The Litmus Partnership: Wolverhampton Cluster ~ Catering Tender

UK-Wolverhampton: School catering services.

Section I: Contracting Authority

   I.1) Name, Addresses and Contact Point(s):
       Wolverhampton Cluster ~ Catering Tender
       Bantock Primary School, Aston Street, Pennfields, Wolverhampton, WV3 0HY, United Kingdom
       Tel. +44 1276673880, Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
       Main Address: https://www.bantockprimaryschool.co.uk/
       NUTS Code: UKG39

   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: Wolverhampton 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: Please note, this is a contract award notice, this contract has already been awarded.

      II.1.6) Information about lots
         This contract is divided into lots: Yes
            
      II.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
          Value: 4,908,799
                  
         Currency:GBP            

   II.2) Description (lot no. 1)
   

      II.2.1) Title: Not Provided    
      Lot No:1

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


      II.2.3) Place of performance
      Nuts code:
      UKG39 - Wolverhampton
   
      Main site or place of performance:
      Wolverhampton
             

      II.2.4) Description of the procurement: 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 September 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.
The Cluster are seeking a suitably experienced, education catering contractor who is able to evidence working within Primary Schools of varying needs with the West Midlands. The successful contractor will already have or need to develop a strong operational base within the vicinity, 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 contractual 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 Cluster wishes to achieve as a result of this tender process:
1.The provision of a healthy, balanced menu 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. Offering frequent themed menus and initiatives that support the curriculum and various school led activities, ensuring the food offer remains varied and enticing to its customers.
3.Frequent parental engagement through the use of newsletters, websites, social media platforms (where applicable) and, most importantly, through direct involvement at parents’ evenings and open evenings.
4.Financial certainty and an understanding of the ongoing trading performance through the proactive provision of monthly trading data to support invoice charges, promoting an open book policy.
It is expected that experienced and insightful contract management will promote good levels of communication and engagement across the Schools. A suitable marketing campaign to the students, staff and parents alike is imperative to promote the uptake of meals.
This enhanced service should be supported by a well-trained catering team at the school, with a focus by the successful contractor on both craft training and customer service.
There needs to be total transparency with accounts that are clear and easy to understand. The monthly invoice should be supported by a breakdown of the contract’s financial performance against budget. The contract offered will be on a guaranteed performance basis, with a proposed profit share of any betterment to that budget.
To achieve overall value for money is an objective of this tender. However, please note that the Cluster is not obliged to accept the lowest price and the contract award will be in line with the marking matrix published within the tender specification where an overall focus will be given to food quality and innovation of the catering offer, as well the management support. At the end of this tender process, the Cluster will have the option to award their individual Lots, either full or in part, to the successful supplier(s).
See SQ Document for more information.

      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 notice, this contract has already been awarded.

This Lot has been awarded to MiQuill at a value of £2,490,623.

   II.2) Description (lot no. 2)
   

      II.2.1) Title: Not Provided    
      Lot No:2

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


      II.2.3) Place of performance
      Nuts code:
      UKG39 - Wolverhampton
   
      Main site or place of performance:
      Wolverhampton
             

      II.2.4) Description of the procurement: 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 September 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.
The Cluster are seeking a suitably experienced, education catering contractor who is able to evidence working within Primary Schools of varying needs with the West Midlands. The successful contractor will already have or need to develop a strong operational base within the vicinity, 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 contractual 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 Cluster wishes to achieve as a result of this tender process:
1.The provision of a healthy, balanced menu 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. Offering frequent themed menus and initiatives that support the curriculum and various school led activities, ensuring the food offer remains varied and enticing to its customers.
3.Frequent parental engagement through the use of newsletters, websites, social media platforms (where applicable) and, most importantly, through direct involvement at parents’ evenings and open evenings.
4.Financial certainty and an understanding of the ongoing trading performance through the proactive provision of monthly trading data to support invoice charges, promoting an open book policy.
It is expected that experienced and insightful contract management will promote good levels of communication and engagement across the Schools. A suitable marketing campaign to the students, staff and parents alike is imperative to promote the uptake of meals.
This enhanced service should be supported by a well-trained catering team at the school, with a focus by the successful contractor on both craft training and customer service.
There needs to be total transparency with accounts that are clear and easy to understand. The monthly invoice should be supported by a breakdown of the contract’s financial performance against budget. The contract offered will be on a guaranteed performance basis, with a proposed profit share of any betterment to that budget.
To achieve overall value for money is an objective of this tender. However, please note that the Cluster is not obliged to accept the lowest price and the contract award will be in line with the marking matrix published within the tender specification where an overall focus will be given to food quality and innovation of the catering offer, as well the management support. At the end of this tender process, the Cluster will have the option to award their individual Lots, either full or in part, to the successful supplier(s).
See SQ document for more information

      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 notice, this contract has already been awarded.

This lot has been awarded to Miquill at a value of £403,781.

   II.2) Description (lot no. 3)
   

      II.2.1) Title: Not Provided    
      Lot No:3

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


      II.2.3) Place of performance
      Nuts code:
      UKG39 - Wolverhampton
   
      Main site or place of performance:
      Wolverhampton
             

      II.2.4) Description of the procurement: 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 September 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.
The Cluster are seeking a suitably experienced, education catering contractor who is able to evidence working within Primary Schools of varying needs with the West Midlands. The successful contractor will already have or need to develop a strong operational base within the vicinity, 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 contractual 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 Cluster wishes to achieve as a result of this tender process:
1.The provision of a healthy, balanced menu 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. Offering frequent themed menus and initiatives that support the curriculum and various school led activities, ensuring the food offer remains varied and enticing to its customers.
3.Frequent parental engagement through the use of newsletters, websites, social media platforms (where applicable) and, most importantly, through direct involvement at parents’ evenings and open evenings.
4.Financial certainty and an understanding of the ongoing trading performance through the proactive provision of monthly trading data to support invoice charges, promoting an open book policy.
It is expected that experienced and insightful contract management will promote good levels of communication and engagement across the Schools. A suitable marketing campaign to the students, staff and parents alike is imperative to promote the uptake of meals.
This enhanced service should be supported by a well-trained catering team at the school, with a focus by the successful contractor on both craft training and customer service.
There needs to be total transparency with accounts that are clear and easy to understand. The monthly invoice should be supported by a breakdown of the contract’s financial performance against budget. The contract offered will be on a guaranteed performance basis, with a proposed profit share of any betterment to that budget.
To achieve overall value for money is an objective of this tender. However, please note that the Cluster is not obliged to accept the lowest price and the contract award will be in line with the marking matrix published within the tender specification where an overall focus will be given to food quality and innovation of the catering offer, as well the management support. At the end of this tender process, the Cluster will have the option to award their individual Lots, either full or in part, to the successful supplier(s).
See SQ Document for more information

      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 notice, this contract has already been awarded.

This lot has been awarded to abm at a value of £1,605,270.

   II.2) Description (lot no. 4)
   

      II.2.1) Title: Not Provided    
      Lot No:4

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


      II.2.3) Place of performance
      Nuts code:
      UKG39 - Wolverhampton
   
      Main site or place of performance:
      Wolverhampton
             

      II.2.4) Description of the procurement: The Cluster are seeking a suitably experienced, education catering contractor who is able to evidence working within Primary Schools of varying needs with the West Midlands. The successful contractor will already have or need to develop a strong operational base within the vicinity, 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 contractual 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 Cluster wishes to achieve as a result of this tender process:
1.The provision of a healthy, balanced menu 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. Offering frequent themed menus and initiatives that support the curriculum and various school led activities, ensuring the food offer remains varied and enticing to its customers.
3.Frequent parental engagement through the use of newsletters, websites, social media platforms (where applicable) and, most importantly, through direct involvement at parents’ evenings and open evenings.
4.Financial certainty and an understanding of the ongoing trading performance through the proactive provision of monthly trading data to support invoice charges, promoting an open book policy.
It is expected that experienced and insightful contract management will promote good levels of communication and engagement across the Schools. A suitable marketing campaign to the students, staff and parents alike is imperative to promote the uptake of meals.
This enhanced service should be supported by a well-trained catering team at the school, with a focus by the successful contractor on both craft training and customer service.
There needs to be total transparency with accounts that are clear and easy to understand. The monthly invoice should be supported by a breakdown of the contract’s financial performance against budget. The contract offered will be on a guaranteed performance basis, with a proposed profit share of any betterment to that budget.
To achieve overall value for money is an objective of this tender. However, please note that the Cluster is not obliged to accept the lowest price and the contract award will be in line with the marking matrix published within the tender specification where an overall focus will be given to food quality and innovation of the catering offer, as well the management support. At the end of this tender process, the Cluster will have the option to award their individual Lots, either full or in part, to the successful supplier(s).
See SQ document for more information

      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 notice, this contract has already been awarded.

This lot has been awarded to MiQuill at a value of £409,125.


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: 2025/S 000-004412
      
   

   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: Not Provided    
   Title: Not Provided

   A contract/lot is awarded: Yes


   V.2) Award of contract

      V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract: 27/06/2025

      V.2.2) Information about tenders
         Number of tenders received: 7
         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: Yes
         
         Contractor (No.1)
             MiQuill Catering Ltd, 06886456
             Suite 109, 79 Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2NT, United Kingdom
             Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
             NUTS Code: UKG12
            The contractor is an SME: Yes
         
         Contractor (No.2)
             abm Catering Ltd, 04168334
             Eagle Court, 63-67 Saltisford, Warwick, CV34 4AF, United Kingdom
             Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
             NUTS Code: UKG13
            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: 6,202,154          
         Total value of the contract/lot: 4,908,799
         Currency: GBP

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

   VI.3) Additional information: Please note this is a contract award notice, this contract has already been awarded.
To view this notice, please click here:
https://litmustms.co.uk/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=965028077
   VI.4) Procedures for review

      VI.4.1) Review body
          Wolverhampton Cluster ~ Catering Tender
          Bantock Primary School, Aston Street, Pennfields, Wolverhampton, WV3 0HY, 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: 10/07/2025

ANNEX A

   I) Address of the other contracting authority on behalf of which the contracting authority is purchasing   
   1: Contracting Authority
       Bantock Primary School
       Aston Street, Pennfields, Wolverhampton, WV3 0HY, United Kingdom
       Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
       Main Address: https://www.bantockprimaryschool.co.uk/
       NUTS Code: UKG39
   
   2: Contracting Authority
       Merridale Primary School
       Aspen Way, Wolverhampton, WV3 0UP, United Kingdom
       Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
       Main Address: https://www.merridaleprimary.co.uk/
       NUTS Code: UKG39
   
   3: Contracting Authority
       Fallings Park Primary School
       Old Fallings Lane, Low Hill, Wolverhampton, WV10 8BN, United Kingdom
       Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
       Main Address: https://www.fallingspark.org.uk/
       NUTS Code: UKG39
   
   4: Contracting Authority
       Dovecotes Primary School
       Ryefield, Dovecotes Estate, Pendeford, Wolverhampton, WV8 1TX, United Kingdom
       Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
       Main Address: https://www.dovecotesprimary.co.uk/
       NUTS Code: UKG39
   
   5: Contracting Authority
       St Nicholas CE First School
       Belvide Gardens, Chillington Drive, Codsall, Wolverhampton, WV8 1AN, United Kingdom
       Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
       Main Address: https://st-nicholas.staffs.sch.uk/
       NUTS Code: UKG39
   
   6: Contracting Authority
       St Martin’s Primary School
       Wallace Road, Bradley, Bilston, WV14 8BS, United Kingdom
       Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
       Main Address: https://stmartinsprimary.org.uk/
       NUTS Code: UKG39
   
   7: Contracting Authority
       Field View Primary School
       Lonsdale Road, Bilston, WV14 7AE, United Kingdom
       Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
       Main Address: https://fieldviewprimary.org.uk/
       NUTS Code: UKG39
   
   8: Contracting Authority
       Grove Primary School
       Caledonia Road, Wolverhampton, WV2 1HZ, United Kingdom
       Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
       Main Address: https://groveprimary.org.uk/
       NUTS Code: UKG39
   
   9: Contracting Authority
       West Park Primary School
       Devon Road, Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton, WV1 4BE, United Kingdom
       Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
       Main Address: https://www.westparkprimaryschool.co.uk/
       NUTS Code: UKG39