Catering company set for growth

Entier, Scotland’s largest independent privately-owned catering company, is preparing to grab a bigger slice of international markets after BGF served up a £6.5m investment.

The Westhill-based company in the North East of Scotland plans to expand its overseas operations, building on its existing work at 38 remote locations in 23 countries.  The business already has a presence in Australia, Canada, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States, and last year picked up a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

More than 4,500 people on oil and gas rigs and other remote installations around the world are served meals each day by Entier’s 760 staff, along with receiving hotel services such as cleaning, laundry, recreational & welfare services and with an emphasis on wellbeing and healthy eating.

Major clients include Apache, Awilco Drilling, EnQuest, Rowan Drilling and Technip.

Chief executive Peter Bruce founded Entier in 2008 after running similar services for catering giant Compass, with Aberdeen businessman Mike Reilly, former proprietor of the Olive Tree Restaurant in Aberdeen’s west end.

Bruce said: “I’ve said in the past that I want to grow Entier into a £100m company and, with the backing of BGF, I believe we could do far better than that.

“We focus on delivering high quality, healthy and nutritious food to offshore workers, which plays a part in improving productivity and reducing costs.”

Back onshore, Entier has developed the Fresh chain of cafés situated across Aberdeen as well as providing catering and hospitality services in 20 client offices including Stork, Helix and Archer.

The company also recently acquired Wilde Thyme, the Perthshire-based catering firm, which runs the restaurants at Glamis Castle in Angus and the Glenturret Distillery in Perthshire, home to the Famous Grouse whisky brand.

In addition to its permanent premises, Wilde Thyme is the caterer of choice at various venues including the new Barn @ Bara Castle in Aberdeenshire & Carlowrie, Cluny and Drumlanrig castles. Wilde Thyme are the only hospitality company that can cover all of the National Trust Sites in Scotland.

Mike Sibson, head of BGF’s Aberdeen office, said: “We are most impressed by the way in which Peter Bruce and his team have differentiated themselves from their rivals.  They provide a bespoke service and build strong relationships with their clients, and the customer feedback is outstanding.

“We are delighted to be backing one of Aberdeen’s success stories, and to have the opportunity to support Peter and the team in their continued growth.”