Charlton House

Charlton House is a niche staff catering brand within the CH&Co group. With an annual turnover of £29 million, it is far smaller than its closest competitors – a real advantage for companies looking for a highly personalised and trustworthy service.

A well respected name within the food service sector, Charlton House has built its entire business on delivering its promises. The company has a portfolio of 80 contracts and it employs almost 800 people.

This niche staff catering brand is very different to the larger companies that dominate the food service sector. It has different objectives too, very transparent finances and is known for being an ethical player with a genuine interest in its customers’ health and wellbeing.

For example, Charlton House has a dedicated programme (www.wellbeingbeingwell.co.uk) to ensure that customers are fully informed to make the right food choices during the working day. The Times columnist and leading nutritionist, Amanda Ursell, works very closely with Charlton House to keep her finger on the pulse of a very diverse and highly satisfied client base.

Staff welfare is also a priority, and as recent recipients of a gold standard Investors In People assessment, the company prides itself on the relationships it holds with its staff and clients.

Environmental responsibility stands at the heart of the company’s activities. Always aware of the impact its business activities have on the environment, Charlton House works very closely with clients to minimise its carbon footprint on site. The company is one of few contract caterers to seek ISO14001 accreditation across all of its sites. So far, sixteen contracts have gained accreditation. This internationally recognised standard relates to management systems that control the impact a company has upon its environment, and covers such issues as minimising waste, the use of raw materials and energy, reducing pollution and improving efficiency.

Use of seasonal British produce is also important and the company’s food director, the Michelin-starred chef, David Cavalier, is passionate about supporting local growers and producers because of important issues such as traceability and minimising food miles. Charlton House has recently completed one of the most complex Red Tractor certification programme by the Assured Food Standards Scheme to date.

The Red Tractor logo is the only kite-mark that guarantees standards and traceability throughout the food chain, while giving reassurance to the customer that what they are eating is whole chain British.