Contracting Authorities

Contracting authority:

Discovery MAT ~ Catering Tender

Public Procurement Organisation Number:

PHPH-4984-PHGJ

Address:

Discovery MAT, Beechwood Primary School, Rockfield Avenue, Southway
Plymouth
PL6 6DX
UK

Contact name:

Lucy Gittins

Email:

tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk

Telephone:

01276673880

Website:

https://discoverymat.co.uk/

Organisation type:

REGIONAL_AUTHORITY

Devolved regulations that apply:

None

Procedure

Procedure type:

Open procedure

Preliminary market engagement conducted:

No

Special regime:

None

Scope

Title:

Discovery MAT ~ Catering Tender

Reference number:

Not provided

Main procurement category:

SERVICES

Description:

The successful contractor will be required to provide catering services for the following three Primary Schools within Discovery Multi Academy Trust (MAT):
1. Beechwood Primary Academy, 31 Rockfield Avenue, Plymouth, PL6 6DX
2. Oakwood Primary Academy, Pendeen Crescent, Southway, Plymouth, PL6 6QS
3. Weston Mill Community Primary Academy, Ferndale Road, Plymouth, PL2 2EL
Trust website: https://discoverymat.co.uk/

The contract covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the Schools, which is inclusive of all hospitality and free issue requirements.
The duration of the contract being offered is for an initial three-year period commencing on 01 August 2026, with the potential to then extend for a further two 12-month periods. This extension will be granted by mutual consent and on the same terms and conditions as the original contract without the right to further extend beyond the full five years.
The contract being offered within this tender will be on a guaranteed performance basis, with an expected profit share of any betterment to the agreed budget. While the Trust will be the principal contracting authority, each School will have its own individual budget for performance analysis and reconciliation.

The Trust is seeking a suitably experienced contractor who is able to evidence working with multiple Primary Schools with varying requirements. The successful contractor will already have, or need to develop, a strong operational base within the South West, thus allowing for both adequate contract support and operational flexibility that is to be delivered to support the contract as and when needed moving forwards into this contract term.

The services across the Schools are currently outsourced, and TUPE is expected to apply. It is anticipated that a number of the current employees are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and, in this instance, the successful contractor will be expected to gain Admitted Body Status (ABS) in order to continue contributing to the scheme.
The Trust wishes to offer wholesome, healthy eating options within the menus which should be based upon the use of fresh, local produce that is abundant throughout the South West to support the local economy.

Please see PSQ document for more information.
To view this notice, please click here:
https://litmustms.co.uk/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=1056765875

Total value (estimated):

GBP 690,000 including VAT

Contract value:

GBP 690,000 including VAT

Contract Details

Contract 1

Title:

Discovery MAT ~ Catering Tender

Reference number:

Not provided

Contract value:

GBP 690,000 including VAT

Below the relevant threshold:

No

Award decision date:

16/06/2026

Earliest date the contract will be signed:

19/08/2026

Contract dates (estimated):

20/08/2026 to 31/07/2029

Main procurement category:

SERVICES

CPV classifications:

55524000 - School catering services.

Delivery regions:

UKK41 - Plymouth

Assessment summaries sent:

16/06/2026

Supplier

Supplier:

abm Catering Ltd

Companies House:

04168334

Address:

Eagle Court, 63-67 Saltisford
Warwick
CV34 4AF
UK

Email:

tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk

Telephone:

01276673880

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME):

No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE):

No

Supported employment provider:

No

Public service mutual:

No

Other organisations

Not provided