Sodexo wins nine-figure contract with HMP Altcourse

Sodexo has secured a £260m contract with HMP Altcourse, which will see the French foodservice firm manage the Liverpool-based prison for ten years from 1 June 2023.

It comes as Sodexo prepares to take over HMP Lowdham Grange in Nottingham this February, which it won as part of a £264m contract with the Ministry of Justice in August 2022.

The partnership with HMP Altcourse will see 400 workers transferring to Sodexo to cater for and help rehabilitate individuals at the category B prison, which receives sentenced and remand male prisoners and young offenders from the Cheshire and Merseyside courts.

Sodexo has worked with UK governments since 1993 and currently manages five prisons, including HMP Peterborough, the only dual purpose-built prison in the country holding male and female prisoners.

Paul Anstey, chief executive of government at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: "The award of HMP Altcourse reinforces our significant track record in the management of prisons and our commitment to provide secure and safe environments which supports the reduction of reoffending.

"We are delighted to have won the HMP Altcourse contract and will use our expertise and experience to work with the existing team there to build on what has already been achieved."