Created by Jamie Oliver in 2002, Fifteen exists to inspire disadvantaged young people to believe that they can create great careers for themselves in the restaurant business
Liam is busy growing Fifteen into a global social enterprise brand and Fifteen Amsterdam was opened in December 2004, Cornwall and Melbourne were launched in 2006. He has held several high profile social enterprise leadership positions including one at Liverpool's FRC Group, widely seen as one of the UK's pioneering social businesses. During his time in the city, Liam led in the founding of social businesses such as Bulky Bob's and Create, which have provided livelihoods for hundreds of formerly unemployed people. FRC and Liam have personally received numerous awards for the growth and diversification of the business and its commitment to a values based culture. Liam is an adviser to the Government on its business and entrepreneur strategies and a founding member of the Social Enterprise Coalition. He was also a founder of the Cat's Pyjamas, which has created and nourished international networks of social business leaders. He is the author of There's No Business Like Social Business published in May 2004.
What does being a social entrepreneur mean?
With our 5th anniversary party for 500 people tomorrow night it means lots of hard work and stress! I have been so lucky in my career to be involved in businesses that are seeking a simultaneous financial and social return on investment. Being a social business leader means trying to keep both the commercial and the social agendas in creative tension! What that means at Fifteen is both ensuring that our hundreds of thousands of customers have a great experience and come back, at the same time as enabling young people in need of a second chance to transform their lives.
Why does social enterprise matter right now?
What matters right now in a world scarred by inequality and the scary potential scenarios of climate change are entrepreneurs who are as passionate about addressing these realities as they are about making money. Whatever, you want to call it - and social enterprise is one name for it - the truth is that business as usual is not an option for ourselves or our kids.
Is there a difference between being a social enterprise and any other kind of business?
The main difference is the more complex and diverse range of stakeholders. In restaurants and at our position in the market, the issues are keeping food quality and service brilliant whilst maximising profit. We have all that plus the demands of the apprentices in our midst who come to us with all sorts of dreams, needs, problems, gifts and challenges. Oh, and making sure we keep all our staff bought into the great adventure that is Fifteen.
What are the particular challenges of being the CEO of such a high profile business?
Meeting the very high expectations of so many different people and organisations and going from the micro to the macro so fast. So one moment I’m helping our youth workers deal with an apprentice who's kicking off because something's gone wrong (and the benefits of the anger management counselling haven't appeared yet!!) and the next, deciding where the next Fifteen should be opened.
What is your favourite Jamie Oliver recipe?
The brilliant Moroccan shoulder of lamb and couscous from Cook With Jamie. I am not a great cook by any stretch but this recipe has never let me down. I recently cooked it for a big family get together and even the pickiest of my children was moved to compliment me!
Liam Black spoke at Developing a culture of socially responsible leadership on 15 January 2008 at Roffey Park.