The Certification is designed to inform and empower UK businesses, specifically SMEs, by drawing out and promoting the role they already play in driving economic growth, environmental responsibility and positive social impact, Made in Britain said.
Aligned with the UK Government’s latest Social Value Model (2025) and the Procurement Act 2023, the Certification offers a commercial benefit open to all 2,200 Made in Britain companies, aiming to help them communicate their positive impact and unlock a competitive advantage.
It also serves as a practical tool for buying authorities and businesses seeking suppliers that are committed to local jobs and skills, community engagement, environmental sustainability, and ethical and local supply chains.
The Certification has been developed in collaboration with MAP UK & International, which delivers supply chain and international trade solutions for SMEs, multinationals, not-for-profits and governments.
In a statement, John Pearce, CEO of Made in Britain, said: “The ESV Certification offers members a practical, quick and inexpensive way to showcase their social value via a rapid and straightforward assessment. It recognises what companies are doing as part of their day-to-day business operations, without burdening them with having to do and spend more.
“Environmental and Social Value is increasingly central to how the UK buys, builds and grows. Made in Britain companies are already showing exactly the kind of positive impact that buyers, stakeholders and communities want to see – the ESV Certification is simply helping them to showcase this impact and how they’re doing better business for people, planet and place.”
Shirley Cooper OBE, Small Business Crown Representative, added: “UK SMEs are the backbone of our economy – driving sustainable growth, creating jobs and strengthening communities across the country. I am pleased to support accessible and credible initiatives that help SMEs stand out, win new orders and get more recognition for their commitment and contribution to the environment and society.”
Prime examples
WDS Components Ltd is leading the way and has already benefited from the ESV Certification. Mark Moody, Sales & Marketing Director, said: “As a small manufacturer, we really appreciated how straightforward the process was. It helped us reflect on what we’re already doing around Environmental & Social Value and gave us a new way to demonstrate that to customers and buyers.”
Roman Ltd is also ESV Certified. Its Chief Executive Officer, David Osborne, added: “This is a great initiative for Made in Britain companies. It gave our team simple and practical tools to help communicate our contribution to people, planet and place, in a credible and confident way.”
The ESV Certification is now available to all Made in Britain members. More about the certification and its benefits can be found here.
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