Aspire Hospitality founders part ways

Aspire Hospitality founders Sean Valentine and Steven Saunders have parted company as the London-based business looks to strengthen its market-share with two acquisitions.

Valentine (pictured) has taken sole-ownership of the Aspire business following Saunders departure "by mutual agreement", as both parties seek to "focus on running their own individual businesses."

The move comes after a seven-year partnership that saw Aspire deliver catering at seven British Grand Prix at Silverstone, as well as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in 2009.

Meanwhile the caterer has made two acquisitions, snapping up London-based Inn or Out and Northampton-based Portfolio Events for undisclosed sums.

The purchase of Inn or Out, previously owned and managed by Lena Björck, and Portfolio Events, which was set up by Sue Wood in 1984 and now run by her daughter Billie Passchier, will enable Aspire to operate on a national scale.

Regional offices in Northampton and Leeds will allow Aspire to effectively serve the fixed sites where they are the onsite caterers, including Ragley Hall and Harewood House, the company said.

Both acquired companies already have well-established operations in this sector, as listed caterers in some prestigious sites including Althorp House in Northamptonshire and Banqueting House in London.

The senior teams in both acquired businesses will remain in place.