AN award-winning Shaftesbury bookshop has added another accolade after being certified as ‘a force for good’.

FOLDE Dorset, the specialist nature bookshop in the High Street, has been certified as a B Corporation (B Corp), furthering its founders’ commitment towards operating as a force for good, while becoming a go-to destination for nature writing and locally-sourced arts and crafts.

The certification comes less than a month after the shop was awarded Independent Bookshop of the Year for South West England in the British Book Awards.

The B Corp verification process administered by the nonprofit, B Lab, measures a company’s social and environmental performance.

To become a Certified B Corporation, companies undergo a rigorous review of the impact of their operations and business model on their workers, customers, communities and environment, and must meet a minimum verified score on the B Impact Assessment.

FOLDE Dorset has been on a successful streak

“Our journey at FOLDE Dorset has always been guided by a commitment to purpose,” said co-founder, Amber Harrison.

“Even as we planned our business, we thought about more than just profit; we envisioned making a meaningful impact on the world around us.”

She said FOLDE Dorset is committed to ensuring its business practices align with its stated values, which include acting as champions for nature; operating as sustainably as possible in all areas of its activity; providing a kind, safe and inclusive space as a forum for conversation, discussion and learning; and joyfully celebrating people, place and community.

Fellow co-founder, Karen Brazier, added: “At its very heart, FOLDE is borne out of our deep love for both the natural world and the community of which we are part; celebrating and conserving both is a fundamental aspect of why we do what we do.

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“That’s why becoming a B Corp has always been an important goal. We are honoured to become part of the global B Corp community.”

FOLDE Dorset is joining a network of more than 8,400 B Corps in 97 countries and 162 industries worldwide – including farm shop, food market and restaurant, Teals, in South Cadbury, Somerset, which was granted B Crops status in January.

To learn more about FOLDE Dorset, go to www.foldedorset.com.