Hardy chosen for top Beeton Rumford job

Andy Hardy, commercial director at Beeton Rumford, has been named as successor to managing director Richard Tate, who leaves at the end of this week.

Mr Hardy moves to the top job at Earls Court Olympia's catering subsidiary after 12 years with the company in a number of roles. He is already drawing up ambitious plans for expansion for the organisation.

"My manifesto is to go for growth, while realising our core business at Earls Court Olympia," Mr Hardy told Caterer. "I want to see us grow from our current turnover of £10m a year to £15m-£17m within four to five years."

Mr Hardy said he would be looking to grow Beeton Rumford's event catering arm significantly from the current position, where it accounts for 15% of turnover.

"I also want us to take over the catering at another prestige venue within a year. Last year we put in a serious bid for the catering at the Royal Albert Hall [London] and came second [to Letheby & Christopher]. We have learnt from that experience and that's the way for the company to go," he added.