As with last year's report, this updated one is again prepared by Zolfo Cooper and EP Business in Hospitality.
Harbour & Jones, which came third last year, has reached number one in the 2014 Top 20 with a 46.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last three years. This is based on annual sales of £33m in the last year and a profit of £2.4m.
Graeme Smith, partner in Zolfo Cooper Corporate Finance, said: “Harbour & Jones continues to set the standards for operators in the sector by combining an innovative food offering with consistently high service levels.
“Being bold is lauded in the industry, but credit must be given to a team that has seamlessly expanded its offering into the events and concierge sectors over the last two years and, in doing so, created a genuine brand in a very crowded market place.”
Number two in this list is a new entry into the Top 20, The Crown Group, which has achieved a CAGR of 43.3% on the back of turnover of £33.1m and profit of £5.1m.
It was founded back in 1978 by Russell Morgan and has grown to become a family of 12 separate trading companies spanning Michelin star restaurants to B&I sites, cafes, hospitality, marquees and venue finding.
Dine Contract Catering, under father and son co-founders Jim and Ian Cartwright makes number three in the list with a CAGR of 42.7% achieved through sales of £23.3m and a profit of £1.5m in the last year.
Niche City caterer Vacherin has dropped down from second place last year to fourth this year, but has still achieved CAGR of 37.5% on sales of £11.5m and profit annual profit of £700,000.
Rounding out the last of the top five places is independent schools caterer The Brookwood Partnership, another new entry. Its CAGR of 28.2% over the last three years derives from 2013’s turnover of £32.7m and profit of £2.4m.
For a full report and details of the whole Top 20 look out for the November issue of Cost Sector Catering.