By Ibi Eso, Founder & CEO, Bridgehouse Company Secretaries
When I launched Bridgehouse Company Secretaries in 2005, my goal was to create a business that worked differently—one that valued flexibility, put people first, and embedded strong governance into its DNA. Two decades later, I can confidently say that governance isn’t just for big corporations. It’s the bedrock of sustainable business growth.
Bridgehouse began as a remote-first, flexible consultancy at a time when this was far from the norm. I wanted to be present for my children while building a business that made a difference. I also knew that governance could do more than ensure compliance—it could drive purpose, protect values, and create long-term value.
A Values-Led Approach to Governance
In 2009, I developed a tool called the GAPP Wheel, a simple yet powerful framework designed to assess governance maturity in organisations of any size. The idea was to make governance accessible and strategic, not just reactive. This approach is still in use today and has helped countless organisations build more transparent, accountable operations.
From the beginning, Bridgehouse has had a clear No A***holes Policy. We prioritise working with clients who respect our team, share our values, and are committed to doing business with integrity. This principle has protected our people and allowed us to grow with intention.
Becoming a B Corp: Governance in Action
In 2023, Bridgehouse became a certified B Corporation, formalising what we’ve always believed: governance and sustainability are deeply intertwined. Achieving B Corp status reinforced our commitment to transparency, ethical leadership, and social impact.
As a company that advises others on governance, it was important for us to lead by example. We implemented rigorous internal structures, developed a strong leadership team, and continuously measure how we serve our people, clients, and communities. B Corp certification gave us the framework to go even further.
The Impact of Governance on Sustainable Growth
Governance gives businesses the clarity to grow. It empowers teams to make aligned decisions, ensures consistency across operations, and supports long-term planning. For SMEs in particular, embedding governance early is critical—it’s far harder to retrofit structure once the business is already scaling.
We’ve worked with clients in the charity sector, housing, healthcare, and beyond, helping them put governance at the heart of their sustainability strategies. Whether it’s defining roles, creating policies, or managing board responsibilities, the outcome is always the same: clarity, resilience, and the ability to grow with purpose.
Looking Ahead
As we mark 20 years of Bridgehouse, I’m more convinced than ever that governance is not about red tape—it’s about building better businesses. In a world that demands more transparency, inclusivity, and accountability, strong governance will be the difference between surviving and thriving.
We remain committed to supporting organisations on their sustainability journey through accessible, human-first governance. Our story is proof that with the right foundations, values-led business can be profitable, impactful, and built to last.
About Bridgehouse: Bridgehouse Company Secretaries is a B-Corp-certified governance consultancy supporting private companies and not-for-profit organisations with expert company secretarial services. Learn more at www.bridgehouse.ltd.uk.
Links:
- Bridgehouse Company Secretaries
- Bridgehouse B Corp Certification
- The GAPP Wheel Governance Framework
