Reading: A tribute to CH&Co's Robyn Jones OBE

The Business Magazine is saddened to report the passing of Robyn Jones OBE, founder of CH&Co.

An inspiration by all standards – a remarkable entrepreneur, businesswoman, wife and mother – she also took an active role in many charities and industry organisations, for which she was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

In 1991 Jones founded Charlton House, as it was then called, from the back bedroom of her house; and over the following years she and her husband Tim, who joined as chairman in 2000, built it up to be one of the largest independent food service companies in the UK, with an annual turnover of £120 million.

Earlier this year, the couple merged their company with Host Catermasters retaining the CH&Co name, with Tim becoming chairman of the new company and Robyn remaining as founder.

Bill Toner, chief executive of CH&Co Group, said: “Robyn was truly indomitable, never letting anything get in her way. Not only did she develop a wonderful company that was well known for its exacting food standards and service, she developed a skilled team who have all gained significantly from her leadership.  She will be hugely missed.”

Caroline Fry, deputy group CEO, who worked with Robyn for 21 years, added: “Robyn was an inspiring woman to work for. Her vision, determination, style and guidance helped me and many others develop our careers in more ways than we could have imagined. She was always a firm believer in the abilities of her people and her legacy continues in CH&Co Group. We will miss her enormously.”

You can read our profile of Robyn Jones in the Entrepreneur Profile section of the website here.

Jones is survived by her husband Tim, and their children, Tabitha and Blake.