Bristol's The Wave becomes first surf park on planet to receive B Corp status
Inland centre The Wave near Bristol has become the first surf park in the world to receive B Corp status.
Unlike traditional models, which focus on profit, B Corps subscribe to a framework, which considers, not only financial returns, but also social and environmental outcomes.
The Wave's first site opened in 2019 and today, the 180 metre (m) lake at the centre's heart is a powerful force, encouraging enjoyment of water for all ages.
READ MORE: The Wave seeks advice of law firm Foot Anstey to make a splash
The company's impact report for 2023-2024 showed, among many others, that it ran 4 six-week surf therapy courses, hosted 90 children from London and Bristol for free to surf and take part in workshops as part of World Ocean Day for Schools, and delivered 133,000 hours of surfing .
It also supported 150 individual para surfers booking throughout normal channels and switched on the solar array - delivering sunshine powered waves.
Founder Nick Hounsfield said: "One of the first things we did early on in the journey to create The Wave was draft a Sustainability Policy.
"Way back in 2012 we set down the blueprint for a business that would be based on Triple Bottom Line thinking, always looking to balance its impact on people, planet and profit.
"In 2015, we learnt about an organisation called B Corporation that was just taking off as a movement in the UK, and knew this could provide a framework to help support our vision of doing business differently.
"Roll forward to August 2024 and it’s a dream come true to finally call ourselves a B Corp!
"I would like to thank our investors, who have supported us since day one to deliver a business model that balances people, planet and profit," he added.
Andy Hawkins, co-chair of the Bristol & Bath B Local network, said: "It's been great to be on the B Corp journey with The Wave. I was able to witness first-hand the passion, tenacity and authenticity with which they approached their B Corp Certification.
"They will be a hugely valued member of the Bristol & Bath Local B Corp community, and we look forward to creating waves of impact together!"
The Wave is close to junction 17 of the M5 motorway in South Gloucestershire, not far from Cribbs Causeway.
