slowdown, what slowdown?

It's a strange and tough time with the likes of Folio, Orchid and Niche Hotels all experiencing the dreaded administration.

However, it's not quite as black and white for caterers, as although clients' collective belt-tightening is putting a squeeze on them, outsourcing to manage costs has never been so popular.

Contract caterer Bartlett Mitchell seems to be one such beneficiary as it's picked up £2m of new business and seven new clients in the last four months alone (and is on the cusp of signing it's 100th contract).

And Wendy Bartlett, managing director of Bartlett Mitchell, is certainly glass half-full about the year ahead.

"The year ahead is going to be challenging for every company but proactivity in budget control, and food innovation that keeps customers coming in pays off with contract gains and business retention," Bartlett told Kitchen Rat.

So here's to a tough but potentially rewarding 2009.

Bartlett Mitchell recruits new operations director>>

Orchid closes 14 pubs and cuts 150 jobs ahead of Christmas>>

Half of Folio's head office staff made redundant>>