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As Gibsons celebrates its B Corp certification, we reflect on the significant changes and growth we've experienced over the past two decades. We spoke with MD Kate Gibson to gain insight into what this journey has meant for her and the company.
“When I joined Gibsons in 2005, the company was very different from what it is today. We operated out of a small, dusty office attached to our onsite warehouse, with a tiny team and lots of game components that needed assembling by hand. Back then, employee wellbeing wasn’t really on our radar, meetings were rare, and our goals weren’t clearly defined or shared. It was assumed that everyone who had been with us for years just ‘knew’ what we were working towards. Planning for the longer term future wasn’t a priority.
Yet, even in those early days, what was clear was the dedication and hard work that had been passed down through the generations. Gibsons was built on integrity, control, and a strong brand with values that resonated deeply. For decades, this was enough to keep the company strong, but our focus was firmly on the present.
Gradually, I began nudging us into the 21st century, encouraging the team to think about the future - not just in terms of our business, but also for our people and the planet. This wasn’t always an easy task, but it was necessary. It became clear early on that we could create a better experience for our employees, and that planning for the future was essential. By uniting around a shared vision, we could reduce uncertainty and build resilience. As a small business, we were also fortunate to be agile, allowing us to make decisions that prioritised sustainable materials and ethical practices.
For me, the importance of planning for the future has always been obvious. The choices we make today shape the future for all of us. This belief only grew stronger when I had my children. Suddenly, the world looked different and I started questioning the world I had brought them into. What kind of role model did I want to be for them? What kind of business would they be proud of? These questions became even more pressing.
I can’t talk about our journey towards becoming a B Corp and our renewed sense of purpose without acknowledging the enormous impact of the pandemic. As we all know, in March 2020, everything changed. The demand for our jigsaw puzzles skyrocketed as the whole world sought solace in them. However, this surge also brought new challenges. The old ways no longer worked, and we found ourselves navigating a far more complex, post-lockdown landscape.
We weren’t as resilient to change as we needed to be, but change kept coming. Yet, much like when I joined Gibsons in 2005, it was our focus on where we needed to go and our ability to find better ways of doing things that helped us through. The moments of joy we created for each other during this time are what stand out most. Believing in something good ahead, something bigger than us, and recognising that the experiences we go through are an essential part of our growth.
For me, achieving B Corp status isn’t just about having a certificate on the wall. It’s about embodying who we are - a Benefit business. It’s about growth for everyone and finding joy along the way. As we continue this journey, we're excited to share the benefits with our community and the world.”
You can find out more about our B Corp status here.
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