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KITC H E N HOUSE REVE NUE / SPECIAL REPORT
C AT E R I N G INSIGHT / FEBRUARY 2018 / http://www.cateringinsight.com02486101220106.2011- 3
20127.20138.201410.20159.201611.Turnover (£m)
60040020020004006002010362201134520123052013337201452015201678Operating Profit (£’000)
Acme Facilities Group’s set of results underlines broad, steady
growth, with the servicing specialist experiencing a bit of a dip
around 2015 in both turnover and profit margin, likely due to
integrating three acquisitions in a short period of time.
It expanded into the heating and ventilation services market with
the acquisition of DPL Service in 2014, while in 2015 it acquired
Gloucester-based catering equipment maintenance provider, Severn
Catering Services. The same year it also expanded its fabrication
capabilities with the purchase of Burnley-based ventilation canopy
manufacturer The Canopy Company.
But its 2016 results showed that it bounced back significantly to an
£11.2m turnover, 17% up on 2015’s £9.6m total, while operating profit
staged a massive recovery from -£533,000 in 2015 to £78,297 in 2016.
And although not officially published yet, Acme stated that the full
group provisional 2017 year-end results show a further 25% turnover
growth. During last year the firm hired 15 new employees and invested
in staff and facilities, with plans to expand both further in 2018.
Being established in 1964, the Blackburn-based catering
equipment services firm is over 50 years old. Beginning as H&H
Refrigeration, then later as Acme Refrigeration, the scope of its
business has changed tremendously since its formation. It originally
specialised in refrigeration as its previous names suggest, but now
has interests in catering equipment, kitchen design, fabrication and
air conditioning.
However, its parent company since the 1980s has been Pentland
Group. The business operates three separate office locations,
with engineers situated around the country to deal with service,
maintenance and installations. It employs more than 150 staff.- Acme Facilities Group
2016 Vital Statistics
Turnover: £11.2m (+17%)
Operating profit: £78,000 (+115%)
Financial year end: 31 December03612915182010-13.2011-13.2012-12.2013-12.2014-14.2015-13.2016-12.Turnover (£m)
The Gratte Brothers Group’s catering equipment division has had
a mixed few years judging by its financial results. While turnover
peaked at £14.0m during its 2014-15 financial year, the company
has been making an operating loss since the 12 months ending 31
March 2013.
For the 2016-2017 figures the operating losses did reduce
by nearly 9% from -£75,000 to -£69,000, but the results are
somewhat surprising for this well-respected firm.
However, its latest report stated: “The year to 31 March 2017 has
been challenging, as expected in view of the global market and
uncertain economic conditions.
“The decrease in turnover was in part due to the uncertainty
surrounding the June 2016 referendum which resulted in the
deferral of orders and phasing on contractual work and the
associated impact on the recognition of turnover and profits.”
2017 proved to be a transitional year for Gratte Brothers, with
former MD Ian Wolfe retiring and Colin Barden stepping into the
role, while Paul Gilhooly was promoted to sales director.
Last year the firm handed over nine Whitbread projects in
the space of 5 weeks on time and on budget. A major £155,
project at The Ritz was also finished on time, including having to
unexpectedly demolish an unstable wall.
Furthermore, the company recently renovated its own offices,
and invested in 3D modelling software to increase project clash
detection. Setting up an online service and maintenance package,
its engineer systems are now paperless.- Gratte Brothers Catering Equipment
2016 Vital Statistics
Turnover: £12.3m (-10%)
Operating loss: -£69,000 (+9%)
Financial year end: 31 MarchOperating Profit (£’000)
5001001501282010-522011-2012-2013-2014-2015-2016-