Edwards & Blake creates sales director role

Norfolk-based caterer Edwards & Blake has promoted Adrian Cooke to its new sales director position.

After training as a chef, Cooke spent 20 years working in kitchens and restaurants before making the move into catering management.

He initially joined the company in July as business development director, from the same role at ISS Facility Services. Prior to that Cooke was at Eurest.

Edwards & Blake has secured 18 new contracts in the past 12 months across both the education and business sectors and the new role was created to grow the business further.

Cooke said: "Edwards & Blake is acknowledged to be one of the most innovative contract caterers with an unrivalled reputation for excellence and customer service. Shirley and Caroline are creative by tradition and we are all passionate about delivering great food and innovative services.

"As a result I am obviously looking forward to visiting potential clients and customers and spreading the message about our locally sourced produce, our fantastic staff and our creative menus."

Shirley Edwards, co-director of Edwards & Blake, commented: "We're delighted to welcome Adrian to the senior management team. His experience will be invaluable as we enter the next stage of the company's growth and development. We pride ourselves on high standards of food and exceeding customer expectations and Adrian shares these values."

Owned and managed by Shirley Edwards and Caroline Blake, the company is based in Swaffham in Norfolk. It looks after more than 85 contracts, has over 500 staff and an annual turnover in excess of £15m.