Academy Deal for Aspens

13th October 2011, 10:33am

A ‘rising star’ in the contract catering world has been awarded a multi-million-pound deal at one of the West Midlands’ leading academies.

Independent contract caterer and support services provider Aspens Services has beaten off stiff competition to win a major catering contract at the three Grace Academy sites in Solihull, Darlaston and Coventry. The Midlands-based company won the five-year, multi-million pound turnover contract through a competitive tendering process, against competition from a number of other catering specialists.

Aspens starts this month ro deliver catering, hospitality and vending services at the three 11-19 all-ability Grace Academies in Coventry, Solihull and Darlaston. The three venues currently have a total of 2,790 students, a figure expected to rise to up to 4,200 over the next five years.

"We believe our focus on sustainability and commitment to using fresh, high-quality produce from local suppliers helped us win this significant food services contract," says John Roe, managing partner for Aspens Services.

Aspens' menus and approach also strongly impressed students from the three schools who played a key role in the selection process.

Grace Academy group facilities manager Frank Clements says: "Aspens was chosen by a panel of students, staff and governors. We believe it is an innovative company that will bring changes to our restaurants and menus that will make the eating experience one that students and staff really enjoy."

Aspens sources all perishable supplies from farmers and producers within a 50-mile radius of its catering locations, reducing food miles and boosting local economies.

The company's menus incorporate organic and Fairtrade produce as standard and chefs are encouraged to increase the range of those items available to customers.

• Aspens, a growing independent contract catering company specialising in providing catering for schools, colleges and business clients across England and Wales.