Churchill China toasts UK hospitality

Tableware supplier Churchill China said that trading in April and May has continued at "satisfactory levels", with signs of further growth in its UK hospitality business.Hospitality revenues in 2011 have been 'in line', as a slower start in certain export markets (US) has been balanced by a good performance in the UK, which has seen a steady improvement in monthly sales activity since January. "We have increased our sales and marketing capabilities in a number of export markets and, given the present level of activity in these markets, are confident of making progress through the rest of this year," the group said.While retail revenues have declined, they remain in line with the continued change in business mix "away from lower margin volume channels in favour of middle market customers in the UK and abroad."---BC