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HomeNewsBrandsThe Social Hub: Why B Corp Certification is vital

The Social Hub: Why B Corp Certification is vital

Global hybrid hospitality powerhouse, The Social Hub—having recently launched its first UK venue in Glasgow—has set an electrifying standard for social and environmental change in hospitality and real estate by earning its first-ever B Corporation certification.

This landmark achievement aligns The Social Hub with thousands of progressive businesses worldwide, each legally committed to pursuing a sustainable purpose as much as profit.

Founded by Scot Charlie Macgregor in 2003, The Social Hub’s mission centres on blending hotel and student accommodation with vibrant dining, event spaces, and co-working hubs.

With 18 dynamic locations across the UK and Europe, and more on the horizon, this Amsterdam-based group is revolutionising the industry. With over 10,000 rooms and millions of guests, students, coworkers, and community members flowing through its doors annually, The Social Hub’s B Corp status cements its commitment to a better world.

The Glasgow hub alone fuels local growth, employing more than 80 local residents and serving thousands weekly.

Globally, there are over 9,000 B Corps—but in hospitality, The Social Hub joins an elite 212 certified organisations, fewer than 50 of which are based in Europe.

Charlie MacGregor, the Edinburgh-born founder and CEO, pictured above, underscored the urgency of The Social Hub’s commitment, saying, “Environmental and social responsibilities are essential in staying relevant and thriving in today’s world. Customer loyalty, brand trust, and business viability are all tied to purpose. Banks are already scrutinising their partners on sustainability, and new regulations like CSRD add urgency. Organisations must act now or risk obsolescence within five years.”

MacGregor continued, “As we prepare to expand to 23 hubs, our B Corp certification is just the beginning. We’re paving the way for a sustainable hospitality sector while welcoming students and the next generation of leaders into our unique community-building model. This is only the start of our journey to build a more sustainable, impactful world.”

Amber Westerborg, The Social Hub’s Director of Sustainability and Impact, was instrumental in securing B Corp certification.

She said, “‘Becoming a B Corp is about authenticity—there’s no room to hide. This certification shows our dedication to the highest social and environmental standards. While customer demand for sustainability drives us, our motivation lies in being accountable and impactful. It’s about leading by example in reshaping hospitality, real estate, and workplaces to create a better society.

‘‘B Corp certification is a huge milestone. While many environmental credentials matter, B Corp truly reflects who we are, what we do, and where we’re headed. People might not notice much difference day-to-day, but that’s because we’ve been B Corp-aligned from the outset. It’s about authenticity in every choice we make.”

Attaining B Corp status is rigorous. After a yearlong evaluation, The Social Hub earned a score of 107.1 out of 200, well above the benchmark of 80. B Corp standards span governance, employee welfare, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and customer impact, with certified companies embedding their purpose beyond profit into their legal framework.

But for The Social Hub, B Corp certification is just one milestone on a path toward ambitious 2030 goals.

These include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 78%, producing half of its energy on-site, securing BREEAM environmental certifications for all properties, and eliminating residual waste from landfill or incineration.

Additionally, community-building remains a cornerstone; each year, The Social Hub hosts 5,500 purpose-driven events, engaging over 100,000 attendees, and partners with other B Corps to drive meaningful change.

Its TSH Talent Foundation, Better Society Academy, and collaboration with Talent Garden support next-gen leaders and innovators.

As European sustainability standards continue to evolve under CSRD and ESRS, The Social Hub’s B Corp certification places it firmly at the forefront of a global movement.

Tessa van Soest, Executive Director of B Lab Benelux, shared her excitement, “Welcoming The Social Hub to the B Corp community is a game-changer. Their bold commitment redefines business success, proving it’s possible to prioritise people, planet, and profit simultaneously.

“The Social Hub is making waves—and they’re just getting started. The journey continues, and the impact grows.”

 

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