Sodexo top of the class with £25m Brunel University deal
Sodexo has won a £25m contract to deliver a range of food services to almost 18,000 students and university staff at Brunel University.
The five-year deal to provide retail catering, vending, fine-dining and hospitality services across eight locations at the university's main Uxbridge campus is believed to be one of the largest of its kind in the higher education market.
In a separate agreement, and in partnership with the Union of Brunel Students, Sodexo opened a franchise outlet of sandwich chain Subway, which the company said has exceeded all trading expectations and already ranks in the top five of Subway's UK sales volume.
Jane Bristow, managing director for Sodexo Education, described it as a "very significant contract win".
"We are currently developing exciting new and innovative fresh food offers, targeted at providing value and flexibility for students whilst giving the university a unique identity," she said.
"Key to this approach has been Sodexo's focus on researching student preferences through the Sodexo University Lifestyle Survey and delivering services through an operational team solely dedicated to the university sector."
Sodexo will introduce a range of high street and bespoke food concepts on campus and said that the focus will be on fresh food, sustainability and customer service.
The Sodexo Scholarship programme is also included in the contract and will provide scholarship funds based on hardship, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.
Work placements, visiting lecturers and student study tours to other countries in order to exchange best practice are also planned.
Paul Thomas, Brunel University's chief operating officer, welcomed the catering giant to the ‘Brunel family', adding: "The recent addition of high street brand names, such as Subway, to the campus has been very well received, especially by the student body, and we hope to continue to build on that early success."
Price is biggest food choice factor for students >>Will the rise in university fees affect college catering? >>*By Janie Manzoori-Stamford*
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