Member Article

Bristol-based foodservice company scoops top business award and acquires new premises

A Bristol-based foodservice company has enjoyed a busy start to the second half of the year, winning a top regional business award and acquiring new premises for £3m.

Charles Saunders Foodservice scooped the coveted large business of the year award at the Bristol Post Business Awards. And due to continued growth, the wholesaler has purchased a new cold store facility in the city.

Charles Saunders, a member of buying group Fairway Foodservice, will move into the new building in the autumn. About the award win, Charles Saunders managing director Darren Gaulton said: “The Bristol Post Business Awards are the city’s premier awards focusing on businesses in the region.

“We were joined on the shortlist by some well-known and successful brands. We were thrilled when our name was called out. “The award win is testament to the fantastic team we have. This wouldn’t have been possible without every member of staff working as hard as they do.”

The premises acquired are Brakes Group’s former cold store premises on Armstrong Way in Yate, Bristol. The facility is 45,755 sq ft.

Darren added: “Due to expansion of our product range and delivery areas we outgrew our current site and were seeking to relocate. “We are planning further investment in the building with a view to moving in in the autumn.

“The new building will give us a larger cold storage capacity and a complete wet fish facility, as well as accommodating our wide range of non-food products.”

Charles Saunders employs 126 people and operates from two depots in Bristol, with customers throughout the South West, Dorset and South Wales.

The company has grown over the last eight years, increasing from a £6m turnover in 2008 to £20m in 2016.

Charles Saunders is a member of Fairway Foodservice, a buying group made up of 19 independent wholesalers from across the UK, Ireland, Jersey, Spanish Costas and Balearic Islands. For further information visit: http://www.charles-saunders.com/.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .