University and College Catering Models

Exploring the different models of operation for catering services in the UK's universities and colleges.

Facilitated by catering consultants Russell Partnerships Collection and illustrated by case studies from around the country, this course is for anyone reviewing their catering model, looking for best practice and inspiration, or building a career in higher education catering and retail.

The case studies will spotlight the following models :- 

• Management of catering via an in-house model
• Outsourced contracting of the catering service
• A mixed outsourced and in-house model
• Management of catering via a limited company set up by the institution

Programme:

09.30 - 10.00:    Registration, Arrival and Coffee

10.00 - 10.15:    Introductions – James Ellerby, Russell Partnerships Collection and Course Facilitator

10.15 - 10.45:    Models of Operation and Current Trends – James Ellerby, Russell Partnerships Collection

10.45 – 11.30:   Case Study 1 - The University of Exeter - Simon Law, Director of Catering and Duncan Tarrel, Trading Operations Manager – Commercial Operations,  University of Exeter

Taking an unused NatWest bank, Exeter created Forum Kitchen, a food hall with a revolving menu of global street food dishes provided by a mix of in-house catering and local providers. The kitchen is now a vibrant community hub offering inclusive and sustainable menus at affordable prices.

11.30 – 11.45:    Break

11.45 - 12.30:    Case Study 2 - The University of Leicester - Gavin Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Leicester Services Partnership

Leicester Services Partnership was created in 2017 as a shared ownership business between the University of Leicester and Leicester Students Union - the first of its kind in Higher Education. It operates all commercial activities across campus, including retail, clothing and merchandise, hospitality and event catering, conferencing, bars and an O2 academy. The university became the single shareholder of the company in 2022, while the SU continue to have very close involvement through stakeholder engagement and the university executive board. 

12.30 – 13.45:   Lunch and tour

13.45 - 14.30:    Case Study 3 - University of Bristol - Kate Butler, Third-Party Contracts and Relationships Manager and Alex Sim, Development Chef and Sustainability Champion

Bristol has a mixed model: in-house for Source Cafés and catered halls of residence, with weddings, event catering & delivered catering carried out by local third-party supplier contracts, re-tendered every 5 years.

14.30 - 15.15:    Case Study 4 - UAL and Baxter Storey - Jane Donachy, Associate Director, Accommodation, Catering & Retail, UAL and Shane Kavanagh, Region Managing Director, London, Baxter Storey

Jane and Shane will be discussing the benefits of a long-term partnership when contracting out your catering, highlighting the ups,  the downs and most importantly the learnings from a 17-year relationship between Baxterstorey and UAL.

15.15 - 15.30:    Break

15.30 - 16.00:    Panel Discussion   

16.00 - 16.30:    Wrap up and close 

Feedback from 2023 course

"It was really great understanding how different approaches had produced successful results."

"Opportunities to share best practices across the sector are so relevant, and the premise of explaining and sharing approaches is a great learning tool for others."

Terms and conditions:

Our preferred method of payment is by purchasing card. If your organisation doesn't use a purchasing card, you may not book until you have provided us with a valid purchase order. Please send your PO to Sarah.  Purchase orders to be addressed to:  Professional H E Services Ltd, 3 Holywell Drive, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU

Please note our terms and conditions when booking this event.