Contract catering

Author
Discussion

mxdi

Original Poster:

13,993 posts

256 months

Thursday 3rd February 2005
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Does anyone have anything to do with Contract Catering as a business, just wondering how this all works with regards to starting this as a business and the how the contracts generally work.

Tango2

428 posts

270 months

Tuesday 8th February 2005
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I work in contract catering for a large company, and have worked previously for small ones - around London. If you've got a lot of investment, sales experience, ruthless management techniques (!), and want to do nothing but work, work , work - go for it...personally I'd rather work for a reputable company - catering's just too cut-throat to go it alone without a lot of back up and some good contracts to take over straight away.

mxdi

Original Poster:

13,993 posts

256 months

Wednesday 9th February 2005
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Sounds about right.

I have been a Chef Manager for going on 5 or 6 years and I love it (now that I'm not working for Compass anyway) someone suggested to me last weekend why dont I go out alone- as I have the dedication. (like one unit to start) But I have no money, no business qualifications, no business plan etc. and I wasnt sure how the contracts work, as isnt it the client who buys/owns the equpiment, so I cannot see there being much initial costs.

So thought I'd look into it.
Thing is, when you manage a unit you see how much money they dont make

One day maybe

Thanks for your answer anyway Tango

Tango2

428 posts

270 months

Wednesday 9th February 2005
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Whoops - I work for the infamous Compass!!!!

As you correctly state, most of the companies that you get the contracts in own the majority of the equipment, but many these days are looking for capex from the caterer - we've just taken over a group contract and put in lots of dosh! They want improvements fast and often are reluctant to invest themselves, but are prepared to pay back over a period of time - the more you put in the longer the contract can be negotiated for, and the higher the management fee.

If you do decide to go it alone - good luck - and any help/advice needed - give me a shout!

mxdi

Original Poster:

13,993 posts

256 months

Wednesday 9th February 2005
quotequote all
Some parts of Compass are OK.
I loved it with Eurest I had a lot of free reign and I was keen to stay with the company, but then I moved over to Scolarest, the budget was so tight and I found it very difficult to feel proud to work for them for various reasons. So I moved onto a smaller contract caterer.
I think my first step is to do a business course at nightschool and go from there.

Tango2

428 posts

270 months

Thursday 10th February 2005
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You've redeemed yourself...I work for Eurest - I'm an area support manager and really enjoy it!

Still - good luck, and any advice/help in the future - give me a shout!

mxdi

Original Poster:

13,993 posts

256 months

Thursday 10th February 2005
quotequote all
Thank you tango, I tried area support once and it wasnt my cup of tea. I missed cooking.