South: CH&Co announces partnership with renowned chef

Reading-based CH&Co Group has announced a new partnership with renowned chef and restaurateur Mark Sargeant.

The collaboration upholds the contract caterer’s commitment to ongoing food innovation and the development and motivation of its chefs and teams.

Sargeant will support CH&Co Group across its portfolio of businesses, which operate in the business & industry, heritage, leisure, education and healthcare sectors. Key areas and initiatives that he will lend his expertise and industry knowledge to include: menu development; chef training in the CH&Co Group Chef Academy; culinary communications; team engagement and motivation through internal communication and events. 

As a champion of nurturing talent, Sargeant will also be offering CH&Co Group chefs the opportunity to complete stages at his various establishments, including his flagship Folkestone restaurant, Rocksalt.

Bill Toner, CH&Co Group’s chief executive, said: “We’re very excited about our partnership with Mark. Food is what we’re all about and we’re always looking for ways to mix things up and do great food a little differently. Mark is undeniably an incredibly talented chef who is enjoying a remarkable career. His experience, vision and style is a fantastic fit for the business. He will work well with our chefs at all levels, inspiring them to innovate and build on the excellent food they are already serving to our clients, and also to develop their careers. The great thing is that everyone wins from this partnership, from our chefs and teams through to our clients.”

Sargeant added: “I’m really looking forward to working with CH&Co Group. It’s a dynamic and growing business, which makes it a very interesting prospect. The thing that excites me most is how many different businesses there are in the group, all with their own challenges. I’ve always been a fan of diversity and this will make for lots of interesting work and keep me on my toes. Developing talent is something I’m passionate about, but I’m sure it won’t be a one-way street and that I’ll learn plenty from the teams too.”