Cheltenham company Beechurst Serviced Apartments has been recognised as an industry leader for its commitment to people and the planet with B Corp status this February 2024.
Founded with a focus on creating 'the most sustainable stays in Cheltenham', the family-run company is the first accommodation operator in the south west — and the first provider of serviced apartments in the UK — to achieve B Corp certification.
Beechurst adopted an environment-first approach to property conversion at its inception in 2021, with every business decision since being made with sustainability in mind.
Following an extensive carbon footprint assessment, it has managed to reduce the carbon cost of overnight stays to
less than half the national average. This has been achieved through the reduction of energy and consumables; changes to its laundry and procurement processes; and an ongoing commitment to guest education.
B Corp status is issued by B Lab Europe — the international business network striving towards an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economic system — to companies that can demonstrate their commitment to goals outside of shareholder profit, in categories of governance, workers, community, environment and customers.
The certification process includes assessments of areas like waste and water management; energy consumption and supply; worker compensation; diversity; and corporate transparency.
Beechurst particularly excelled in its commitment to customers, business governance and the environment.
Co-owner Angie Petkovic commented: 'This certification affirms our position at the helm of the hospitality industry, having been the first serviced apartment provider in the UK to obtain B Corp status, and the first accommodation operator based in the south west.
'The journey to
gain B Corp certification has been a lengthy but rewarding one; it has been an
enjoyable learning curve and we still have a lot we want to accomplish. We could
not be happier to be part of the B Corp community, and we’ll continue in our
commitment to help promote the importance of ethical values beyond profit.'
