In the dynamic world of purpose-driven businesses, it’s not just about making a profit—it's about making a difference.

As a keen skier with a life-long love of the mountains I jumped at the chance to join Nikki Wright on an inaugural B Corp ski trip to Queenstown.

Arranged by “That B Corp Bloke” aka Tim Jones, our adventure started with dinner at Sherwood, a repurposed 1980s Motor-Inn with a sustainable ethos. Sherwood, with its wellbeing space, bee hives and delicious garden-to-table food, was the ideal place for us to mingle with other like-minded B Corps, including designer outdoor clothing retailer Patagonia, and Ziptrek the company behind Queenstown’s ultimate ziplining adventure.

A great preamble to a bluebird day at Coronet Peak with that B Corp Bloke, Becks Smith, founder of The Whole Story, a B Corp Certified social enterprise focused on agricultural sustainability and Trent Yeo, owner of zipline who telemarked down the slopes with a style and confidence that only a ziplining expert could muster.

At a fireside chat following against the backdrop of Patagonia’s vibrant atmosphere and we networked with other B Corps who are also passionate about using business as a force for good.

In the dynamic world of purpose-driven businesses, it’s not just about making a profit—it's about making a difference. This was the central theme of the fireside featuring three inspiring entrepreneurs: Becks from The Whole Story and now my new ski companion, Laura Wilkinson from Gourmate, and Sally Miller from Picker's Pocket.

Each of these women is leading the charge in their respective industries, demonstrating that sustainability and ethical practices can go hand in hand with business success.

The Whole story is an agri-business that’s not just focused on producing food, but on transforming the entire agricultural process to be more sustainable and transparent. Becks emphasised the importance of understanding the impact of every step in the supply chain, from farm to table. Her business model is rooted in the belief that consumers deserve to know where their food comes from and how it’s produced. The Whole Story is not just about selling products; it’s about educating consumers and driving systemic change in the agriculture industry.

Laura from Gourmate, is pioneering a new path in the pet food industry. Gourmate is not your typical pet food company; it’s a business built on the principles of sustainability, health, and ethical sourcing. Laura shared her journey of creating a product line that not only meets the nutritional needs of pets but also aligns with the values of environmentally-conscious pet owners.

Gourmate's commitment to using only sustainably sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging is setting a new standard in the industry, proving that even pet food can play a role in the sustainability movement.

Sally’s Picker's Pocket Tea Company is a testament to the power of ethical business practices. Her company focuses on producing high-quality teas while ensuring that the workers in her supply chain are treated fairly and with respect. Sally discussed the challenges of maintaining ethical standards in an industry often criticised for exploitative practices. By prioritising fair trade and sustainability, Picker's Pocket is not just selling tea—it’s promoting a more equitable and sustainable way of doing business.

Purpose and Profit: A Balancing Act

Throughout the chat, all three entrepreneurs shared insights into the challenges and rewards of running a purpose-driven business. They discussed the delicate balance between staying true to their values and ensuring the financial viability of their companies. The conversation highlighted that while it’s not always easy to maintain this balance, it’s crucial for long-term success.

For Becks, Laura, and Sally, the path to success is not just measured in financial terms but in the positive impact their businesses have on the world. Their stories serve as powerful examples for other entrepreneurs who are looking to build businesses that are not just profitable but also purposeful.

As the fireside chat drew to a close, one thing was clear: the future of business lies in the hands of those who are willing to challenge the status quo, prioritise sustainability, and lead with purpose.

Wright Communications became B Corp Certified in February 2023. Our agency is based on our core values of Genuine connections, Delivering exciting work, Having each other’s back and Doing the right thing, coupled with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. These values guide our thinking, and there’s also the added bonus of sharing a passion for skiing!

I’m looking forward to 2025, meeting new friends on the slopes and hearing inspiring stories about businesses who are truly making a difference.