New appointments boost Catering Academy's healthcare strategy

National independent catering company Catering Academy has made two appointments, following the creation of two new senior roles within the company.

Jason Jones joins the team as general manager of Healthcare. This new role has a remit to expand and improve the company's offering in the healthcare sector.

Jones joins from contract caterer Elior, where he spent five years as healthcare development manager working within care homes, extra care and private hospitals.

The appointment comes in the wake of an announcement made by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt in August, pledging to raise standards in hospital food.

"There's so much scope for me to be able to grow the healthcare sector and realise the potential of making a real impact within this growing market," said Jones.

The second appointment is Robert Smith, previously national account manager B&I at foodservice supplier 3663, who becomes purchasing director.

In this newly created position, Smith will drive the delivery of the company's sustainable procurement policies. One target is to expand products that support government buying standards, such as free range eggs, Red Tractor cheese and pole- and line-caught tuna.

The role, which had previously been outsourced to a purchasing consultant, will embrace all areas of procurement, including non-food, food and inventory goods, with a remit to reduce costs without compromising product quality.

Smith commented: "I am particularly looking forward to supporting the business in obtaining ISO 14001, a sustainable business guarantee that is a key objective for Catering Academy."

Catering Academy was founded in 2004 by three owner-directors, Kevin Cannon, Louise Wymer and Stacey Rose. Contracts include Cheshire Police HQ and the University of Bolton. It was included in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 list of companies in 2009 and 2010.