Company of Cooks wins £11.5m contract with Scottish science centre

Company of Cooks has been appointed Dynamic Earth’s first catering and hospitality partner in a five-year deal worth £11.5m.

The contract marks a first for Edinburgh’s only science centre and planetarium as it has never outsourced its visitor and event catering to an external company until now.

Dynamic Earth is a Scottish earth science engagement charity and has welcomed six million visitors since its launch in 1999.

Under the partnership, Company of Cooks will refresh the visitor café, Core, and cater to events ranging from conferences to gala dinners and weddings.

Company of Cooks secured the contract following a competitive tender process, in which it was praised for its commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainability.

Kevin Simpson, regional director at Company of Cooks, said: “Dynamic Earth is a world class science centre and we’re proud to have been chosen as its partner. We look forward to developing the visitor and event catering provision to drive revenue, improve the customer experience and to support Dynamic Earth’s charitable objectives. This contract win also supports our ambition to grow our Scottish portfolio.”

Suzie Holligan, director of visitor experience and events, Dynamic Earth, added: “We’re really excited to work together to enhance this experience – from refreshed café and events catering to menus that champion Scottish producers. This partnership feels like an important and inspiring step forward for Dynamic Earth, and we’re very much looking forward to collaborating with the Company of Cooks team as it begins.”

Contract caterer Company of Cooks is part of CH&Co and boasts a portfolio of cultural venues including the Royal Opera House, Southbank Centre, Royal College of Physicians, Historic Royal Palaces, Old Royal Naval College and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

CH&Co was acquired by Compass in April 2024.