Kent B Corp Impact Summit

March 2026

More than 40 purpose‑led business leaders gathered in Tunbridge Wells on Monday 9 March for the Kent B Corp Impact Summit – a day dedicated to exploring how organisations can drive positive change across our region.

The event formed part of B Corp Month, the annual global celebration recognising businesses that meet rigorous verified standards of social and environmental performance.

Hosted at Town Hall Square, the Summit brought together business owners, B Corps, local organisations and changemakers to learn, connect and collaborate — reflecting the growing movement of companies committed to using business as a force for good.

Championing better business

We heard from Mike Martin MP, Member of Parliament for Tunbridge Wells and supporter of the Better Business Act, who emphasised the tangible business benefits of purpose‑driven practices.

Mike highlighted how employee happiness, community trust and long‑term profit are intrinsically linked.

“People might look at B Corp and go, ‘That’s just fluffy liberalism,’ but it’s not. If you have happy employees they give their best.

“Profit growth comes from people who are engaged and empowered. If the community see you are a force for good, they will frequent you.”

Mike Martin MP

Member of Parliament for Tunbridge Wells

Mike’s remarks set the tone for a day centred around collaboration, innovation and shared values — themes we champion at Digitom through our long‑standing focus on people‑led storytelling, behavioural insight and purpose‑driven communication.

Throughout the Summit, expert speakers explored how organisations can adapt, evolve and lead responsibly:

Pete Kenyon, Partner at Cripps, discussed how businesses can stay protected in an era of rapidly evolving AI, ensuring ethics and guardrails remain firmly in place.
Andy Stephens, Impact Director at COOK, shared practical ways to measure social and environmental performance through continual improvement frameworks.
Ali Fisher from Plans with Purpose introduced the new JEDI assessment, part of B Lab’s updated global standards that weave Justice, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion more deeply into certification.

Participants seated at tables listening to a workshop session with notebooks and drinks on the tables

Tom Chown filming Mike Martin MP under studio lighting during a professional video shoot

Rachael Carley gesturing while speaking during a group discussion in a meeting room

Two attendees discussing workshop materials at a table with drinks, fruit, and notes

Small group reviewing papers and notes at a table during a collaborative workshop session

Participants seated around a table reviewing notes and discussing ideas during a training workshop

Catered buffet table with soup, focaccia, sandwiches, and snacks prepared for event attendees

Anwen Cooper speaking to a group in a meeting room with a projector and refreshments in the background

Four participants seated in a semi-circle discussing ideas with a coffee station behind them

Participants collaborating around a table with laptops, notes, and water bottles during a workshop

Two attendees reviewing notes and discussing ideas during a collaborative workshop session

People walking along a park path collecting litter as part of a community clean-up activity

Community impact

After lunch a lively panel discussion took place, featuring members of the Kent B Local community, before rounding off the day with delegates taking part in a voluntary litter‑pick across Tunbridge Wells Common.

The session was supported by the Friends of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons, who are currently crowdfunding to bring the historic space back into community ownership.

This practical act of environmental stewardship was a fitting end to a day built around collective responsibility and local impact.