Aspens named as one of Britain's fastest-growing private firms
Education caterer Aspens Services has been named as one of the fastest growing private firms in The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league table.
The caterer ranked 97th after seeing its sales grow by an average of 44% a year over the last three years.
Aspens, which was set up in 2008, provides 170 schools in England and Wales with fresh, locally sourced food. The company started 52 new contracts in September 2015 and expects to add more schools to its portfolio this year.
Managing director John Roe said: "As a privately-owned company, we're able to deliver a truly people-focused service which is entirely driven by the needs of our clients and customers."
He added: "Over 10% of our shares are now owned by our employees and we are committed to increasing this in the future. When all in our business have a stake in the ownership of it, there is no limit to what we can achieve. This is a unique business model not just in education catering, but in contract catering in general."
Aspens works with schools to help them upgrade their kitchens and restaurants and provides opportunities for students to gain practical business and culinary experience.
The firm is owned and managed by John Roe, Martin Garland, Amanda Ashmore and Tim Wilson. Its head office in Worcester employs more than 800 people.
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