Homechevron_rightHow It Works

shieldIndependent Verification

How we verify
ethical businesses

Every business on TopTenTrades is independently scored against five ethical pillars using data pulled from public registers — not self-reported surveys. No business can pay to improve its score or listing position.

5
Scoring pillars
6+
Public registers checked
100
Point ethics score
0
Paid placements

Our Process

From nomination to listing

1
how_to_reg

Nomination & Application

Businesses are nominated by the public or apply directly via our nomination form. We collect the business name, Companies House number, industry, and supporting evidence for each of our five scoring pillars.

2
manage_search

Data Gathering

Our team pulls data from Companies House, HMRC records, the Charity Commission, the Living Wage Foundation, the Employment Tribunal Service, and third-party accreditation bodies. No data is taken solely from the business itself.

3
fact_check

Independent Scoring

Each of the five pillars is scored from 0–10 by our review panel, weighted by importance, and combined into a Social Ethics Score (SES) out of 100. Score modifiers are applied for verified accreditations or adverse findings.

4
verified

Listing & Monitoring

Verified businesses receive a dedicated profile page with full score breakdown, tracked contact links, and a Verified badge. Listings are reviewed annually. Any material change — positive or negative — triggers an immediate re-score.

The Five Pillars

How the Social Ethics Score is calculated

Each pillar is independently verified using public data sources. Scores range from 0–10 per pillar, weighted by relative importance, to produce a final score out of 100.

track_changes
20% weight

Mission-Led Purpose

A business must have a public mission statement that genuinely prioritises social good above profit. We look for formal structures such as B-Corp certification, Community Interest Company (CIC) status, or Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) registration at Companies House.

Data sources
  • check_circleCompanies House filings
  • check_circleB-Corp Directory
  • check_circleCIC Regulator
What we look for
  • starPublished mission statement on website
  • starCIC or EOT legal structure
  • starB-Corp certification
holiday_village
25% weight

Community Investment

We verify charitable giving, community sponsorships, and grassroots investment through the Charity Commission register. Donations must be evidenced in financial filings. We look at the percentage of annual profit donated and the consistency of giving over time.

Data sources
  • check_circleCharity Commission
  • check_circleCompanies House accounts
  • check_circleThird-party auditors
What we look for
  • starRegistered charity donations
  • starSponsorship of local schools or clubs
  • starCommunity grant programmes
payments
20% weight

Fair Tax Contribution

We calculate the effective UK corporation tax rate from published accounts at Companies House and cross-reference with HMRC records. Businesses with offshore holding structures, aggressive profit-shifting arrangements, or unresolved HMRC disputes are penalised.

Data sources
  • check_circleHMRC records
  • check_circleCompanies House accounts
  • check_circleFair Tax Mark
What we look for
  • starEffective tax rate at or above statutory norm
  • starFair Tax Mark certification
  • starNo offshore subsidiaries
handshake
25% weight

Inclusive Employment

We assess minimum wage compliance, zero-hours contract usage, gender pay gap reporting, and employment tribunal history. Businesses accredited by the Living Wage Foundation receive a significant score boost. Tribunal losses within 5 years result in a deduction.

Data sources
  • check_circleLiving Wage Foundation
  • check_circleDWP records
  • check_circleEmployment Tribunal Service
What we look for
  • starReal Living Wage accreditation
  • starGender pay gap report published
  • star0 tribunal losses in 5 years
campaign
10% weight

Cause Promotion

We review a business's public advocacy record, employee volunteering policy, and active promotion of social, environmental, or humanitarian causes. This includes signed commitments such as the SME Climate Pledge, net-zero targets, or published DEI policies.

Data sources
  • check_circlePublic advocacy record
  • check_circleSME Climate Commitment
  • check_circleThird-party DEI auditors
What we look for
  • starPaid employee volunteer days
  • starNet-zero commitment published
  • starActive social/environmental advocacy

Score Tiers

What your score means

workspace_premium
Outstanding
90+ points

Exceptional across all five pillars. A benchmark for ethical business in the UK.

emoji_events
Exemplary
75+ points

Strong performance across most pillars with verifiable evidence in all areas.

verified
Responsible
60+ points

Solid ethical foundations with room for improvement in specific areas.

thumb_up
Committed
Below 60 points

Meets basic ethical requirements. A starting point on the journey.

Know a business that deserves recognition?

Nominate them for free — our panel reviews credentials within 10 working days.

Nominate a Businessarrow_forwardBrowse Verified Businesses