Harbour & Jones reports 11.7% rise in pre-tax profit
Boutique caterer Harbour & Jones (H&J) has reported an 11.7% increase in pre-tax profit to £1.47m (2013: £1.31m) for the 12 months to 31 December 2014.
According to documents filed at Companies House, the foodservice firm's annual turnover remained flat at £33m, up marginally from £32.9m the previous year. The acquisition of niche caterer London Hospitality Catering (LHC) during the period accounted for £260,000 of the latest annual turnover figure.
The reporting period saw H&J launch its dedicated front of house brand called Up Front Reception Services while a series of new contract wins within all sectors of H&J's business was described as "encouraging".
These included a business & industry contract with the British Council and three significant wins for the events and fixed venues division: the Royal Institute of British Architects; Church House Conference Centre; and the Institute of Engineering and Technology.
Patrick Harbour, director of Harbour & Jones, commented: "We were delighted with the company's performance in 2014 and with the ongoing growth of the business. Our margins have improved in all of our business sectors.
"As we continue to grow we have strengthened our management team as well as our internal processes and systems, and we have enhanced our service offer through the launch of Upfront Reception Services.
"Despite the variable economic climate, we are confident and optimistic about our future growth prospects due to our strong client relationships and performance record.
"We remain committed to our core values and working with likeminded clients to deliver the highest quality service in employee and hospitality catering."
The caterer made two senior appointments in 2014. Cheryl Harbour - the wife of co-founder and director Patrick Harbour, was named learning and development director, having previously worked in the field at British Airways and running her own training company.
Nick Thomas was appointed finance director and joined the company with a wealth of experience in the food and hospitality sector. The report noted Thomas' experience within acquisitions and said that H&J will continue to look for further suitable acquisition opportunities.
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