Blacklock chophouse restaurant group gains B Corp status

Chophouse restaurant group Blacklock has joined the small number of hospitality businesses that have attained ethical B Corp status.

The business, which has opened five London restaurants since 2015, has achieved the certification after an 18-month process.

For a company to become a B Corp it must be assessed by B Lab, a non-profit organisation which audits its ethical standards and commitment to bring benefit to shareholders, workers, customers, and the planet.

The organisation was founded in 2006 with the aim of inspiring people to use their businesses as a force for good.

Companies are required to re-certify as a B Corp every three years.

Blacklock founder Gordon Ker (pictured) said: "When we first heard about B Corp back in lockdown it immediately resonated with us and how we do things which puts our people at the heart of everything, seeking to be a brilliant place to work first and foremost and have a positive impact more widely whilst running great restaurants.

"The journey to becoming certified has been both rigorous and rewarding, rubber stamping where we are doing well and shining a light on where we can improve.

"Certification is really just the start. We're far from perfect and I'm excited (if a little apprehensive!) about the community of inspiring businesses we're joining and the opportunities that lie ahead to be a part of something bigger."

Other UK hospitality businesses to have achieved B Corp status include the Exclusive Collection hotel group, contract caterer Houston & Hawkes, the Big Mamma restaurant group and steakhouse group Hawksmoor.

Craft brewer BrewDog gave up its status as an ethical B Corp company in 2022 after it was unable to commit to "additional measures" requested by B Lab.

Blacklock launched in Soho in 2015 and now has restaurants in Soho, the City of London, Shoreditch, Covent Garden and Canary Wharf.