“People can do great things when inspired and motivated at work,” says Blacklock founder and CEO Gordon Ker, who now oversees more than 200 staff and five chophouse restaurants across London.

He aims to ensure “everyone who walks through our doors leaves happy,” whether guests, suppliers or the Blacklock team.

As a result, staff enjoy many benefits, including a paid four-week sabbatical (or a round-the-world ticket!) after five years at the company, generous annual leave, enhanced pay for looking after their newborns and ‘paw-ternity’ leave if they’re first-time pet parents.

And key milestones are always celebrated and rewarded. Blacklock treats new starters to a free dinner on passing their probation, and team members get a spa voucher on reaching their first year and a paid-for weekend away after three.

It’s not just the perks staff value but Blacklock’s flexibility and commitment to do the right thing by its employees. It’s moved away from zero-hours contracts to give staff financial stability through guaranteed hours, and it supports its staff to work flexibly, whether through compressed hours or honouring rota requests.

And there’s a fun and busy calendar across Blacklock. Restaurants shut down for ‘Blackstock’, the annual paid-for summer party and awards ceremony. Colleagues also get to let their hair down after a busy Christmas period at the January end-of-year party and enjoy cultural trips throughout the year where they get to learn more about Blacklock products.