ESS extends contract at Defence Science and Technology Laboratory

The Defence, Marine and Aerospace sector of ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has mobilised the soft facilities management contract for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).

The extension of the contract sees ESS delivering a range of services from catering, retail and leisure to cleaning, laundry and reception at Porton Down in Wiltshire and Portsdown West in Hampshire. As part of the mobilisation, more than 40 transferring employees have joined its workforce.

DSTL is an addition to the Hestia South-West Multi Activity Contract already being run by ESS. The company supports more than 250 military establishments across the UK, including operational, headquarters and training environments in partnership with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and other industry partners.

ESS is providing a high street style dining and retail experience for customers at both locations, incorporating a range of hot and cold food concepts at breakfast and lunch, hot and cold drinks ranges and retail items to take away. The value, length and prior operator of the contract were not disclosed.

Michael Neal, area manager at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said: “I am delighted that we are going to be continuing and expanding our relationship to work closely with ESS and to bring in DSTL into the Hestia contract. Following the start of the contract, ESS has worked collaboratively with DIO and DSTL for a smooth transition of the estate. We are looking forward to a productive relationship.”

Bob Gray, managing director at ESS Defence, said: “We’re excited to bring DSTL into the Hestia South West contract which we’ve been operating since June 2018. This is a great opportunity for us to provide customers at both sites with a range of new food and beverage offers, as well as high quality soft FM services. We’re proud to be supporting DSTL and we’ve enjoyed welcoming our new colleagues and customers.”