels. The brand is focused on sustainability and is a certified B Corporation, which it shares with a few other mattress brands such as Leesa and Avocado. The Retreat mattress is its most high-end model, and it shows. This thing is seriously comfortable, and it uses organic latex foam, but it feels different than the dozens of other latex beds I've tested to date. If the Retreat mattress fits your budget, I think you might love it. First impressions of the Cariloha Retreat mattress When we first unboxed the Cariloha Retreat mattress, I wasn't sure what to expect. Most beds that feature latex foam have a certain type of look -- usually meant to look as 'natural' as possible with beige colors. The Retreat mattress doesn't have the traditional look of its peers. Jon Gomez/CNET I was a bit surprised by just how soft the mattress was, even after giving it a full day to firm up. Most beds are soft right out of the box, and that's what I thought was happening with the Retreat. But even a full day later, it still felt quite soft. After learning about the materials used inside the Retreat mattress, it became even clearer that it isn't a standard latex foam hybrid, and I think that's a good thing. Is the Cariloha Retreat mattress right for you? For anyone looking for a soft latex foam hybrid with organic certifications, the Retreat mattress is an excellent choice. Most latex foam beds aren't particularly soft. We have tested dozens of beds in this category, and the average firmness rating for those beds is in the medium-firm range. That's popular but it's not always ideal for side sleepers. Beds like the Retreat give side sleepers more options in the latex category. Cariloha Retreat mattress firmness and feel Retreat mattress feel The Retreat mattress has a responsive latex foam feel, but with some nuance. Latex foam beds tend to all feel similar. Latex foam is responsive and bouncy, which is basically the opposite of memory foam. When you remove weight and pressure from latex foam, it springs back into shape instantaneously. If you're a combination sleeper, you won't get any resistance from the bed when rotating between sleeping positions. In fact, it can feel like it's propelling you. Jon Gomez/CNET The Retreat mattress provides the responsive, buoyant feel of most latex foam beds -- except it cradles your body a bit more than most latex beds. There is a unique later in the Retreat mattress responsible for this slight difference in feel. If you prefer the dense, sink-in, body-conforming quality of a memory foam bed, I don't think the Retreat mattress is for you, but if you like the idea of a responsive, bouncy and supportive bed, I think you'll enjoy the feel. This mattress tester thinks the Retreat mattress is incredibly comfy, one of the most comfortable latex beds I've tried to date. Cariloha Retreat firmness and sleeper types The Retreat mattress is noticeably soft, but that doesn't mean it isn't supportive. Cariloha rates the Retreat as 'medium-soft,' and I feel like that's accurate. The whole team, me included, rated it in the 3 to 4 range out of 10. Testing it with the new Mattress Smasher 9000 resulted in a score of 5.2 out of 10, a bit firmer than we thought. This device is not infallible, but it gives us a more objective rating than our traditional method of firmness by consensus. However, this 5.2 rating is measured in the center of the mattress. The Retreat mattress has a 'zone support' design, and the center third of the bed is intended to be the firmest section. Measured on the outer thirds of the bed, the bed scored a 4.4 out of 10, which is a bit softer and closer to what we initially thought. Jon Gomez/CNET Side sleepers will enjoy the firmness level of the Retreat mattress, but I also felt supported in any position thanks to the coils and the gentle bounce of the latex foam. The firm center of the mattress should help primary back sleepers feel supported. The Retreat is only available in a single firmness profile. Other Cariloha mattresses are advertised as firmer than the Retreat. Cariloha Retreat mattress construction The Retreat mattress's construction is unique. It has a layer that I've only seen in one other mattress, and its combination of foams is rare but becoming more popular. Jon Gomez/CNET The bottommost layer is a thin layer of support foam to give the main support layer -- a thick layer of 'upcycled steel coils' a secure foundation. These coils have zone support, giving sleepers a bit more support in the lumbar region, where you need it most. Above the coil layer is a layer of transition foam, and this layer is part of the reason this bed feels slightly different than most latex foam beds: It isn't latex. It's actually a 'soy plant-based' foam that behaves more like foams we see in beds like Casper or Helix. We've been seeing more and more beds that feature latex foam but in combination with other types of foam like Bear Natural and Leesa Natural. I think this is great because you get the eco-friendly benefits of latex foam and the unique feel of latex foam but without the feel being overwhelming and off-putting to some sleepers. Above this transition layer is a very unique layer that provides the zone support on this mattress. In the center third of the layer is a layer of micro coils, and on the outer third is latex foam. I have only seen this type of mixed foam and coil design on one other mattress, the Leesa Legend Hybrid. At the very top is the primary comfort layer of the Retreat mattress, which is another layer of latex foam that is GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certified. The bed also has some wool and bamboo, and a much different look than other beds made of organic materials. I think that's a welcome change. Jon Gomez/CNET The soft, gray cover on the Retreat mattress is also removable and machine washable, which is convenient for people who want to easily clean their mattress cover. Cariloha Retreat mattress performance Edge support Beds with poor edge support make you feel like you're going to roll off the mattress near the outer edge. It's easy to sleep near the perimeter of the edge if you're sharing a bed with a partner or pets. Jon Gomez/CNET The Retreat mattress has good to great edge support. The firm base foam encases the coil unit, which is designed to improve the edge support, and it does that effectively. It's not the best edge support I've ever tested, but I doubt you'll have issues on the Retreat, even if you sleep on the edge. Motion isolation Motion isolation refers to how well the bed deadens the impact of movement on the mattress. Good motion isolation is especially important if you're a light sleeper who shares a mattress with someone who tosses and turns a lot. The motion isolation performance is surprisingly good on the Retreat. Beds that feature coils and latex foam don't usually perform well in this category because of the responsive and bouncy qualities of the material. For a latex bed, the Retreat is great -- but when compared to memory foam beds like a Tempur-Pedic, it doesn't perform as well. If you're a light sleeper who wakes up at the slightest movement, you may have problems sharing the Retreat mattress. But for everyone else, I think you'll be good to go. Temperature regulation Latex foam hybrids are naturally breathable, and the Retreat mattress features less cotton and wool in comparison to other latex hybrids like Avocado and Awara. Two members of the CNET Sleep team spent a month at home with an Avocado Luxury Organic mattress and found it to be a little warm compared to other beds. I think the combination of coils, latex and less wool and cotton means the Retreat will sleep solidly temperature neutral. Cariloha Retreat mattress pricing Size Measurements (inches) Price Twin 38x75 $1,949 Twin XL 38x80 $1,999 Full 54x75 $2,399 Queen 60x80 $2,599 King 76x80 $2,999 Cal king 72x84 $2,999 The Retreat mattress is fairly expensive, and on par with other high-end latex beds like the Avocado Green and the Nest Bedding Owl. I am unsure if Cariloha runs discounts year-round, but as of writing, there is a 20% discount on the Retreat mattress, which brings the price down to about $2,080. Jon Gomez/CNET Beds that use certified organic materials, like the Retreat, tend to be more expensive because more care is taken in sourcing the materials, especially latex foam, which is naturally derived. Cariloha mattress policies Free shipping Like most online mattresses, the Retreat will ship in a large box to your door at no extra cost (as long as you live in the contiguous United States). Unboxing this particular mattress is not easy because it's quite heavy, so you should definitely have a friend there to help you remove it from the box. 100-night trial Cariloha provides a full 100-night trial period for its beds, pillows and sheet sets. That means that if you decide you don't like the product within the first 100 nights, you can return it and get a full refund. I would hang onto the box for other products because the policy is likely different. Return policy During the 100-night trial period, you can return the Retreat mattress and get a full refund at no additional cost, making purchasing the mattress virtually risk-free. Warranty A standard 10-year warranty backs the Cariloha Retreat mattress. This covers manufacturer defects, and if your mattress develops sagging beyond normal wear and tear, you should be covered. How does the Cariloha Retreat mattress compare to similar mattresses? Retreat mattress vs. Leesa Natural Leesa Natural is another bed that uses a blend of latex foam and other types of foams, like the Retreat. Instead of a soy-based responsive foam, the Leesa Natural uses a layer of memory foam, which balances out the responsive latex feel. It ends up feeling more like a responsive pillow-top, but it also features natural materials. The Leesa Natural is more affordable than the Retreat by a few hundred dollars and is also quite a bit firmer, rated a 6.5 out to 10, so it's less ideal for strict side sleepers than the Retreat. Retreat mattress vs. WinkBeds EcoCloud The EcoCloud mattress is one of the best latex foam hybrids for side sleepers. Until recently, it was the softest latex hybrid we'd tested (now it is the third softest). The EcoCloud features certified organic latex foam, certified organic wool and certified organic cotton, so it is eco-friendly. It has the traditional, responsive and bouncy latex foam feel instead of the more nuanced type of feel on the Retreat. The EcCloud also has zone support, but it's not as sophisticated and noticeable as the micro coil layer on the Retreat. Final thoughts on the Cariloha Retreat mattress The Cariloha Retreat mattress is one of the most interesting latex foam beds I've ever tested. Beds in this category can often blend together because they share similar materials and design philosophies. Jon Gomez/CNET We have seen more unique options from Leesa and Bear that blend latex foam with other foams to provide a different feel, and the Retreat mattress takes that idea to another level with this zone support micro coil layer combined with latex and neutral foam. I think the Retreat mattress is excellent and one of my favorite latex foam beds. To this mattress tester, its comfort is next level, and it feels simultaneously supportive and plush, which is pretty rare. The price is a bit high, but if it fits your budget and you want a bed with natural and organic materials and a unique feel, I think this might be your best bet. You might like the Cariloha Retreat mattress if: You want a responsive feel You want a bed with natural materials You want a coil mattress You're a side sleeper You might not like the Cariloha Retreat mattress if: You prefer a foam bed You are shopping on a budget You dislike a bouncy mattress Other mattresses from Cariloha Cariloha also has its Classic Mattress and its Resort Mattress, which we haven't tested yet. According to information from Cariloha, the Classic Mattress is an all-foam, memory foam option, and the Resort Mattress is an upgraded version of the Classic. Both beds are supposed to be firmer than the Retreat.
Associated Press
13-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Bergmeyer Celebrates Milestone Anniversary with Future-Focused Lens: 50 Years of Designing What's Next
'As we celebrate 50 years of design excellence, we're not just looking back at our achievements – we're actively designing what's next.' — Rachel Zsembery, CEO of Bergmeyer BOSTON, MA, UNITED STATES, March 13, 2025 / / -- Bergmeyer, a pioneering multi-disciplinary design collaborative and Certified B Corporation, marks its 50th anniversary by reinforcing its commitment to shaping the future of design through collaboration, innovation, and positive impact. Since its founding in 1975, Bergmeyer has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional design thinking, evolving from an architecture and interiors firm to become an omni-disciplinary design agency that creates transformative experiences across market boundaries. This evolution has been marked by strategic geographic expansion, starting with the establishment of its Los Angeles office in 2019, followed by the opening of its Columbus location in 2022. This milestone celebration is further enriched by Bergmeyer's recent certification as a B Corporation, joining a global movement of companies using business as a force for good. This certification reflects the design collaborative's longstanding commitment to transparency, equity, and sustainability, while validating its dedication to creating positive change through purpose-driven collaboration. As a B Corp, Bergmeyer demonstrates its pledge to consider the impact of every business decision on its people, the communities we serve, and the planet, embedding this triple bottom line approach into the company's DNA. 'As we celebrate 50 years of design excellence, we're not just looking back at our achievements – we're actively designing what's next,' said Rachel Zsembery, CEO of Bergmeyer. " Our evolution from a traditional architecture firm into a multi-disciplinary design collaborative reflects our belief that reaching our full potential requires continuously envisioning our future. For five decades, our success has been driven by an unwavering commitment to investing in our team, building meaningful client partnerships, and pushing the boundaries of design. As we move forward, this dedication will continue to guide us, shaping the future with purpose and creativity.' At the heart of Bergmeyer's enduring success is its people-first approach. The firm has consistently invested in cultivating unique talent and perspectives, recognizing that the growth and development of its team members is its most valuable and defensible differentiator. This commitment to people has fostered a culture that is genuinely connected, inclusive, and engaging – where serious work doesn't preclude joy and fulfillment in the creative process. The company's forward-thinking heritage is evidenced by its history of bold, strategic decisions that have positioned it at the forefront of industry innovation. The 2020 transformation into a multi-disciplinary design collaborative represented a pivotal shift in the architecture industry, demonstrating how experiential design can evolve beyond traditional expectations. This evolution has enabled Bergmeyer to work at the intersection of markets, integrating a full range of services and expertise to create more comprehensive and impactful solutions for clients. Bergmeyer's operational excellence is built on smart, refined processes that drive consistent quality and innovation. This focus on process excellence ensures repeatable success while maintaining the agility to adapt to changing client needs and market conditions. - The firm's meaningful impact extends beyond traditional metrics, encompassing: - Environmental stewardship through sustainable design practices and planetary responsibility - Transformative outcomes for internal teams and client organizations - Leadership in experiential, user-focused placemaking and adaptive reuse - Deep engagement with local communities and stakeholders - Commitment to equity, transparency, and social justice With a growing presence across key markets across the country, Bergmeyer continues to strengthen its position as an omni-disciplinary, full-service provider. The firm's fierce independence continues to drive bold decisions that reinforces its unique approach while maintaining core values that have defined the organization for half a century. As Bergmeyer designs for the next 50 years, its focus remains on creating lasting positive change through cross-disciplinary collaboration that transcends traditional market boundaries, investment in emerging technologies and methodologies, and continued evolution of service offerings to meet future client needs. The firm is further deepening its commitment to environmental and social responsibility while fostering the next generation of design leaders who will carry forward its legacy of innovation and impact. About Bergmeyer Bergmeyer is a multi-disciplinary Design Collaborative of architects, interior designers, graphic designers, and brand strategists; inspired through partnership, thoughtfully creative; driven by curiosity and boldness to fulfill the potential of each relationship. Implicitly trusting of its people and process; Bergmeyer celebrates a culture of inclusion and connection to a shared purpose. Bergmeyer's approach to design is empowering and ego-free, forming proactive partnerships with its clients and project teams to create a shared sense of ownership throughout the entire creative process. Bergmeyer designs for its clients' clients, the people whose lives and experiences are enhanced by its work. Challenging its teams to focus first on understanding the end user - the customers, students, employees, visitors, and residents - while delivering on its clients' vision and return on investment. Bergmeyer has offices in Boston, Los Angeles, and Columbus. Bergmeyer is proud to be a Certified B Corporation, serving as an active member of a global community with a common belief in using business as a force for good. X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube TikTok Legal Disclaimer:
