Independent corporate caterer Charlton House has reported it has gained more than £11 million worth of new business and retentions since January as it outlined recent successes.

Charlton House’s audited year-end figures show that the company’s turnover was up on last year at £81.3m (£74.1m last year). Jones also confirmed that the company’s five-year plan for 2010 has already been surpassed, while its share of the contract catering market has increased slightly in the last year, to two per cent.

Despite challenging market conditions, Charlton House has attracted high-profile new contracts such as Portsmouth Historic Dockyard; the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh; the privately owned property group, Grosvenor; the international law firm Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP; and Ladbrokes.

Substantial contract retentions include the company’s contract with Her Majesty’s Treasury, which has recently been renewed for a further five years and a £4.4m retention of its contract with Regent’s College in London.

Tim Jones, co-founder and chairman, said: “Our philosophy is that these are different, not difficult, times. Despite the downturn, there are many quality players like us who are quietly getting on with business as usual.

“Our solid core of business and industry contracts is continuing to thrive. Sales throughout our staff restaurants are strong, and we put that down to the fact that people are becoming more aware and more appreciative of the quality and value for money of meals at work. The demand for our hospitality services also remains high as clients recognise the many advantages of entertaining in house.

“However, there is no room for complacency. Who knows what the future will bring? But what we do know is that it’s important to stick to our core values. What is becoming ever more apparent and important is that companies are going back to basics. Honesty, loyalty and value for money are key elements. The old adage that ‘people buy people’ has never been more apt, and that is where I think we excel. We see our people as our greatest asset.”

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