The company is committed to making a positive contribution to the people, the planet and the communities it serves.
‘B Corp’ recognizes ethical companies that combine profit with purpose.
To achieve certification, companies must maintain high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency in factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, independent rental company Sykes Holiday Cottages now represent over 22,500 properties, available across the UK, Ireland and New Zealand, helping two million holidaymakers make lasting memories each year.
In 2023, Sykes has already launched a number of environmental and social impact commitments, based on insights from the launch of its first carbon footprint study in 2022 and its annual Impact Report, as well as current best practice evidence-based targets.
Environmental commitments include reducing carbon emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2050, working with at least 20 biodiversity projects throughout the year, including their partnership with National Parks UK, and achieving from Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Business accreditation by the end of 2024.
Meanwhile, after colleagues participated in 557 volunteer days and supported more than 40 different causes in 2022, Sykes aims to increase volunteer days by another 20% by 2023.
Colleagues have already raised £10,000 so far this year for Sykes’ charity partner, Hospice of the Good Shepherd, with the company pledging to match the final fundraising amount.
Graham Donoghue, CEO of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “This B Corp certification is the culmination of years of hard work by our entire team to ensure we consistently meet the highest possible standards of social and environmental performance.
“We are delighted to have achieved certification, further cementing our commitment to ensuring that our impact on people and the planet is as important to us as our shareholders’ bottom line, and welcome wider travel industry companies to introduce themselves to move forward.”
