A new kind of business leadership is emerging – one driven by purpose as much as profit.
Arksen is an outdoor adventure brand which offers ocean-going vessels, all-weather kit, modifications for off-road vehicles and more.
It has issued a rallying cry for bold, principled companies to help steer the planet away from environmental catastrophe.
Jasper Smith, founder of Arksen, said: “Profit doesn’t have to come at the cost of people or planet. In fact, the businesses that will thrive are those that steward both.”
He is calling for urgent, courageous business action. And he’s holding up his company as an example of what’s possible in Ocean – a film he’s created with environmental doyen Sir David Attenborough.
Prioritising the ocean
The ocean produces over half the oxygen we breathe, regulates climate and sustains life on Earth – all facts Arksen repeated with no apology in its marketing materials.
Yet, astonishingly, ocean conservation receives just 0.3% of global philanthropic funding.
Ocean – co-produced with Sir David Attenborough
To highlight this imbalance and drive change, Arksen has co-produced Ocean with Attenborough, a sweeping cinematic documentary that brings viewers face to face with the wonders and fragility of the deep blue.
Premiering in cinemas across the UK, Europe, North America and beyond, the film is a bold statement of intent.
In it Attenborough shares his awe at a lifetime spent exploring the seas – and warns of the growing threats to marine ecosystems. Through spectacular imagery of coral reefs, kelp forests and open ocean, the film reveals both the beauty of the underwater world and the devastating effects of human activity.
But Ocean is also a story of hope.
A story of hope
“The ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen,” Attenborough says, offering a powerful reminder that action today can reverse decades of damage.
The film is a co-production involving Silverback Films, Open Planet Studios, National Geographic and Arksen’s own conservation fund 10% for the Ocean – a unique initiative inviting individuals and organisations to dedicate 10% of their annual giving to marine protection.
To date, the fund has supported over 70 organisations in 27 countries, with a focus on community-led marine protected areas and local leadership.
Arksen isn’t just funding the mission – it’s enabling it.
The company also outfitted the film crew with its innovative expedition apparel, built for the rigours of real-world exploration and designed with sustainability at its core.
Choose to be brave
“As businesses, we have a choice,” Jasper said.
“We can continue business as usual and accelerate the climate crisis. Or we can redefine leadership – building companies brave enough to align growth with stewardship.”
With 400 million SMEs making up 95% of companies globally, Arksen’s message champions small businesses as a critical force for environmental good.
“They’re already changing behaviours every day,” Jasper added.
“They can – and must – be part of the solution.”
Ocean will be released in cinemas globally, and will also be available on Disney+, National Geographic and Hulu later this year.
Screening info can be found at OceanFilm.net.
