CH&Co secures £12m deal with University of Northampton

Contract caterer CH&Co has been awarded a three-year contract worth more than £12m in turnover at the University of Northampton.

CH&Co will provide catering and hospitality services at food and drink outlets in the original campus and the new Waterside campus, which will open in August 2018.

The catering portfolio features nine outlets, including restaurants, cafés, hospitality services, vending and all soft services at a 32-bed hotel, where training is provided for hospitality and tourism students. CH&Co will also refurbish Newton Café on Avenue Campus.

The University of Northampton, which has approximately 13,000 students, was the first UK university to be given Changemaker Campus status in 2013 recognising its work to help people and the environment.

CH&Co stood out against other tenders due to its aligned ethics regarding social impact initiatives.

Over the three-year tenure, CH&Co aim to reduce single-use plastics through measures such as removing plastic straws and giving every student a reusable cup; maximise recycling including food waste, coffee grounds, disposable cups and waste sorting; use electric vehicles on campus; source ingredients responsibly through local suppliers and producers; and proactively promote healthy and sustainable meal choices.

Charles Willoughby, business development director for CH&Co Group, said: "The university is a dynamic, inclusive and forward-thinking establishment that really resonates with our own culture. Quite rightly, we've created a bespoke catering and hospitality offer that reflects its innovative vision and sustainability focus and will enhance the students' university experiences. Every university is different, both physically and culturally. There really isn't a one size fits all approach for this market and as we continue to grow our footprint in the higher education sector, we will do so with relevant individual offers and strong partnerships."

Robert Griggs, the University of Northampton's project director, said: "The University of Northampton is looking to maximise the opportunities that will arise from our new campus development and we're very pleased that CH&Co is on board. The team understands our vision and plans and its strong retail experience will be very helpful in ensuring that our model works and that our students receive a positive and thoughtful experience at every catering and hospitality touchpoint."

CH&Co employs more than 6,200 people and operates at more than 750 locations across the UK and Ireland. It provides food and beverage experiences at iconic British venues and historic sites, including Historic Royal Palaces' world-famous visitor attractions; the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace.

CH&Co Group merges with Concerto Group taking its turnover to £300m >>

CH&Co Group unveils partnership with chef Mark Sargeant >>

Top 100: Tim Jones, CH&Co Group >>

Get The Caterer every week on your smartphone, tablet, or even in good old-fashioned hard copy (or all three!).