The new facility will let the food distributor double the size of its Northern Ireland business during the next five years.

The development, being undertaken by Magherafelt-based construction company Heron Bros, forms part of a £23m investment by Sysco Ireland in its northern operation.

The construction is expected to create about 200 jobs and take approximately 18 months to complete with the distribution facility opening anticipated to occur in early 2025.

When complete it will create 90 additional jobs taking the company’s workforce in Northern Ireland to in excess of 300 people.

Mark Lee, chief executive of Sysco Ireland, said: “At Sysco Ireland we are committed to growing our business across Northern Ireland over the coming years, gaining customers and building our network of local suppliers.

“This new state-of-the-art facility at Nutts Corner represents a strategically important location allowing us excellent connectivity to serve our customers and further grow our business. The development is a key part of our business strategy in Northern Ireland, and will also ensure that we grow our business responsibly.

“Sustainability was a key consideration in our plans, with the design incorporating solar panels on the roof, rainwater harvesting and advanced heat pump technology, as well as providing electric vehicle chargers for both staff and fleet vehicles.”

The construction work is being undertaken by construction and property development company Heron Brothers.

Paul Mulholland, property director for Heron Bros, said: “We are delighted to have commenced work on this new distribution facility for Sysco Ireland. The development combines innovative technologies designed to enhance sustainability, within a state-of-the-art storage and distribution centre at a key gateway location.

“This project will bring around 200 construction jobs and apprenticeships to the Antrim area, alongside the long-term employment that the new distribution centre will provide.”

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Catering giant Compass reported record new business growth as demand for business and sports catering rebounded following the impact of the pandemic.

Revenues surged by 42.5% to £25.5 billion for the year to September 30, compared with the same period last year and as a result, statutory pre-tax profits leapt to £1.5 billion from £545 million a year earlier.

Compass also benefited from lower exceptional costs after the firm was affected by £157 million of Covid-19-related “resizing costs” in the previous year.

Meanwhile, underlying operating profits were 87.5% higher at £1.59 billion for the year.

Dominic Blakemore, group chief executive of Compass, said: “The group’s performance surpassed our expectations both in terms of net new business growth and base volume recovery, with business & industry now operating above its pre-pandemic revenues.

“The strong growth trends seen in the first half have continued, with net new business accelerating through the year in all our regions.

“Our clients are continuing to face operational complexities and inflationary pressures, which are driving increased outsourcing, and we are successfully capitalising on the resulting growth opportunities.

“While the macroeconomic environment is uncertain, we are working in partnership with our clients to mitigate inflationary pressures and supporting our colleagues during this challenging period by offering financial support and other benefits.”

Compass said it will hand out a final dividend of 22.1p per share as a result of the performance.

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Everyone knows well how challenging the past two years have been, so it’s great to again bring some cheer and celebrate the best of hospitality with the return of the LCN Awards to Belfast’s Europa Hotel on Friday, September 30.

Last time out, in 2019, the LCN Awards really was the Greatest Show as West End star Peter Corry, above, brought elements of his latest show, The Showman is Coming to the stage.

Reacting to news of their return, Beannchor Group managing director Bill Wolsey, above left, said: “It’s great to have the LCN Awards back after what has been a very difficult time for our industry. It’s not just a nice night out but a chance for all the heroes of hospitality to gain a little recognition from someone who knows the industry intimately, for all the hard work they have done in the past two years.

“As a hospitality business we know venues live and die by their reputation and having that affirmed in the shape of an LCN award is a boon to the business and all the workers who go above and beyond to make it a success.”

‘A boon for the business’

Colin Johnston. managing director of Galgorm Collection, top right, added: “After such a challenging number of years for the hospitality sector we are delighted to see the return of the LCN awards after 3 years to celebrate success, recognise achievement and highlight the innovative destinations, teams and individuals throughout Northern Ireland.

“We consider the LCN awards some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, garnering the respect and recognition from guests, the media and hospitality peers.  The awards bring together the entire hospitality family to celebrate and we wish everyone the very best of luck.”

And the culinary genius behind Waterman House and James St, Niall McKenna, above, told LCN: “A lot of different people do awards, but the LCN ones have been around a long time, and they are the voice of the industry, so they are really credible.

“Winning is not only a feather in the cap but given what we’ve all gone through will be a real lift to so many people.

“It’s great to have the awards back at the Europa and for friends and colleagues in the industry to be able to meet again, catch up and have what will undoubtedly be a great night.”

So, get filling in that entry form, splash out on a new party dress, book the hairdresser, or dust off the dinner jacket for the best night in the Northern Ireland hospitality calendar bar none. The LCN Awards are back!

You can enter the awards online HERE

Remember too, that all finalists will have a complimentary VIP ticket for the big gala evening in Belfast next year.

So don’t delay, be among the first to enter the Licensed & Catering News Awards 2022 and be part of the biggest event in the local industry’s calendar.

For further information or to book your table, call Jordan Murray on: 028 9045 7457 or email Jordan.murray@pentonpublications.co.uk

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Craft Event Co, which will now cater for the Ulster Museum, the Ulster Folk Museum and the Ulster Transport Museum.

The contract will see the events and café solutions company take on the Ulster Museum’s Wynne & Pym restaurant, the Ballycultra Tearooms at Ulster Folk Museum and the Cultra Manor dedicated hospitality venue. Plans are also under way to further expand the catering offering at Ulster Transport Museum.

Brona Moffett, of National Museums NI, left, said: “We look forward to working with Craft Event Co to continually enhance our hospitality offering. The creativity and expertise of its team will also allow us to transform weddings and corporate events in our stunning spaces.”

Craft Event Co director Jamie Henderson added: “We’re excited to be working to create a unique hospitality offering that will transform the way visitors enjoy food and drink at three of the province’s best-known museums.

“Food provenance will be at the centre of our service delivery, offering a taste of Northern Ireland to local visitors and also those who come from further afield. We will reflect the uniqueness and warmth of the Northern Irish welcome, ensuring that the food offering is a key part of the overall museum experience.

“The skillset of our team will transform National Museums NI’s events offering too by introducing a high-quality dining experience that will appeal to weddings and corporate events too. All of us at Craft Event Co. look forward to welcoming people to each of the museums over the coming weeks.”

Gavin Annon, marketing director at Mount Charles, for right, said: “Our sister company Craft Event Co is the perfect fit for National Museums NI. It has built a strong reputation across Northern Ireland thanks to its commitment to customer service and hygiene standards, quality in food and creativity.

“It is a privilege to work with these unique National Museums NI destinations and we look forward to adding to the experience with our bespoke food offering.”

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