BaxterSmith turnover up £8m

Contract caterer BaxterSmith has announced a 50% increase in annual turnover in its fourth year of trading.

The independent business caterer achieved an annual turnover of £24m in 2003-04, up by £8m on the year. The company now works across 75 sites throughout the UK including 24 operated by BaxterSmith Scotland north of the border. Last year, the company had 34 contracts.

William Baxter, executive chairman of the Amersham-based company, said the firm had chosen to grow organically rather than through acquisition. "We have started to get some momentum and are known in the marketplace. The bigger you get, the larger your shop window for attracting new business."

He added that he expected the company to continue to grow nationally. "We will concentrate on developing our processes and beefing up IT, while keeping our foot on the sales pedal, but without comprising standards."

The company also announced four contract wins, worth more than £1m in total turnover. These included two five-year deals starting next month with the Institute of Animal Health and with publisher Random House Group. In September, BaxterSmith will start contracts with Lex Auto Logistics and directors' dining and hospitality at a London investment bank.