Leicestershire catering firm Wilson Vale wins two schools contracts

Leicestershire catering firm Wilson Vale has won two new school catering contracts with a combined annual turnover of £250,000.

The independent caterer, which now has a portfolio of 16 education contracts, has been awarded a one-year deal at the Ryleys Preparatory School in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. A team of seven Wilson Vale employees provide a catering service for the school's 260 pupils and 50 staff.

According Sam Raper, the school's bursar, Wilson Vale's focus on fresh food helped secure the business. "Having a small, caring and friendly company like Wilson Vale, which has the same ethos as the school, has made all the difference," he explained.

Andrew Wilson, co-founder and managing director of Wilson Vale, described the win as an exciting opportunity for the company as it's their first independent school in the Greater Manchester area. He said: "It's a big milestone for Wilson Vale and we hope that it will lead to many other high calibre contract gains in the region."

The second contract win is Yeoman Park School in Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, a special needs school with 60 pupils ranging in age from three to 19. The catering service was previously operated by Nottinghamshire Council until Wilson Vale took over in early September.

Carole Berrill, federation business leader at the school, said: "We were looking to extend pupils' learning opportunities through food by allowing them to experience a wide variety of tastes and textures and encouraging more choice-making. Our goal was to make food an important part of the school day and part of the new school curriculum.

"Our on-site catering manager, Gemma Whittle, has already built up a good relationship with pupils and staff. Students, who were reluctant to eat and try new things, are now enjoying the exciting new recipes and many more staff members are also enjoying lunch."

Wilson Vale wins £400K contract at The Mount School >>

Wilson Vale wins £200,000 contract at Hipperholme Grammar School Foundation >>

Wilson Vale wins £500k catering contract with Amgen >>

By Janie Stamford

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