HCL steps in to save Surrey school meals

Education caterer Hertfordshire Catering Ltd (HCL) is to take on Surrey County Council’s Twelve15 school meal service, avoiding its potential closure.

This agreement should safeguard the future of quality school meals across Surrey and protect local employment, and marks a substantial expansion of HCL’s operational reach.

Following Surrey County Council’s recent review of the Twelve15 service – during which it consulted on a range of options, including closure – HCL and the council worked to identify a sustainable way forward.

Both parties believe the solution preserves the value Twelve15 brings to schools while providing continuity and stability for its workforce.

Under the terms of the agreement, HCL will take over the Twelve15 service from 1 September 2026.

This acquisition represents a major step in HCL’s five-year growth strategy, accelerating its goal to double meal numbers and building upon its existing portfolio of 450 sites in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Greater London.

John Want, CEO of HCL, said: “In an environment of continual pressure on school meals services across the UK due to the gap between government funding and costs, it is troubling to see such a well-run and respected service such as Twelve15 having no option but to look at closure.

“This agreement helps fulfil HCL’s ambition to double our meals numbers in the next few years and to continue to Feed Growing Minds in more schools. It also provides us with a base for expansion across London and the southern home counties.”

He underlined that HCL will be retaining and growing the Twelve15 brand across Surrey and south London, with a continuation of the service that avoids tendering costs.

Councillor David Lewis, cabinet member for finance and resources at Surrey County Council, added: “We are pleased to have reached this agreement with HCL, which ensures the continued provision of excellent school meals for our children and secures the future for many of the dedicated staff within the Twelve15 service. HCL’s commitment to quality and shared values made them the ideal successor to operate this service.”

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Other local authorities like Leicestershire County Council have decided to end school meals, while Plymouth City Council-backed education caterer CATERed will cease trading this year as a result of the “increasingly challenging” financial climate.