Business First January 2017 2017 volume 13 | Page 63

MOUNT CHARLES

Opening of £ 1.6m HQ signals new era for Mount Charles

Outsourcing giant announces ‘ Road to £ 50m ’ growth plans as new office opens

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irst Minister , the Rt . Hon . Arlene Foster , and Junior Minister , Megan Fearon recently officially opened Annon House , the new 10,000 square foot £ 1.6million headquarters for Mount Charles .
The state­of­the­art building on the Ormeau Road in Belfast is now home to around 50 head office employees , with the company employing more than 2,000 people in total across Ireland and Great Britain .
The 28­year old foodservice and outsourced business support organisation had outgrown its previous leased premises on Shaftesbury Square , making the decision in December 2015 to purchase and drastically refurbish the building that was previously known as Maxol House .
Speaking at the official opening , First Minister , Arlene Foster said : “ Mount Charles is a huge Northern Ireland success story .
“ The company ’ s strong position in what is a very competitive marketplace is indicative of how well run and innovative the business has become over the last three decades .
“ With the opening of these new headquarters , Mount Charles is delivering a statement of intent , a vote of confidence in Northern Ireland , in its workforce and in the future of the business .
“ I commend Mount Charles Chairman Trevor Annon and Managing Director Cathal Geoghegan on their leadership and vision in bringing this indigenous Northern Ireland company to this hugely significant milestone , and I wish the company every success as it continues to grow .”
Junior Minister , Megan Fearon said : “ This new £ 1.6 million headquarters for Mount Charles signals their ambition and aspirations for the future . Since its establishment in 1988 Mount Charles has grown to become a major player in the local business landscape and , with more than 2,000 employees , a key employer .
“ I commend Mount Charles on their continued commitment to the local economy and wish Trevor Annon , Cathal Geoghegan and the entire Mount Charles team every success for the future .”
Mount Charles worked together with Mascott Construction to bring their vision for Annon House to life , creating an open plan concept with colourful shared spaces and break­out areas with industrial touches and high­tech features that will encourage better collaboration and creativity between departments .
Opening of £ 1.6m HQ Annon House signals new era for Mount Charles . Pictured L­R : Cathal Geoghegan , Managing Director at Mount Charles , Junior Minister Megan Fearon MLA , First Minister Arlene Foster MLA and Trevor Annon , Founder and Chairman of Mount Charles .
Managing Director of Mount Charles Cathal Geoghegan said : “ We ’ ve undergone a period of fairly significant change , both in terms of our people and this recent investment in our wonderful new company headquarters .
“ We see the investment in Annon House not only as a suitable reflection of the dynamic , creative company that Mount Charles is , but also as a serious statement of intent both to our people and to the wider economy .
“ There remains massive scope for our continued expansion and diversification . Our revenues as of September 2016 totalled £ 31m and we have recently outlined our ambitious plans for the ‘ Road to £ 50m ’ whereby we aim to achieve revenues of that amount by 2020 . “ We conservatively estimate that our employee figures would rise from 2,000 to more than 3,000 when we hit that target .
“ Our vision is simple ; to be both a business partner and employer of choice throughout Ireland and the UK .
“ The launch of Annon House together with the dynamic senior team we ’ ve assembled over the past 12 months marks the beginning of a new era , and it ’ s one that we ’ re incredibly excited about ,” added Mr Geoghegan .
Mount Charles spans catering , cleaning , vending , security and outside event food & beverage divisions .
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