Cornish Holiday Cottages, an independent and all female holiday accommodation specialist based in Falmouth & The Helford, is thrilled to announce its certification as a B Corporation (B Corp). This prestigious recognition highlights the company’s commitment to using business as a force for good.

As one of only three female-owned B Corp holiday accommodation companies in the UK and among just 78 B Corp-certified companies in Cornwall, the family-run business joins fellow Cornish B Corps such as Cornish Gems and Forever Cornwall in fostering positive change within Cornwall’s tourism sector. Together, they are part of a global movement striving for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.

By attaining B Corp certification, the company becomes part of a worldwide community of businesses that prioritise purpose alongside profit. Awarded by B Lab, a nonprofit organization, this certification involves a rigorous evaluation across multiple impact areas, including social and environmental performance, legal accountability, and public transparency.

“I am beyond delighted to have achieved BCorp certification. The team and I have been talking about communicating our values through the medium of BLab for several years. Cornish Holiday Cottages was founded on the principles of kindness, honesty and doing right back in 1978. We have always believed in looking after our environment, taking care of each other and looking after our community” said Emily, Managing Director of Cornish Holiday Cottages. “Huge thanks to Andy Hawkins of Business on Purpose,  B23 Cornwall, Wildanet, Leap Media, Phil Clarke of Consciam, Andrew Robinson of Konnect for Business, Chris Phillips of the University of Exeter and all our stakeholders for the support along the journey.”

This certification reflects the company's ongoing dedication to community support, sustainable practices, and ethical business operations. Cornish Holiday Cottages has made a significant impact with a £10,000 donation to the Children’s Sailing Trust, a charity that has been providing water sports opportunities for young people, particularly those with complex physical disabilities or special educational needs, for 25 years.

For many children in the local area, enjoying time by the water isn’t always possible due to financial, time, or accessibility barriers. The Children’s Sailing Trust understands this and works to overcome these challenges by offering subsidised opportunities for water-based activities. Through generous donations and profits from their commercial water sports and holiday rentals, the Trust ensures that every child has the chance to participate in these enriching experiences.

Taking care of the planet and the rich habitat that surrounds us is a value shared by many businesses in Cornwall. That's why the team is proud to support Cool Earth, a Penryn-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting people, rainforests, and the climate, with a £10,000 donation.

Cornish Holiday Cottages do not take on properties valued at £350K or less, addressing local housing challenges. The company also demonstrates environmental stewardship by minimising its carbon footprint with an electric car and a 10-mile service radius. Prioritising people and the planet they pay a living wage, share profits with employees, and source 70% of resources locally while embracing a plant-based lifestyle as a team.

While B Corp certification does not imply perfection, it signals a profound commitment to continuous improvement and accountability. The holiday accommodation specialist joins other exemplary Cornish B Corps, including Origin Coffee, Finisterre, and Roddas, in championing a global economy that prioritises inclusivity, equity, and regeneration.

Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK, says:
“Welcoming Cornish Holiday Cottages to the B Corp community is hugely exciting. Its commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and will help spread the notion that success in business is as much about people and planet as it is profit.”

The certification was achieved after a rigorous assessment process during a busy time of year for the tourism industry, and the company is proud to be able to join the amazing companies in Cornwall and around the world committing to a better social and environmental impact.