Charlton House takes off with £2m Gatwick Airport win

Charlton House has scooped a £2m staff catering deal at Gatwick Airport from incumbent operator Sodexo, which had held the contract for 25 years.

The contract, which commenced last week, sees the independent caterer provide 24-hour food services for 23,000 airport staff across both the north and south terminals.

A team of 45 Charlton House employees will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner services at the two staff restaurants and one café, 365 days a year.

Paul Honey, Charlton House operations director, said: "As a much smaller niche operator, we hope that we can make a big difference in terms of the quality of the food. The emphasis will be on fresh, seasonal produce.

"Our challenge is to attract more staff into using the staff catering facilities as Gatwick Airport is well-served by a wide range restaurants and food outlets."

"A hot meal offer in the North Terminal has been a specific request from staff but we won't stop there. Our goal is to understand their needs and to work closely in partnership with our new client to provide a highly flexible and personal service."

The start of the new contract coincided with the 20th anniversary of Charlton House's parent group, CH&Co, which was established by Tim and Robyn Jones on 1 July 1991.

Still celebrating the £60m Historic Royal Palaces contract win last month, chairman Tim Jones, said it had been an incredible year for CH&Co.

He added: "We are going through a considerable period of growth and there are lots of opportunities ahead. By the end of our financial year in March 2013, we expect our annual turnover to reach over £90m."

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By Janie Stamford

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