The school had contracted out its catering services to the same company for over eight years with only minor financial reviews during this time.

In addition 12 months ago, the school had moved to a brand new building which now presented new catering opportunities.

Therefore the Business Manager and Governors felt it was prudent and the right time to test the market through a full tender and evaluation to ensure future best value both from a service quality/ innovation and financial perspectives.

• The school engaged Review Consultancy to carry out a full tender, market test and evaluation process for a future three year fixed price catering contract.

• A term’s extension to the existing contract was negotiated with the existing contractor to give the tender process sufficient time to professionally select the school’s future partner.
• 9 company expressions of interest were received.
• Through a PQQ, these were long listed to 7 companies to tender.
• The 7 tenderers were short listed to three (including the incumbent) through an extensive evaluation process. These three companies were visited in action and presented to a school panel; consisting the Head, a Governor, students and the Business Manager.
• A new company was selected as preferred tenderer and following further negotiation with them to confirm finances (including a mutual incentive based on budget betterment), service innovations and the mobilisation plan; were confirmed as the winning company.
• The new contract is fixed for three years so the school can budget with confidence. It includes many new service innovations and has saved the school over £15K per year on the previous contract, which the school intends to invest back into the catering service.