News on 13 December 2000
Privately-owned catering company Wilson Storey Halliday
Group claims to be the UK's largest after its formation through the merger
of Wilson Storey and Halliday Catering.
Alastair Storey, previously at Granada Food Services and former finance
director Keith Wilson have launched the company which will be based in
Wokingham. Storey said independent caterers were in strong demand as increased
consolidation reduces choice.
According to Storey, Granada Group, which merged its catering business
with Compass earlier this year, and Gardner Merchant, the contract caterer
owned by Sodexo, control 80% of the UK market.
"There is a widespread presumption that the tremendous consolidation
in this industry has brought enormous benefits. We, on the other hand,
are convinced that in reality what clients seek is personal attention
from key management, creative thinking and value for money," he added.
The company will have annual sales of £25m with clients including
MTV and Pizza Express.
