The Responsible Business Directory
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The Responsible Business Directory
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Northallerton
North Yorkshire
DL7 8WG
Business Owl provides virtual business and project support to law firms, ESG teams, purpose-led businesses and nature-focused organisations across the UK.
Our mission is to deliver efficiency and sustainability. We do this by:
• Freeing up client time and maximising their billable hours by taking responsibility for key tasks
• Improving efficiency by streamlining systems and processes
• Enabling flexibility through experienced support, without the cost of permanent staff
• Building long-term resilience with dependable, ongoing project management
Founded in 2016 by Jen Workman, Business Owl brings together legal know-how, project management skills and a passion for sustainability. As a former Legal Executive and senior PA, Jen “gets” both the legal detail and the bigger business picture.
Jen is an approved member of the Society of Virtual Assistants; Runner-up, Outstanding VA 2022,Virtual Assistant of the Year North East England 2021 and accredited as Carbon Literate
ENVIRONMENT
Business Owl recognises our responsibility to reduce our environmental impact and to operate sustainably. This isn’t borne out of a legal obligation or requirement. It is a reflection of our values as a business and of our passion to look after our planet. This led us to our recent Carbon Literacy accreditation. Although we are a small office-based business, we believe that every action counts.
TRAVEL
As a virtual business, our work is carried out remotely and meetings are conducted on Teams. We do not undertake any travel for client meetings. If a client requires a face-to-face meeting, this takes place at the Evolution Business Centre in Northallerton, which is within walking distance of Business Owl HQ. We would only ever consider travelling for work purposes if we could demonstrate that the benefit would outweigh the environmental impact.
ENERGY & CARBON REDUCTION
The electricity powering Business Owl HQ is 100% renewable. Computers and appliances are energy-efficient and are switched off when not in use.
PURCHASING & RECYCLING
We only purchase new items when they are needed. Stationery is sourced from businesses with good sustainability credentials. We ensure that used items are recycled where possible. Toner cartridges and batteries are recycled via certified providers.
DOCUMENT & DATA MANAGEMENT
All documents are read and held via cloud storage. Any documents requiring signature are sent to the other party for signature electronically via Sign Request. We do not print documents unnecessarily. Where it is necessary to print documents, they are printed double-sided and then shredded after use in accordance with our Data Protection policy.
OFFICE ENVIRONMENT
We use energy mindfully. We do not use air conditioning units or single-use plastic. We enjoy the benefits of indoor plants for improving air quality and general wellbeing.
SOCIAL & COMMUNITY
In addition to our environmental endeavours, Business Owl also recognises the positive impact we can have in our local community. In terms of our social engagement, our Founder Jen Workman is involved with various local community groups on a voluntary basis:
Weekly volunteer at the Secret Garden and on an ad hoc basis for Incredible Edible Northallerton – as well as gardening Jen also supports visits to the garden from local groups such as Scouts and is passionate about encouraging as many people into gardening as possible, particularly young people;
Regular attendee at People Planet Pint, discussing and supporting local issues and causes;
Business mentorship role at Jen’s old primary school during the summer term of each year, supporting the children with their Imaginosity project and working to enhance links between the school and local businesses.
WHAT'S NEXT?
At Business Owl, we are committed to continuous improvement and to holding ourselves accountable for our environmental and social impact. With this in mind, we are pleased to have become a member of the Organisation for Responsible Businesses and are currently working our way through the facilitated ESG course.
We are also actively looking to connect with other purpose-led businesses and to grow our network in this area.
We are excited to see where these next steps take us.
