Lugger couple deal
The owners of Cornwall boutique hotel the Lugger have bought a second property on Amelia Island, Florida. Richard and Sheryl Young bought the 15-bedroom hotel for $3m (£1.6m) at the end of last month. The property is undergoing a $1m ($536,000) refurbishment, expected to be completed in March.

Barrett leaves
Thomas Barrett, co-founder of the fledgling contract catering company Thomas Franks, has left the company "for private and personal reasons". Former Avenance directors Barrett and Frank Bothwell founded the company in August last year. Meanwhile, the company has signed its first contract this week with the National Army Museum in London. The two-year deal will see it open a brand new café in the visitors' area and manage all hospitality. It will employ seven staff.

Pastures new
Rob Kirby is leaving Avenance after 14 years with the French-owned contract caterer. Kirby, who was group executive chef, is moving to independent contract caterer Lexington as chef-director. Both sides said the split was amicable. Kirby said it was the "right time in my life to make the change".

Excellence awards
The Caterer Group has launched its Excellence in Equipment & Supplies Awards, sponsored by Brakes. These will recognise innovation and enterprise in the development of professional catering equipment and supplies. The judges will assess entries for fresh thinking, significant advances in design, cost-effectiveness and innovation. The awards ceremony will take place on 28 October at the London Landmark hotel. Entry forms will be available next month, to be returned by early May. For more details, contact Shiva Hobson on 020 8652 3094 or at shiva.hobson@rbi.co.uk.