Business as usual despite the crunch

The theme of the conference, "Not difficult, just different" acknowledged the different economic trading backdrop to this year's event. Tim Jones, chairman and co-founder of Charlton House, revealed that the company's year-end financial results (March 2009) were on target, with annual turnover currently standing at over £80 million and net trading profit up on 2008 at £1.6 million. Jones also confirmed that the company's five-year plan for 2009 has already been surpassed. He said: "Our philosophy is that these are not difficult times, just different. Despite the general economic gloom, there are many quality players like us who are quietly getting on with business as usual. I think a sense of proportion is needed and a different backdrop means different decisions have to be made. "Our solid core of business & 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". The last few months have seen Charlton House's public catering division, Charlton House Restaurants, expand with the addition of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the public catering contract at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Overall, Charlton House's share of the contract catering market has increased slightly to approximately 2%, keeping it very much in a quality, niche sector. "I feel that recovery is on the way but it will be a slow road back," said Jones. "Companies are scrutinising budgets and as contractors, we need to find sensible, flexible solutions to help them to reach their goals. "Our plan, as ever, is to stick to our core values. What is becoming ever more apparent and important is that companies are going back to basics. Honesty, loyalty, good service and value for money are key elements and we will do everything we can to work with our clients to achieve their objectives."