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The Litmus Partnership: Birmingham Primary Cluster ~ Catering Tender

  The Litmus Partnership has published this notice through Delta eSourcing

Notice Summary
Title: Birmingham Primary Cluster ~ Catering Tender
Notice type: Contract Award Notice
Authority: The Litmus Partnership
Nature of contract: Services
Procedure: Restricted
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.
Published: 23/06/2025 14:59

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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



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