Social policies become key to winning contracts, says Vacherin

Caterers will soon be forced to provide evidence of a sustainability policy in order to tender for public sector contracts, according to the director of business development at contract caterer Vacherin.

Speaking at the Hospitality show at Birmingham's NEC this week, Phil Roker said those caterers unable to demonstrate a clear sustainability policy will not make it past the first stage.

In the private sector, there will be more pressure for caterers to demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), he added.

"At tender most clients are asking ‘what is your CSR policy?' and many are saying next time they will not be able to give a contract to any business without a sustainability accreditation," Roker said. "Clients want sustainability to become part of the fabric of business."

The action plan covers all areas of the business from procurement and waste management to the implementation of a cycle to work scheme for staff.

Vacherin is keen to get the support of both its employees and suppliers for the scheme, according to Roker.

“Any employees who expressed a particular interest in sustainability are now part of a focus group and come up with ideas of how we can improve on a day-to-day basis,” he said.

“We are always challenging suppliers and looking for a commitment from them,” he added. “We have daily deliveries from five local suppliers cycled to the units and 90% of meat used and all dairy, with the exception of some speciality Continental cheeses, is UK produced.”

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By Diane Lane

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