Contract caterer Compass Group has opened its first post office at the University of Surrey in Guildford and plans to extend the retail business over the next two years.
The temporary facility, which also includes an Amigo convenience store, will be extended into a permanent retail unit in the university’s new library building and is expected to generate £25m over the course of the 10 year contract.
From April 2011, Compass’ permanent retail business will occupy a 500m2 area and, in addition to the convenience store and post office, it will also offer three branded food units (Goodness Me Salad bar, Toujours freshly-filled baguettes and Henry Smiths bakery), a pharmacy and a dry cleaning service.
Lynn King, business director-retail for specialist markets at Compass, said that the contract caterer’s retail business was proving popular with universities around the country.
“Our retail offer is growing and expanding into more sites nationwide and the opening of our first post office is a significant landmark for the company,” she said.
James Newby, director of traded services and business support at the University of Surrey said: “The Compass team has already raised the standard and shown their understanding of the sensitivity of working in a diverse and multi-cultural environment.”
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By Emma White
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