Avenance pair launch new catering firm

Two ex-Avenance directors have formed a new contract catering company called Thomas Franks.

Tom Barrett and Frank Bothwell joined Avenance back in July 2003, with Barrett looking after the City and Bothwell the South-east of England. Rumours of their impending departure surfaced last month (Caterer, 15 July, page 9).

The pair officially opened their new business in Uxbridge, Middlesex, on Monday (16 August). Barrett said they had decided to use their Christian names for a company name, rather than their surnames (as favoured by many independent contract caterers), to highlight the personal touch they will provide.

Barrett said Thomas Franks would also be targeting a wider audience than many small contract caterers. It will focus on business and industry, independent education, private health catering, and retail - along with purchasing services for in-house caterers concerned that they are overpaying their suppliers.

Thomas Franks will concentrate on the South of England, particularly London. Barrett said the company was already in discussions with a number of prospective clients who were keen to work with them again. He was confident of securing the company's first contract before Christmas.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 19 August 2004