Company of Cooks teams up with CH&CO

Company of Cooks recently announced that it is to join forces with CH&CO. Company of Cooks, which has business in London and the south east, a turnover of £35m and 600 employees, operates in the visitor attraction and cultural sectors, including at RHS Garden Wisley, the Royal Opera House and the National Portrait Gallery.

Founder Mike Lucy will continue to manage the business and the Company of Cooks brand and ethos. He will also lead on sharing best practice across the combined portfolio. Company of Cooks will gain the extra support that a larger organisation like CH&CO supplies, in particular in back office functions, but also in learning and development opportunities for team members.

Lucy said: “This merger provides a great opportunity for the loyal and talented members of the Company of Cooks band. It also provides us with a greater ability to compete and, with the benefit of CH&CO and the Company of Cooks credentials and distinct personality, I’m confident that we can make a positive impact both in our own specialist market and to the wider CH&CO group.”

Bill Toner, CH&CO’s CEO, added: “Company of Cooks is a lovely business, well-run with a great team and we’re delighted that they are joining us. This merger gives us a broader foothold in the exciting destinations sector and we can grow further on the back of it. As always, the merger also means more opportunities for our teams and partners.”