Compass trading well, says Mackay

Trading at Compass Group was in line with expectations during the first four months of its financial year, the contract catering company's annual general meeting heard today.

Chairman Francis Mackay said: "The group continues to generate significant organic growth in each of its business divisions."

Recent business gains have included an exclusive £7m-a-year-turnover deal with German firm Metallgesellschaft to feed 20,000 workers at 27 sites and a contract at Volkswagen's new site in Brussels, worth more than £1.6m in annual turnover.

Healthcare catering wing Bateman has been appointed to provide catering at the Southend Hospital NHS Trust, a contract that will turn over more than £1.5m a year.

"The group is in a strong position to maintain its progress in all its divisions," Mackay added.

Compass's financial year starts at the beginning of October.