Walking holidays specialist HF Holidays has been certified as a B Corporation, after having met “high standards” of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
Verified by B Lab – the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement – the certification process requires companies to reach a score of 80 points, with evidence of responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency.
A business must also legally embed its commitment to purpose as well as profit in its company articles.
HF Holidays reached a score of 84.9 and joins the growing B Corp community in the UK, which includes Audley Travel, Mr & Mrs Smith, Exodus Adventure Travels, Intrepid Travel and firms in other sectors, such as The Guardian, Innocent Drinks, Patagonia, The Big Issue, Finisterre, Elemis and Sipsmith Gin.
More: Not in the Guidebooks achieves B Corp status
Travel Trade Consultancy certified as B Corp
Explore Worldwide has ‘awful lot more to do’ despite achieving B Corp status
David Harrington, chief executive of HF Holidays, said: “We are incredibly happy that HF Holidays is now B Corp Certified and immensely proud of our score.
“This reflects our long-term commitment to ensuring our entire business operates ethically and meets high social and environmental standards.
“Run as a co-operative, we have 48,000 members who are part-owners of a business powered by its people and values.
“Walking holidays are, by nature, a low-carbon choice and responsible travel has always been a part of our DNA.
“But it has been a huge effort from everyone across the business to ensure our holidays positively impact communities, people and the planet in the places we travel to.
“As a certified B Corp in the travel and hospitality industry, we’re now a business which is helping lead a global movement for an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy.”
Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK, welcomed HF Holidays to the B Corp community, adding: “This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good.
“We know that HF Holidays is going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.”
As part of its commitment to more sustainable future, HF Holidays has worked with carbon consultancy e-collective to measure its carbon footprint and to create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of its product by 5% each year.
It has converted to renewable energy in its 16 country houses and expanded its range of rail options for 2025.
Other initiatives include the increased use of local guides to reduce travel to overseas destinations; reducing brochures and direct mail; removing single-use plastic in its UK country houses; installing electric car charging points at all UK country houses with car parks; and ensuring menus at the UK country houses are seasonal and sourced from the UK where possible.
HF Holidays currently sells through the Co-operative Travel Consortium.