Dr Simon Opher MP visited Stroud Brewery with representatives from the Better Business Act campaign to hear how local B Corp businesses exemplify the economic and social benefits of purpose-driven enterprise and support the route to better business.
Alongside Stroud Brewery, Dr Opher met with 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 urgently calling on the Government to embrace corporate governance reform in the UK, 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 highlights the growing momentum behind the Better Business Act campaign, which recently announced that its coalition has grown tenfold since 2021 and 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 award-winning 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, showing that purpose and profit go hand-in-hand.
As the UK’s first brewery certified as both organic and a B Corporation, Stroud Brewery 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.
Hobbs Bakery, Austin Design Works and Clear Future Financial Planners also discussed how supporting SMEs and independent businesses can drive regional prosperity, and how purpose-led businesses can support Labour’s mission to build a stronger economy.
Dr Simon Opher MP for Stroud, said: “I always love going to visit Stroud Brewery. 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, CEO 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.”
Chris Turner, CEO of B Lab UK, the charity behind the UK B Corp movement, and Campaign Director of the Better Business Act, B Lab UK’s flagship campaign, added: “We’re delighted that Dr Simon Opher MP has taken the time to hear first-hand how businesses pursuing purpose alongside profit are thriving, and that an alternative to business as usual is possible.
“The tremendous growth in the Better Business Act coalition demonstrates the widespread support among UK businesses for a legal framework that empowers them to accelerate long-term growth that does not come at the expense of people or the planet.”
Companies backing the Better Business Act now comprise a mix of local firms and SMEs, as well as high-street brands and publicly listed companies. Notable businesses include Iceland, Tony’s Chocolonely, Olio, Bloom & Wild, Charlie Bigham’s, HumanForest, Danone, Virgin Group, Little Moons, Gü, ELEMIS, as well as non-profits and membership organisations such as ShareAction, Institute of Directors and RSPB.
Dr Opher’s visit comes ahead of the Route to Better Business Parliamentary breakfast on June 11th, which will bring together politicians, policymakers, and British businesses to recognise the work of purpose-led business in driving growth and promoting sustainable business practices.
The Better Business Act has received cross-party support, including from Liberal Democrat MP Martin Wrigley, who has introduced the Companies Directors (Duties) Presentation Bill, which is due for its second reading on 4th July 2025.
