UK-Birmingham: School catering services.

Section I: Contracting Authority

I.1) Name, Addresses and Contact Point(s):
Birmingham Primary Cluster
St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy, Hamstead Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B20 2RW, United Kingdom
Tel. +44 1276673880, Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
Main Address: https://www.stmaryshandsworth.co.uk/
NUTS Code: UKG31

I.2) Joint procurement:
The contract involves joint procurement: Yes
In the case of joint procurement involving different countries, state applicable national procurement law: Not Provided
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body: No

I.4)Type of the contracting authority:
Body governed by public law

I.5) Main activity:
Education

Section II: Object Of The Contract

II.1) Scope of the procurement

II.1.1) Title: Birmingham Primary Cluster ~ Catering Tender
Reference number: Not Provided

II.1.2) Main CPV code:
55524000 - School catering services.


II.1.3) Type of contract: SERVICES

II.1.4) Short description: The successful Supplier will be required to provide catering services for:
LOT 1: St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy, Birmingham

LOT 2:St Thomas CofE Primary Academy, Birmingham
St Johns & St Peters CofE Academy, Birmingham

LOT 3: St Laurence Church Junior school, Birmingham

The contract covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the schools, which also includes all hospitality and free issue requirements.
The duration of the contract being offered is for an initial three-year period commencing on 01 January 2025, with the potential to 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.
Please note, as a Lotted tender, each Lot has the option to award their contract individually. However, it is the intention of the Cluster to maximise on economies of scale gained by a collaborative procurement venture and awarding to a single contractor, or minimal contractors. The total annual contract value is £453,000.
The Cluster is seeking a suitably experienced, education catering contractor who is able to evidence working with multiple Schools with varying requirements and Multi Academy Trust. Furthermore, it will be beneficial that the successful contractor has experience (and suitable capacity) to mobile multiple Schools successfully, in a short period of time. As a result, the successful contractor will already have or need to develop a strong operational base within Birmingham, 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 are currently outsourced and TUPE is expected to apply. It is anticipated that a number of employees are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and therefore the successful contractor will be expected to gain Admitted Body Status (ABS) in order to continue contributing to the scheme.
Within all schools, the Cluster wishes to offer good wholesome healthy eating options within the menus which should be based on the use of fresh ingredients and bakery products sourced through a local supply chain.

The Cluster also wishes to achieve as a result of this tender process;
1.The provision of a healthy, balanced foodservice that meets nutritional guidelines and is enjoyed by all users of the service. This menu should be inclusive of those with special dietary requirements.
2.An innovative and flexible menu that is in keeping with current food trends. Please note, each School must be able to tailor their menu to ensure maximum uptake at their School, thus aiding the financial performance of the account.
3.Offering frequent themed menus, both company-driven and bespoke to the Schools’ calendars, as well as added value initiatives that support the curriculum.
4.Experienced and proactive contract management to promote good levels of communication and engagement with each Schools will be imperative.
5.Total transparency with accounts that are clear and easy to understand as well as forthcoming management information regarding the financial and operational performance of the catering provision.
6.Well-trained catering teams at each School, with a focus by the successful contractor on both craft training and customer service.
7.An effective marketing campaign that is suitable and appropriate for each School that should be promoted effectively to both pupils and parents alike.
8.The development of an economically and environmentally sustainable service.

See SQ Document for further information.

II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes

II.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value: 1,527,975.84

Currency:GBP

II.2) Description (lot no. 1)


II.2.1) Title:Birmingham Primary Cluster ~ Catering Tender Lot 1
Lot No:1

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s):
55524000 - School catering services.


II.2.3) Place of performance
Nuts code:
UKG31 - Birmingham

Main site or place of performance:
Birmingham


II.2.4) Description of the procurement: The successful Supplier will be required to provide catering services for:
LOT 1: St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy, Birmingham

The contract covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the schools, which also includes all hospitality and free issue requirements.
The duration of the contract being offered is for an initial three-year period commencing on 01 January 2025, with the potential to 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.
Please note, as a Lotted tender, each Lot has the option to award their contract individually. However, it is the intention of the Cluster to maximise on economies of scale gained by a collaborative procurement venture and awarding to a single contractor, or minimal contractors. The total annual contract value is £453,000.
The Cluster is seeking a suitably experienced, education catering contractor who is able to evidence working with multiple Schools with varying requirements and Multi Academy Trust. Furthermore, it will be beneficial that the successful contractor has experience (and suitable capacity) to mobile multiple Schools successfully, in a short period of time. As a result, the successful contractor will already have or need to develop a strong operational base within Birmingham, 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 are currently outsourced and TUPE is expected to apply. It is anticipated that a number of employees are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and therefore the successful contractor will be expected to gain Admitted Body Status (ABS) in order to continue contributing to the scheme.
Within all schools, the Cluster wishes to offer good wholesome healthy eating options within the menus which should be based on the use of fresh ingredients and bakery products sourced through a local supply chain.
The Cluster also wishes to achieve as a result of this tender process;
1.The provision of a healthy, balanced foodservice that meets nutritional guidelines and is enjoyed by all users of the service. This menu should be inclusive of those with special dietary requirements.
2.An innovative and flexible menu that is in keeping with current food trends. Please note, each School must be able to tailor their menu to ensure maximum uptake at their School, thus aiding the financial performance of the account.
3.Offering frequent themed menus, both company-driven and bespoke to the Schools’ calendars, as well as added value initiatives that support the curriculum.
4.Experienced and proactive contract management to promote good levels of communication and engagement with each Schools will be imperative.
5.Total transparency with accounts that are clear and easy to understand as well as forthcoming management information regarding the financial and operational performance of the catering provision.
6.Well-trained catering teams at each School, with a focus by the successful contractor on both craft training and customer service.
7.An effective marketing campaign that is suitable and appropriate for each School that should be promoted effectively to both pupils and parents alike.
8.The development of an economically and environmentally sustainable service.


*PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUBMIT A BID FOR EACH LOT OF INTEREST*

II.2.5) Award criteria:
Not Provided

II.2.11) Information about options
Options: No


II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No


II.2.14) Additional information: Please note, this is a Contract Award Notification, this contract has already been awarded.

II.2) Description (lot no. 2)


II.2.1) Title:Birmingham Primary Cluster ~ Catering Tender Lot 3
Lot No:3

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s):
55524000 - School catering services.


II.2.3) Place of performance
Nuts code:
UKG31 - Birmingham

Main site or place of performance:
Birmingham


II.2.4) Description of the procurement: The successful Supplier will be required to provide catering services for:

LOT 3: St Laurence Church Junior school, Birmingham

The contract covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the schools, which also includes all hospitality and free issue requirements.
The duration of the contract being offered is for an initial three-year period commencing on 01 January 2025, with the potential to 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.
Please note, as a Lotted tender, each Lot has the option to award their contract individually. However, it is the intention of the Cluster to maximise on economies of scale gained by a collaborative procurement venture and awarding to a single contractor, or minimal contractors. The total annual contract value is £453,000.
The Cluster is seeking a suitably experienced, education catering contractor who is able to evidence working with multiple Schools with varying requirements and Multi Academy Trust. Furthermore, it will be beneficial that the successful contractor has experience (and suitable capacity) to mobile multiple Schools successfully, in a short period of time. As a result, the successful contractor will already have or need to develop a strong operational base within Birmingham, 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 are currently outsourced and TUPE is expected to apply. It is anticipated that a number of employees are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and therefore the successful contractor will be expected to gain Admitted Body Status (ABS) in order to continue contributing to the scheme.
Within all schools, the Cluster wishes to offer good wholesome healthy eating options within the menus which should be based on the use of fresh ingredients and bakery products sourced through a local supply chain.
The Cluster also wishes to achieve as a result of this tender process;
1.The provision of a healthy, balanced foodservice that meets nutritional guidelines and is enjoyed by all users of the service. This menu should be inclusive of those with special dietary requirements.
2.An innovative and flexible menu that is in keeping with current food trends. Please note, each School must be able to tailor their menu to ensure maximum uptake at their School, thus aiding the financial performance of the account.
3.Offering frequent themed menus, both company-driven and bespoke to the Schools’ calendars, as well as added value initiatives that support the curriculum.
4.Experienced and proactive contract management to promote good levels of communication and engagement with each Schools will be imperative.
5.Total transparency with accounts that are clear and easy to understand as well as forthcoming management information regarding the financial and operational performance of the catering provision.
6.Well-trained catering teams at each School, with a focus by the successful contractor on both craft training and customer service.
7.An effective marketing campaign that is suitable and appropriate for each School that should be promoted effectively to both pupils and parents alike.
8.The development of an economically and environmentally sustainable service.

*PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUBMIT A BID FOR EACH LOT OF INTEREST*

II.2.5) Award criteria:
Not Provided

II.2.11) Information about options
Options: No


II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No


II.2.14) Additional information: Please note, this is a Contract Award Notification, this contract has already been awarded.


Section IV: Procedure

IV.1) Description

IV.1.1)Type of procedure: Restricted


IV.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement: No
A dynamic purchasing system was set up: No

IV.1.6) Information about electronic auction
An electronic auction has been used: No

IV.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes

IV.2) Administrative information

IV.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number in the OJEU: 2024/S 000-019791



IV.2.9) Information about termination of call for competition in the form of a prior information notice
The contracting authority will not award any further contracts based on the above prior information notice: No

Section V: Award of contract

Award Of Contract (No.1)

Contract No: Not Provided
Lot Number: 1
Title: Not Provided

A contract/lot is awarded: Yes


V.2) Award of contract

V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract: 18/11/2024

V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 4
Number of tenders received from SMEs: Not Provided
Number of tenders received from tenderers from other EU Member States: Not Provided
Number of tenders received from tenderers from non-EU Member States: Not Provided
Number of tenders received by electronic means: Not Provided

V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor

The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No

Contractor (No.1)
Aspens Services Ltd, 06561073
Ground Floor Teme House, Whittington Hall, Whittington, WR5 2RY, United Kingdom
NUTS Code: UKG2
The contractor is an SME: No

V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot: 755,000
Total value of the contract/lot: 779,908.32
Currency: GBP

V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
The contract is likely to be subcontracted: No


Award Of Contract (No.2)

Contract No: Not Provided
Lot Number: 2
Title: Not Provided

A contract/lot is awarded: Yes


V.2) Award of contract

V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract: 18/11/2024

V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 6
Number of tenders received from SMEs: Not Provided
Number of tenders received from tenderers from other EU Member States: Not Provided
Number of tenders received from tenderers from non-EU Member States: Not Provided
Number of tenders received by electronic means: Not Provided

V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor

The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No

Contractor (No.1)
Cater Link Ltd, 03732298
300 Thames Valley Park Drive, Earley West, Reading, RG6 1PT, United Kingdom
NUTS Code: UKJ11
The contractor is an SME: No

V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot: 755,000
Total value of the contract/lot: 748,067.52
Currency: GBP

V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
The contract is likely to be subcontracted: No

Section VI: Complementary information

VI.3) Additional information: To view this notice, please click here:
https://litmustms.co.uk/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=952643585
VI.4) Procedures for review

VI.4.1) Review body
Birmingham Primary Cluster
St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy, Hamstead Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B20 2RW, United Kingdom

VI.4.3) Review procedure
Precise information on deadline(s) for review procedures: Not Provided

VI.4.4) Service from which information about the review procedure may be obtained
Not Provided

VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice: 23/06/2025

ANNEX A

I) Address of the other contracting authority on behalf of which the contracting authority is purchasing
1: Contracting Authority
St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy
Hamstead Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B20 2RW, United Kingdom
Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
Main Address: https://www.stmaryshandsworth.co.uk/
NUTS Code: UKG31

2: Contracting Authority
St Laurence Church Junior school
Bunbury Road, Birmingham, B31 2DJ, United Kingdom
Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
Main Address: https://www.stlaurencechurchjuniorschool.co.uk/
NUTS Code: UKG31

3: Contracting Authority
St Thomas CofE Primary Academy
Great Colmore Street, Birmingham, B15 2AT, United Kingdom
Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
Main Address: https://www.stthomasceacademy.school/
NUTS Code: UKG31

4: Contracting Authority
St Johns & St Peters CofE Academy
St Vincent Street West, Birmingham, B16 8RN, United Kingdom
Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
Main Address: https://www.stjohnsandstpeters.school/
NUTS Code: UKG31