Stroud Brewery has hosted local MP Dr Simon Opher for a day highlighting how B Corp businesses are supporting better business practices.
Greg Pilley hosts Dr Simon Opher MP and representatives from other local B Corp businesses at Stroud Brewery
Alongside Stroud Brewery, Dr Opher met other local B Corps — Glos B-Initiative, Hobbs House Bakery, Austin Design Works, and Clear Future Financial Planners — who are all members of the Better Business Act coalition.
Together, they are calling on the government to urgently embrace corporate governance reform in the UK. This is in line with the coalition’s mission to ensure every business can play a part in building a more sustainable economy and a brighter future.
The visit highlighted the growing momentum behind the Better Business Act campaign, which recently announced that its coalition has grown tenfold since 2021. It now includes over 3,000 businesses in more than 15 sectors, including technology, finance, insurance, and science.
UK law currently encourages businesses to operate under a legal regime of shareholder primacy, meaning company directors too often prioritise profit over people and the planet. The Better Business Act campaign calls for an amendment to Section 172 of the Companies Act, giving all UK businesses the freedom to think for the future by aligning shareholder interests with those of employees, customers, local communities, and the environment.
During the tour, Dr Opher heard how Stroud Brewery’s 59-strong local workforce and ethical business model have contributed financially to the local economy through sustainable business practices and local job creation.
Putting people and the planet first
As the UK’s first brewery certified as both organic and a B Corporation, it embraces a stakeholder-led approach by supporting and facilitating local initiatives such as the Stroud Hop Club, environmental charity Stroud Valley Project, and the volunteer group Wild Stroud.
“I always love going to visit Stroud Brewery,” said Dr Opher. “They’ve developed, throughout the years, a business that is centred around the community, putting people and the planet first. We are lucky to have many independent businesses and venues like them in Stroud.”
Greg Pilley, chief executive of Stroud Brewery, said: “We were honoured to welcome Dr Simon Opher MP to Stroud Brewery today. As both a B Corp and a supporter of the Better Business Act, we’re passionate about demonstrating how businesses can succeed whilst prioritising environmental sustainability and community wellbeing.
“Our organic brewing process and commitment to local sourcing aren’t just ethical choices — they’re good business decisions that resonate with our customers and strengthen our local economy. The Better Business Act would enable more companies to follow this path, creating a more balanced approach to business that benefits everyone.”
