Wilson Vale has posted results for the year ending 31 December 2016 showing that turnover has increased by 14.7% to break the £25m mark for the first time, with profit before tax rising to over £2m.
Celebrating its fifteenth year in business this year, the independent caterer is forecasting an annual turnover of £27m for 2017.
Andrew Wilson, co-founder of Wilson Vale, (pictured with co-founder Carolyne Vale) said, “The skills, commitment and passion of our teams have continued to drive our business forward throughout last year and we are pleased to report another positive set of results.
“The principles laid down at the formation of this company - to look after our customers and be the very best at what we do - remain at the heart of the business throughout 2017 and beyond. Attracting the right balance of new growth is important, as is our on-going emphasis on strong relationships.”
A significant impact of looking after its existing clients is that for the first time in Wilson Vale’s history to date, every new client gained during 2016 came through either an extension within a group or by client referral. In every case, Wilson Vale faced challenging competitive processes.
The latest contract extension is a substantial catering contract with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) at the group’s UK corporate headquarters in Denham, Buckinghamshire.
The independent caterers have supported IHG with catering services at its Burton-upon-Trent offices since 2002 when Wilson Vale was a fledgling business.
Under a three year deal, a team of 12 Wilson Vale staff now provides breakfast, lunch, an all-day café and extensive hospitality catering services to 650 IHG staff. The contract was previously operated in house.
Wilson said, “After working for over 15 years with IHG, to have been given the opportunity to tender for and win this prestigious contract is a huge accolade for our operations team, and it shows our ability to grow in groups.
“As an operationally-led business, we place our existing clients first before rushing out to attract new ones – a rare ethos in our industry. The fact that IHG has been with us since our very first year in in business is a huge testament to our commitment to great service and value over the past 15 years.'
With a current portfolio of 95 clients and employing 720 staff nationwide, Wilson Vale is planning to move into purpose-built 8,000 sq. ft. offices in the first quarter of 2018, located within the same business park in Ashby-de-la-Zouch (Leicestershire) it currently occupies, as the independent caterer is outgrowing its existing space.