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Hawksmoor CEO: I believe in 'casual professionals'

Will Beckett, co-founder and CEO of Hawksmoor restaurants, shares his personal business advice

Will Beckett and his business partner Huw Gott opened their first Hawksmoor restaurant in London in 2006. It specialises in steaks, with a British twist.

It now has 10 restaurants in the UK, one in Ireland and two in the US, and the business turned over £90m last year. Recently it announced plans to sell the business in order to support its international growth ambitions.

Beckett explains why he believes in the idea of the 'casual professional', preferring not to have a strict dress code for staff and allowing them to bring their 'authentic selves' to work.

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