Harbour & Jones wins City catering and reception services contract

Foodservice firm Harbour & Jones (H&J) has picked up a contract to deliver catering and reception services at international insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher (AJG), ahead of the launch of a new branded reception and hosting service next month.

The five-year deal will see the boutique operator manage the contract at AJG's new offices at the Walbrook Building in the City of London.

H&J declined to reveal the value of the new business but a spokesperson told Caterer and Hotelkeeper that it is the caterer's "second largest contract within the insurance industry after Catlin".

Re-insurer Catlin became the caterer's 18th contract when it was awarded in 2008. At the time it was reported that the deal was worth £1m in annual turnover.

Commenting on the new win with AJG, H&J co-owner and director Patrick Harbour said: "We worked with AJG from the beginning, helping them plan their kitchen and also advising them on the best layout for their dining areas in order to engage and enhance the customer journey."

H&J said it has taken on more reception and hosting contracts at some of London's most prestigious addresses as it demand for these services has climbed. As a result, the company has begun working with reception consultant Leighsha Kelly to ensure it is providing the best services that are available in the city.

"Reception services are now an integral part of our business and we are already seeing efficiencies at our sites like AJG, where we run both front and back of house," added Harbour. "We are able to streamline the entire process and make sure customers experience a consistent high level of service from the moment they walk in the door to when they leave."

H&J will launch a new branded reception and hosting service in March, which will include what the company described as an "innovative approach" to training front of house staff.