STAFF at Beacon, the York-based purchasing organisation for the independent hospitality trade, raised a glass to celebrate the company's fifth birthday.

Formed in 1999 following the merger of Best Western - the largest group of independently-owned hotels in Great Britain - and Consort, Beacon is now the UK's largest purchasing organisation for the hospitality sector.

The first five years of business have been a great success for Beacon, which could still be seen as a relatively young company in today's market, and the company now enjoys a turnover of more than £330million.

Its supplier base has also increased to more than 150 companies covering every purchasing need for hospitality and catering businesses including food and beverage, liquor and soft drinks, housekeeping and consumables, utilities and services, and refurbishment and maintenance. Beacon claims that each year its members from independent hotels, restaurants, inns, and other leisure venues are able to make considerable savings through group negotiation and collective buying power.

Another mark of success came last year when Beacon Commercial was launched, the company's new division aimed at small to medium sized enterprises across all industries.

Updated: 10:24 Friday, March 04, 2005