An over-thorough job?

I think environmental health officers do a fine job, but sometimes you can't help wondering. Recently they visited an associate establishment of mine. A thorough audit was completed and the following recommendations made:

lFridge temperatures to be recorded daily

lRecommended relocation of hand-wash basin

lRemoval of domestic plant from kitchen area

lThe proprietor to attend a food hygiene course

lMilk deliveries not to be left outside

lThorough and regular sanitisation of workshop.

No, this wasn't one of our contracts, but somewhere far closer to home. In fact, it was my father's home. He has the occasional paying guest, probably once a month.

All the recommendations have now been addressed and he attends his basic food hygiene course next week. It makes you think that if this level of scrutiny was adhered to by all counties, we would all have a bright future!

This month sees the annual review of Charlton House suppliers. All areas are discussed, but particularly quality, price or value for money, level of complaints from contracts and growth of business.

With turnover having doubled every year since I set up in business, you would have thought that we were in the driving seat. But I think there has been a wave of sales executives attending courses on negotiating skills. However, they forget that, unlike our larger competitors, Charlton House is still of a size to be able to change suppliers with ease!

This month has also seen a frantic tour of the UK, judging short-listed catering venues for the Booker Prize for Excellence. There was quite a mixed bag of categories, from sandwich bars and guest houses to top-class restaurants.

This is my second year of judging and one thing which never fails to excite me is the enthusiasm and pride that independent caterers have for their establishments.

In between the judging we held our staff Christmas party. The restaurant we went to managed to find some Christmas crackers and we were wished a very Merry Christmas when the bill was totalled - it was their highest of the season!

Meanwhile, back at our new offices, business is very encouraging. Last week we were awarded three new contracts, which should keep the team busy over the coming months.

On a less positive note, one of our existing sites is being put out to tender. Due to a direction from the US parent company, all European offices are being instructed to perform a combined exercise to find one contract for catering, cleaning and security.

We have been asked to tender for the local sites, and we must hope that quality and personal service win the day. n

Next diary from Robyn Jones is on 7 March