A TAUNTON-based well-being business has won prestigious national recognition for its commitment to people and the planet.

New Leaf Design is one of only 600 UK companies and the only mental health training one in the country to gain B Corp certification for its commitment to goals outside profit.

The certification addresses the entirety of a business’s operations and covers five key impact areas of governance, workers, community, environment and customers.

New Leaf had to provide evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency.

And it had to legally embed its commitment to purpose, beyond profit, in its company articles.

Becky Wright, director of New Leaf, said: “It has taken two years to achieve this accreditation and made us rethink much of our operation, but we did it.

"My thanks to Melanie Huggins who guided us through this journey.

"Our final verification score was 109.9 - you pass having achieved 80, so we couldn't be more delighted.

"It's an exciting new chapter for New Leaf.”

New Leaf, which delivers training on well-being and mental health first aid at work, will be offering a 10 per cent discount to other B Corp companies who would benefit from this support.

Three well-known B Corp companies that have already benefitted from this in the UK are The Body Shop, BrewDog and Riverford Organics.

Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK, which runs the B Corp initiative, said: "We are delighted to welcome New Leaf Life Design to the B Corp community.

"This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good.

"We know that New Leaf Life Design are going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.

“Being able to welcome New Leaf Life Design to the B Corp community is hugely exciting.

"Their commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and really help spread the idea that we can redefine success in business to be as much about people and planet as it is about profit."