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Houston & Hawkes has retained B Corp certification, and is also the first UK contract caterer to complete the B Corp recertification process.
Reaffirming its long-term commitment to responsible business, sustainability and people-first operations, the business achieved a score of 103.4, significantly higher than the minimum 80-point ‘B Impact Assessment’ threshold.
First awarded B Corp status in 2022, the recertification reflects the business’s commitment to its core values and ability to meet higher standards as it has scaled. In 2025, B Lab strengthened the B Corp certification framework, introducing stricter minimum performance requirements across environmental, social and governance areas, alongside greater emphasis on verified data and due diligence.
Since its initial certification, Houston & Hawkes has grown into one of the sector’s leading independent caterers, now employing just under 400 people across a portfolio of more than 40 clients. As a result, the latest assessment covered broader governance and reporting requirements, adding further complexity to the process.
The latest assessment highlights solid progress for Houston & Hawkes across several key impact areas, supported by the introduction of the Carbon Food Ladder, simplified recycling guidelines and chef-led waste-reduction initiatives. As part of the B Corp process, businesses must evidence local economic impact and responsible sourcing practices. Houston & Hawkes currently sources more than 85 per cent of its produce from suppliers located within 50 miles of London.
More opportunities for colleagues to connect through company-wide social events, together with a stronger focus on work with external partners including the Zero Carbon Forum, children’s charity Magic Breakfast and social enterprise Cook For Good, have also strengthened the business’s wider social and environmental impact.
Dave Hawkes, Co-Founder and Director at Houston & Hawkes, said: “We’re incredibly proud to retain our B Corp certification. The standards are far more rigorous than when we first certified, so maintaining such a strong score reflects the incredibly hard but rewarding work our teams deliver every day. Led by James Carr, our head of ESG and safety, there’s been a huge amount of effort behind the scenes to keep raising the bar. We have delivered continued growth over the past few years, and we’ve done so while staying true to our values.”
Looking ahead, Houston & Hawkes will focus on further improving the sustainability of its food sourcing, strengthening supplier engagement and continuing to reduce carbon across its operations, supported by its ongoing work with the Sustainable Restaurant Association.
Food for thought
In the December/January issue of FMJ, our case study looks at Houston & Hawkes close partnership with Regent’s University London and their shared goals to provide nutritious, sustainable and high-quality food and drink to students and staff. To read the article click here.
