A Cornish catering company has closed after 37 years following the retirement of its owner. Steve Abbott established Abbotts SW with his wife Catherine in 1987, supplying the hospitality industry in the West of England.

The business expanded in 2009 to include sister firm Abbotts Events Hire, which supplies products including luxury toilets, kitchen equipment and furniture to events such as weddings and festivals.

Mr Abbott’s son, Rich, took over the running of the event hire business in 2020 after Mrs Abbott died and his father semi-retired.

The company has been involved with Glastonbury Festival and the G7 Summit, which took place in Cornwall in 2021.

Mr Rich Abbott said: “As we wrap up this chapter, it’s not just the end of an era, but an opportunity for something new and exciting for the business. Huge thanks to Mum and Dad for paving the way and showing me the ropes.

“I’m excited to see where this next phase takes us. We have had an amazing few years… I can’t wait to continue my parent’s legacy and take the business to new heights.”

Abbotts SW will not be taking any more orders from April 1 as the company shifts its focus. Mr Rich Abbott said he will now be concentrating on the events hire business, which he is looking to expand.

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Mr Steve Abbott added: “Thank you for the continued support and loyalty of our customers. It’s been a wonderful experience growing this company, and Rich will continue to build the event hiire business from strength to strength, but for me, it’s time to take a well-earned break.”

Abbotts has said any existing orders will be fulfilled and the event hire division will continue trading as normal.