Waterfall Services posts record £38m turnover

WARRINGTON-based catering group Waterfall Services has reported record results for the year, and is forecasting further growth despite predicted public sector spending cuts.

The group, which is the parent company of education caterer Taylor Shaw and care and welfare specialist Caterplus, employs around 2,400 staff.

It saw turnover increase 35.7% to £38m in the year to the end of March (2008: £28m) and is predicting a turnover of £45m in the current financial year.

It said contracts with local authorities like Durham County Council – which is piloting a Government scheme to give all primary school children free meals – and care organisations like Jewish Care helped to boost the fugures.
 
Managing director, Jim Lovett, said: “We’ve seen some very challenging conditions in the past year, but these figures show that, across both sectors, we’re doing something right.
 
“In tough times – even more than in good – it’s not enough to provide outstanding quality services, it’s the way we work with in partnership with clients which makes the difference.

“That’s why we’re always looking for new ways to add even greater value to our clients and their end-users – whether that’s running nutrition classes for parents or craft training for residents of homeless shelters.”
 
Waterfall Services was established in 2007 following private equity investment. Already the parent of Caterplus, it acquired education caterer, Taylor Shaw, the following year and has since grown both brands by concentrating on their specialist sectors.
 
The acquisition of Taylor Shaw helped the group more than double turnover from £12m in 2007/08 to £28m the following year.