Heron Financial, part of Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB), has become a B Corp mortgage broker.
Administered by the global nonprofit network B-Lab, B Corp certification signifies a business has adopted the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
The UK-wide broker was rigorously assessed; over the past 18 months, B-Lab’s team evaluated every aspect of their operations, from how they support their customers to their internal practices, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed expectations.
Heron achieved an overall impact score of 86.7; the average score for a business completing the assessment is 50.9, and a minimum score of 80 must be achieved in order to qualify.
The certification is a continuous journey of improvement. Heron will need to recertify every three years in order to maintain its B Corp status.
Achieving B Corp status has practical implications on Heron’s involvement with MAB’s Resilient Homes initiative. Delivered in partnership with Effective Energy Group, a specialist in energy efficiency improvements, the proposition allows advisers to support customers with financing retrofitting work to make their properties more energy efficient, and provides easy access to trusted and accredited experts.
“Our B Corp status is not just an accolade; it’s a promise to our clients and community that we practice what we preach, and reflects our deep-rooted belief in the power of purpose-driven business,” said Matt Coulson, founder, Heron Financial.
“As we celebrate this achievement, we remain focused on our mission to empower individuals and families to make informed financial decisions, all while promoting environmental responsibility. This is just the beginning of our B Corp journey, and we look forward to leveraging this opportunity to build brighter futures for our customers and generations to come.”
“I’d like to congratulate the team at Heron for becoming the first mortgage broker in our network to achieve B Corp certification,” added Karina Gerdes, head of Resilient Homes, Mortgage Advice Bureau.
“This accomplishment reflects our shared commitment to using business for good, and we’re proud to support Heron in their pledge to create a positive impact for all stakeholders, from customers to communities and the environment alike. We hope their leadership inspires other brokers to follow suit.”
“It has been a pleasure to work with Heron Financial as green pioneers in the mortgage industry, having run the GFI’s Green Mortgage Certificate training course for the team,” said Chloe Timperley, Green Mortgage Campaign Lead, The Green Mortgage Institute.
“The GFI continues to partner with and support mortgage brokerages as they upskill brokers and understand the impact sustainable products can have on a prosperous long-term future for homeowners. It would be wonderful to see many more following Heron’s lead.”
