Outside Catering, North West, North West

OUTDOOR CATERING AND EVENTS BUSINESS in North West England for Sale.

Ernest Wilson are pleased to present to the market this long established and highly regarded catering and events business, renowned throughout the North West for its quality, reliability and exceptional client service. Founded in 1978 and operated with great pride by our clients since 2003, the business now comes to market as the owners look forward to a well deserved retirement. Over the decades, the business has cultivated an enviable reputation, supported by a loyal and diverse customer base and longstanding partnerships with prestigious venues, institutions and organisations across the region.

The business delivers comprehensive event catering and bar services for occasions of all sizes and levels of formality. Its services span private celebrations, corporate functions, civic events, public sector engagements and large scale regional showcases, all underpinned by high standards of culinary quality and professional service delivery. The company’s strong brand identity, combined with its trusted relationships with multiple high profile venues, continues to fuel ongoing demand and opportunities for further growth.

Annual turnover £806,767. Operating on a regional scale, the business currently serves over 100 active clients across sectors including finance, education, pharmaceuticals, local government, media and healthcare. Approximately 80% of customers return repeatedly, which not only reflects exceptional service consistency but also underpins reliable recurring revenue. Day to day operations are overseen by the two directors, supported by a core team of six staff. This is further supplemented by a well established pool of experienced casual staff and supervisors who provide additional capacity for larger events or seasonal demand, ensuring flexibility and efficiency at all times.

The business is being sold as a complete, turnkey operation and includes all catering and operational assets required to continue trading immediately. This encompasses all cooking equipment, refrigeration units, refrigerated vehicles, crockery and cutlery sufficient to service up to 400 covers, preparation equipment, uniforms and office equipment. The sale also includes the full goodwill of the business, all forward booked events, and a comprehensive database of clients and contacts. In addition, all pre-organised events will transfer with the business, complete with files, documentation and operational planning, ensuring continuity and immediate revenue for an incoming owner.

A particular strength of the business lies in its well-developed internal systems, including proven food cost procedures that consistently maintain food costs at 20% and below, alongside fully quantified recipes and established operational processes. These systems provide a solid foundation for maintaining profitability and consistency at scale.

The business operates from 1,600 sq ft of premises in Lancashire, comprising two buildings of approximately 350 sq ft each, alongside additional operational space. The property is owned by our clients and leased to the business. The owners anticipate future development of the site, meaning the business will require relocation following completion of a sale. However, they are open to offering a short term licence agreement, where required, to facilitate a smooth and orderly transition for the purchaser. Terms are negotiable through this office.

This opportunity would suit an existing operator or an ambitious entrepreneur with a renewed passion to drive the business forward. There is significant untapped potential within the operation, and the vendors strongly believe that a fresh perspective, combined with energy and ambition, could elevate the business to even greater heights within the industry.

Having built and developed a business they are extremely proud of over the past 23 years, the owners would welcome the opportunity to see a new owner take the bus