28th Jan 2008 - 00:00
Abstract
Tim and Robyn Jones, co-founders of independent staff catering firm, Charlton House, have appeared in 77th place in Management Today's 'Britain's Top 100 Entrepreneurs', the renowned annual listing of the nation's most successful self-made men and women.
The entrepreneurial pair established their contract catering company in 1991, at the height of a recession and on a weekly government enterprise allowance of just £50.
Today, Charlton House is the second largest independent contract caterer in the UK, with a current annual turnover of over £75 million.
The company employs 1,900 people nationwide and its clients include Her Majesty's Treasury and the corporate headquarters of BUPA, RIBA (the Royal Institute of British Architects) and Sony (United Kingdom) Ltd.
Known for its cutting edge approach to food in the workplace, Charlton House has recently expanded into the public catering sector, targeting museums, galleries and other cultural and historic sites.
Commenting on the company's success to date, Tim Jones, co-founder and chairman, said: "When we started Charlton House in the summer of 1991 our goal was to do the job properly and never compromise on quality in the interest of profit. We wanted to change how people eat at work, and in doing so, push the boundaries of contract catering. Those core values remain unchanged. Charlton House is now a major player with a great reputation for fine food and unrivalled service standards.
"We are true independents, and we are as passionate and enthusiastic now as we were in the early days of the business."