Proudly a B Corporation

Since 2006, the non-profit network B Lab™ has been certifying B Corporations, companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. The B Corp movement creates standards, policies, tools, and programs that shift the behaviour, culture, and structure of capitalism.

Being a B Corp means more than just a label; it signifies our dedication to balancing profit with purpose. We adhere to the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

The rigorous assessment by external experts at B Lab™ (the non-profit network that certifies B Corporations) offers a transparent view of what we do well, and how we could improve.

We began the lengthy process of completing B Corp’s Business Impact Assessment (BIA) in 2022, so certification is a huge achievement. The assessment involves a questionnaire that is broken down into five main areas known as “impact area pillars”: Governance, Environment, Workers, Community, Customers. As a small team we are particularly proud to have completed the process by ourselves. Larger organisations often have dedicated teams for this.

It is essential to complete an extensive questionnaire and provide evidence, so the B Corp experts can analyse everything and give a score. The assessment is repeated every three years.

In our every day we select the best material from trusted sawmills, using craftsmanship skills that have stood the test of time, getting the best out of our sustainably grown oak whilst keeping traditional skills alive!

Using the chopping board as an example, it isn't just a kitchen tool we make; it’s a catalyst for change. By encouraging home cooking and bringing families together over a meal, we foster a sense of community and promote better health.

This commitment is at the heart of our purpose. It's not just about the thoughtful gifting; it's about the impact our designs have on the people who use them in their everyday lives. We design with values in mind, supporting the preservation of culture, nurturing traditions, and advocating sustainable lifestyles.

We know we could tell similar stories for our swings, benches, charging stations and all our other designs…

What we make and how we go about it has an impact far beyond what we could have imagined. We do not take this responsibility lightly.

Rooted in the heart of Kent, UK, our workshop is where sustainability meets craftsmanship. We use sustainably sourced oak of the finest quality, ensuring that every piece is not only a work of art but also a testament to sustainable practices. Our team meticulously handcrafts each item with care and precision, reducing waste and promoting environmental stewardship. Our range from large oak frames to hang swings from to the cocktail stick holders ensures that every bit of our precious oak can be put to good use.

At The Oak & Rope Company, we believe in creating opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment. We are committed to fair trade practices and ensuring that our craftspeople work in safe and rewarding conditions. Moreover, we actively engage with our local community, supporting initiatives that make a positive impact on society.

Working with our hands, transforming a beautiful natural material into heirlooms of the future is a huge privilege. The sense of purpose and fulfilment on an individual basis. Making is more than a mere activity—it is a way to awaken the dormant part of our brains that yearns for creation. It is a journey back to the essence of being human, where the joy of making becomes integral to our well-being. Through the tactile connection with the materials, each creation becomes a testament to patience, perseverance, and the joy of crafting something beautiful and lasting.

That is why we have set up our charity The Quercus Conservation Trust. A charity working to establish, maintain and promote understanding of the rural environment.

We run courses at Ileden Farm Barns in Kent and at other locations for the purposes of teaching individuals the joy of making by hand in an ever changing sustainable setting. We also provide online resources and sell diy kits for making rural craft items.

We ask for contributions to our charity through organising courses for corporate events and individuals to raise funds to share this knowledge and skills with children, veterans and other members of our community for which these courses can be particularly impactful.

At Ileden we also have an apiary of 11 bee hives, making the most delicious honey which we sell on our website.

Innovation drives us to make the things we wish existed. We continuously seek to inspire and implement solutions that improve everyday life while remaining true to our core values. Our product range is designed not only to bring joy to our customers but also to contribute to a sustainable future.

We invite you to explore our range of handmade oak gifts and see for yourself the difference that passion, purpose, and integrity make.

By choosing The Oak & Rope Company, you are choosing a brand that cares deeply about its impact and is committed to making a difference.

Together, let's carve a path to a more sustainable and equitable world.