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I am absolutely thrilled to share that Gibsons Games is now a B Corporation. This certification means we are part of a global community of businesses that meet B Lab's high standards for social and environmental impact!
Throughout our 104-year history, strong values have always been at the heart of our identity as a company. From its inception, Gibsons has been committed to providing joy to families and communities through ethical and responsible business practices (you can learn more here). Striving for B Corp certification just felt like the next natural step!
However, given the journey to actually get here achieving the certification feels like metaphorical icing on the cake. In the past few years B Lab have helped us to drive change across our whole business, including five crucial areas; Governance, Workers, Community, Customers and the Environment.
While there have been many challenges and victories, one important milestone to mention is an initiative that began in 2019 (our centenary year!). We embarked on a project to create the perfect jigsaw puzzle. Not only did we want our jigsaws to provide the perfect puzzling experience, we set out to drastically reduce our jigsaws' impact on the planet. No stone went unturned; we changed materials, manufacturing locations and shipping methods, while undergoing significant changes to our head office.
This is just one of many changes that were made in our striving to become a B Corp. We wanted to be part of something meaningful and rigorous which would keep us on a trajectory of continuous improvement and positive change. It has encouraged us to consider all aspects of our business, embedding strong ethical practices across the whole company, from big decisions such as materials and supply chain to the small stuff like where we get the milk for our teas and coffees!
Over the years, we've developed partnerships with charities and non-profit organisations who are doing important work which is close to our hearts and those of our customers. Our Piecing Together range was developed alongside experts to provide jigsaws to people with conditions causing motor or cognitive impairments such as dementia. Proceeds from our Great Ormond Street and Just Like Us puzzles are donated to charities. Our latest venture is a jigsaw puzzle commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day which will become available in 2024. In partnership with Help for Heroes, a donation will be made for every puzzle sold.
As we move into 2024 we’ll be looking to improve on the changes of 2023, further reducing our carbon footprint, developing better policies for our people, and supporting causes close to our hearts.
B Corp certification is a commitment to continuous improvement and a better future, and the Gibsons family are embracing this promise with open arms.
- Kate Gibson, 4th Generation, Managing Director
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