Aspire wins race for Silverstone contract

Aspire Hospitality has been given the green light to provide catering and hospitality services at the Silverstone racing circuit in a deal expected to be worth more than £10m in turnover over three years.

As part of the joint venture, valued at £3.5m per year, Aspire will oversee all catering operations and menu development at the Northamptonshire circuit, which is home to the Formula 1 British Grand Prix.

The newly formed caterer, which overtook previous holder Compass Group to win the contract, has pioneered a consortium-style approach with partners Tapenade and MSL, which have been signed up to handle corporate hospitlaity during its busiest period at the Grand Prix in July.

Menu development is being handled by Aspire group executive development chef Steven Saunders, supported by a permanent team of 11.

The company will provide everything from corporate hospitality and conference dining to public catering and retail on site.

As well as Formula 1, Aspire will oversee hospitality services for the 800-acre circuit's full roster of events, including World Super Bikes and the FIA GT championship, and will cater for track days and the Silverstone Motor Sport Academy.

Aspire was set up in 2006 by former Missing Ingredients managing director Sean Valentine and John Duffield, founder of Just Deli, with the purchase of the New Mill restaurant in Eversley, Hampshire. Valentine said the company was hoping to expand in 2007.

"We're not planning to conquer the world but will be looking to work with like-minded clients that value a quality service," he said.

60-second profile: Sean Valentine >>

Silverstone website >>

By Chris Druce

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