https://cfotech.co.uk/story/techforgood-expands-uk-operations-supports-esg-charities
By Shannon Williams
TechForGood, a rapidly expanding B Corp company, has officially launched its operations in the UK, with the primary aim of helping businesses achieve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives while supporting charities aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Based in Calderdale, West Yorkshire, TechForGood supplies advanced technology products and solutions to businesses, with a unique business model that donates half of the net profits from each purchase to a charitable cause selected by the buyer. The company has already secured its first major orders with a UK-based challenger bank that also holds B Corp status.
TechForGood is actively collaborating with several small and medium-sized third-sector organisations, including Forget Me Not Children's Hospice in Huddersfield, climate charity Hope For The Future, and The Big Issue street newspaper. In addition to financial support, the company offers cost-effective IT services to nonprofits, ensuring they receive maximum value from their technology investments.
One of the innovative initiatives introduced by TechForGood is their Carbon Offset Plan, which commits to offsetting the carbon footprint of every product sold before it reaches the point of sale. This initiative further underscores the company’s dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Kavan Heesom, the UK CEO and co-founder of TechForGood, expressed his enthusiasm for the company's mission. "TechForGood is embarking on a mission to revolutionise how businesses integrate ESG values into their core operations. Our successful model in Australia has shown us the immense potential of leveraging technology for good. With the UK's vibrant landscape for social enterprise and a government-backed challenge aiming to embed ESG into corporate purchasing, we're here to transform how companies achieve their sustainability goals," he said.
The UK government has endorsed the Buy Social Corporate Challenge, which encourages large businesses to spend GBP £1 billion with social enterprises. Since its inception in 2016, the challenge has seen corporate spending with social enterprises reach GBP £350 million. This initiative aims to assist large businesses in engaging with innovative suppliers while embedding ESG into their core operations. It also helps social enterprises to grow their revenues and make a broader impact by tapping into corporate purchasing power.
TechForGood has achieved B Corp certification, which signifies high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency. Certified B Corporations are seen as leaders in a global movement striving for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. Kavan Heesom emphasised the importance of this shift in business values. "The era of business for profit alone is fading. Today, success is measured by the positive impact we can deliver. TechForGood stands ready to support any business committed to genuine ESG principles, proving that ethical business practices and corporate success can go hand in hand," he added.
In addition to their work with charities like Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and Hope For The Future, TechForGood also partners with a diverse array of third-sector organisations. These include education charity Lyra, gender equality organisation The Fawcett Society, sanitation charity Lifewater UK, the Centre for Sustainable Energy, skills development group Dallaglio Rugby Works, the Digital Poverty Alliance, and anti-trafficking charity Ella’s.
The United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals address pressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. TechForGood's efforts represent a significant step towards addressing these issues through innovative and ethical business practices.