Based in Belfast, with over 40 years’ experience in commercial catering equipment sales and servicing across Northern Ireland, Catering Equipment Services [CES] has an unrivalled understanding of the demands of the modern professional kitchen.

The Managing Director Philip Keers bought over the business in 2016.   Since then, the Company has seen incremental growth and he continues to have the drive and determination to grow the business even further. With the help of Belfast City Council’s Think Do Be Programme, he now has clearly defined goals to make his future vision for the business a reality.

Led by Council, the Think Do Be programme is funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the EU Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme (2014-2020) and offers specially tailored support for micro and small enterprises right across the Council area.

Philip signed up for the Think Do Be programme to formulate a deliverable strategy for growth and develop structured sales and marketing activity.

“My mentor Denise Murphy outlined that whilst it is important to have a clear vision and objectives for the business – the implementation of this is crucial,” he explained.

“So that’s what we did.  We set realistic, achievable targets for the next three years, considered the practical implementation of these targets and forecast cashflow over the forthcoming 12 months. We also reviewed our online presence (www.cescatering.co.uk) and social media activity and now have a clear plan of activity moving forward’.

During the Programme, Louisa Morrison was employed as a Sales & Marketing Manager for the business. She will be instrumental in driving sales for the company and will allow Philip the space to really focus on strategy and growth.

At the conclusion of the Programme, Louisa commented ‘the programme has offered fantastic advice and guidance in all aspects of the business areas CES wanted to discuss. Extremely supportive staff and a thorough analysis of our market was provided – a super, worthwhile programme for small businesses.’

Further details on Think Do Be Programme is available on the Council website at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/business