No contest for Bradford's £45m tender

BRADMET, Bradford council's direct labour organisation, has retained its £45m school & welfare catering contract in an uncontested tendering process.

BET and CCG were shortlisted for the contract, but both companies withdrew without making a bid. The requirement to achieve BS5750 within 12 months appears to have been the biggest deterrent. The cook-chill operation in place could have been another, according to the council.

Bradmet has identified cost savings of £6m over the contract's five-year duration. "That will be made through higher productivity, better buying and high-profile marketing," said regional manager Judith Westmoreland.

The contract, which starts on 1 August, covers 266 school premises and involves the preparation of some 42,000 meals a day.