Sodexo wins ten year Northumbria University contract renewal

Northumbria University in Newcastle is retaining Sodexo for its soft and hard facilities management services and residential living management contract for a further 10 years.

The contract will include a new food offer for the university’s largest Trinity Square student accommodation, a contemporary block housing up to 1,000 students in double en-suites or shared flats for groups of three to five students.

The additional catering offer will serve hot drinks and a grab and go food solution such as paninis and pastries.

Sodexo has been managing student accommodation services at Northumbria University since 2014. Initially covering just Trinity Square, over the course of the contract the university has added all its four City residences, housing nearly 2,500 students every year.

Services managed by Sodexo’s 58-strong team in the university’s student accommodation include reception, helpdesk, security, mechanical and electrical maintenance and cleaning.

Sian Thompson, national operations director, universities and private finance initiatives, Sodexo UK and Ireland, Sodexo said: “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Northumbria University. There is a strong cultural fit between our organisations, and we are committed to continually delivering a leading facilities management service alongside the award-winning residency living model, with aligned goals and strategic objectives.

“This next contractual period brings with it some exciting service developments and we expect to achieve great things by continuing to work in a strategic and trusted partnership.”

Erin Peart, executive director of campus services, Northumbria University said: “Sodexo continues to be one of the university’s valuable partners – not only because of the services it delivers and the commitment it has to enhancing the student experience, but in helping us to deliver social impact. We look forward to continuing this partnership with students at the heart of our shared ambitions.”

Last year, the university also extended its contract with Compass UK & Ireland’s Chartwells Universities.

Sodexo, meanwhile, recently clinched a £4.6m, five-year contract to deliver catering services at St Leonards School in St Andrews.