Freemans Event Partners appointed Matt Luscombe as new CEO, with plans to target a £200 million turnover
Matt Luscombe has been named CEO of Freemans Event Partners, as the family-owned business sets its sights on reaching a £200 million turnover in the next few years.
Before joining Freemans Event Partners, Luscombe served as chief commercial officer at InterContinental Hotels Group, general manager at Coles Group, and CEO at Cycas Hospitality.
He will collaborate closely with the current CEO, Stephen Freeman, who will transition to the role of executive chairman, as the company works towards tripling its annual turnover under its new five-year strategy.
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Before joining Freemans Event Partners, Luscombe served as chief commercial officer at InterContinental Hotels Group, general manager at Coles Group, and CEO at Cycas Hospitality.
He will collaborate closely with the current CEO, Stephen Freeman, who will transition to the role of executive chairman, as the company works towards tripling its annual turnover under its new five-year strategy.
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13/Mar/2025 17:32
Levy UK + Ireland signs 10-Year extension with Aston Villa
Levy UK + Ireland, the sports division of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has extended its partnership with Aston Villa Football Club through a new 10-year contract.
This follows the completion of a five-month refurbishment at Villa Park, which reimagined 14 existing hospitality areas into three new venues, featuring upgraded kitchen facilities and enhanced menus.
The renovation also introduced 1,300 new seats classified as General Admission Plus or Premium.
As part of the partnership.
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This follows the completion of a five-month refurbishment at Villa Park, which reimagined 14 existing hospitality areas into three new venues, featuring upgraded kitchen facilities and enhanced menus.
The renovation also introduced 1,300 new seats classified as General Admission Plus or Premium.
As part of the partnership.
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13/Mar/2025 07:12
Accent Catering Services enhances its senior leadership team
Independent catering company Accent Catering Services has strengthened its senior leadership team with two new appointments. Pierre Hermenault has been promoted internally to Executive Director of Operations, while Mark Crowe has joined the team as Culinary Director.
Hermenault initially joined Accent Catering as an operations manager in 2022, bringing experience from his previous roles in catering management with industry leaders Elior and Baxter Storey. Within just a year, he was promoted to Operations Director.
In collaboration with Ian Crabtree.
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Hermenault initially joined Accent Catering as an operations manager in 2022, bringing experience from his previous roles in catering management with industry leaders Elior and Baxter Storey. Within just a year, he was promoted to Operations Director.
In collaboration with Ian Crabtree.
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27/Feb/2025 08:23
Vacherin appoints first Head of Coffee to advance its coffee vision
London’s specialist caterer, Vacherin, has named international coffee expert Marc-Pierre Dietrich as its first Head of Coffee.
This specialised new role was established to advance Vacherin’s vision of crafting and delivering immersive, aspirational, and customer-focused coffee experiences that both reflect and shape London’s vibrant coffee culture.
Marc-Pierre brings extensive expertise and passion for coffee, having held key roles such as Board Director at the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) and its successor.
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This specialised new role was established to advance Vacherin’s vision of crafting and delivering immersive, aspirational, and customer-focused coffee experiences that both reflect and shape London’s vibrant coffee culture.
Marc-Pierre brings extensive expertise and passion for coffee, having held key roles such as Board Director at the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) and its successor.
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18/Feb/2025 08:28
Grazing secures three-year catering contract for Virgin Group’s new London HQ
Grazing, a specialist in office and venue catering, has secured a three-year contract to manage catering services at Virgin Group’s new London headquarters.
Earlier this month, Virgin Group’s 400 team members relocated to their new four-story, 24,000 sq ft office at Whitfield Studios, a former recording studio in London’s Soho.
Grazing has been selected to manage all catering services at the building, including staff dining, events, hospitality, and pantry provision. The company distinguished itself during the tender process with its strong commitment to sustainability—90% of its deliveries are made using zero-emissions cargo bikes.
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Earlier this month, Virgin Group’s 400 team members relocated to their new four-story, 24,000 sq ft office at Whitfield Studios, a former recording studio in London’s Soho.
Grazing has been selected to manage all catering services at the building, including staff dining, events, hospitality, and pantry provision. The company distinguished itself during the tender process with its strong commitment to sustainability—90% of its deliveries are made using zero-emissions cargo bikes.
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13/Feb/2025 08:10
Company of Cooks secures over £18 million in retained contracts
Company of Cooks has renewed its partnerships with all the Livery clients in its portfolio, securing over £18 million in retained business in the City of London.
The agreements, spanning three to five years, will see the caterer continue managing and delivering events at Brewers’ Hall, Coopers’ Hall, Goldsmiths’ Hall (pictured), Ironmongers’ Hall, and Plaisterers’ Hall.
Company of Cooks, which has partnered with some of its Livery clients for over 20 years, stated that many of the venues had “in many cases exceeded targets and expectations.
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The agreements, spanning three to five years, will see the caterer continue managing and delivering events at Brewers’ Hall, Coopers’ Hall, Goldsmiths’ Hall (pictured), Ironmongers’ Hall, and Plaisterers’ Hall.
Company of Cooks, which has partnered with some of its Livery clients for over 20 years, stated that many of the venues had “in many cases exceeded targets and expectations.
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10/Feb/2025 09:45
ISS appoints new Chief People Officer
ISS UK & Ireland (ISS) has announced the appointment of Rebecca Jeffs as Chief People Officer, effective February 3.
The appointment follows a thorough and unbiased search process aimed at finding an experienced and skilled candidate to support the ongoing transformation of ISS UK & Ireland and contribute to the achievement of ISS’s global Signature Moves.
Jeffs succeeds Sandy Lucas, Director of People & Culture, who joined ISS in January 2022. Sandy has decided to pursue a business venture with her husband outside the facilities management industry.
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The appointment follows a thorough and unbiased search process aimed at finding an experienced and skilled candidate to support the ongoing transformation of ISS UK & Ireland and contribute to the achievement of ISS’s global Signature Moves.
Jeffs succeeds Sandy Lucas, Director of People & Culture, who joined ISS in January 2022. Sandy has decided to pursue a business venture with her husband outside the facilities management industry.
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04/Feb/2025 08:46
Wilson Vale secures B Corp certification as latest accredited caterer
Wilson Vale is the newest contract caterer to earn B Corp certification, highlighting its dedication to sustainable growth.
The independent schools and workplace restaurant business, acquired by Aramark in 2021, joins operators like Houston & Hawkes and Lettice Events in being recognised for its social and environmental initiatives.
Wilson Vale demonstrated its credentials through measurable commitments aligned with B Corp's pillars: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.
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The independent schools and workplace restaurant business, acquired by Aramark in 2021, joins operators like Houston & Hawkes and Lettice Events in being recognised for its social and environmental initiatives.
Wilson Vale demonstrated its credentials through measurable commitments aligned with B Corp's pillars: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.
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04/Feb/2025 08:38
Houston & Hawkes appoints Jessica Burgess as Sales Director
Houston & Hawkes has appointed Jessica Burgess as Sales Director to spearhead the company’s business development strategy.
Burgess joins from BaxterStorey, where she served as Business Development Director. In her new role, she will focus on strengthening client relationships and driving growth for the independent caterer.
In addition, Houston & Hawkes has announced the promotion of Josh Key, a 2020 Acorn Award winner, to the role of Head of Marketing. He previously held the position of Sales and Marketing Manager.
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Burgess joins from BaxterStorey, where she served as Business Development Director. In her new role, she will focus on strengthening client relationships and driving growth for the independent caterer.
In addition, Houston & Hawkes has announced the promotion of Josh Key, a 2020 Acorn Award winner, to the role of Head of Marketing. He previously held the position of Sales and Marketing Manager.
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03/Feb/2025 08:37
Medirest announces new contract with NHS Trust
Medirest, a division of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has secured the catering and cleaning contract for South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, commencing in May 2025. The partnership will provide catering services for patients, staff, and visitors, alongside comprehensive cleaning services.
South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust provides care for 1.2 million people across the London boroughs of Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton, and Wandsworth. With a dedicated team of 2,700 professionals, the Trust delivers high-quality mental health care, treatment, and recovery support to 40.
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South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust provides care for 1.2 million people across the London boroughs of Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton, and Wandsworth. With a dedicated team of 2,700 professionals, the Trust delivers high-quality mental health care, treatment, and recovery support to 40.
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03/Feb/2025 08:13
SSP launches new casual dining concept at Liverpool John Lennon Airport
SSP Group has introduced a new casual dining concept, Monty’s Diner, at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Monty’s marks the company’s first own-brand casual dining concept in the UK, offering an American-style diner with a mouthwatering signature menu. It features classic cooked breakfasts, breakfast bagels, and loaded waffles to kick off the day. The all-day menu includes signature smashed patty burgers, hotdogs, wings, as well as thick shakes and indulgent desserts, providing a relaxed, authentic dining experience in the lively airport environment.
Kari Daniels.
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Monty’s marks the company’s first own-brand casual dining concept in the UK, offering an American-style diner with a mouthwatering signature menu. It features classic cooked breakfasts, breakfast bagels, and loaded waffles to kick off the day. The all-day menu includes signature smashed patty burgers, hotdogs, wings, as well as thick shakes and indulgent desserts, providing a relaxed, authentic dining experience in the lively airport environment.
Kari Daniels.
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27/Jan/2025 09:04
Former Elior managing director joins Compas as business director
The former managing director of Elior-owned care caterer Caterplus has been appointed business director at White Oaks, the senior living division of Compass Group UK & Ireland.
Laura Tighe brings over 25 years of experience in foodservice, including 19 years at Elior. Over the past seven years, she has specialised in the healthcare and senior living sectors.
Her appointment aligns with the relaunch of White Oaks, which provides a range of services including catering and facilities management for the residential.
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Laura Tighe brings over 25 years of experience in foodservice, including 19 years at Elior. Over the past seven years, she has specialised in the healthcare and senior living sectors.
Her appointment aligns with the relaunch of White Oaks, which provides a range of services including catering and facilities management for the residential.
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24/Jan/2025 14:01
Searcys to provide catering services at Gray’s Inn in London
Searcys has entered into a catering services partnership with Gray’s Inn, located in the City of London.
Gray’s Inn, established in the 14th century, has served as a home for lawyers since 1388. As one of the four prestigious Inns of Court responsible for training barristers both before and after their Call to the Bar, the venue accommodates a diverse audience, ranging from students to Benchers, the senior members of the Inn.
In the 16th century, Gray’s Inn enjoyed the patronage of Queen Elizabeth I.
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Gray’s Inn, established in the 14th century, has served as a home for lawyers since 1388. As one of the four prestigious Inns of Court responsible for training barristers both before and after their Call to the Bar, the venue accommodates a diverse audience, ranging from students to Benchers, the senior members of the Inn.
In the 16th century, Gray’s Inn enjoyed the patronage of Queen Elizabeth I.
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16/Jan/2025 08:41
Vacherin announces the appointment of a new Director of Food
Alex Rowe has started 2025 on a high note with his promotion to Director of Food at Vacherin, the specialist London caterer. This promotion acknowledges his outstanding leadership and accomplishments as Head of Food, as well as his commitment to culinary excellence, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring Vacherin’s food culture remains exceptional in every detail.
Notable achievements under Rowe’s leadership include nurturing grassroots talent through PLATE, Vacherin’s next-generation chef talent programme in partnership with Westminster Kingsway College. He has also collaborated with renowned chefs like Doug McMaster and Sabrina Gidda to enhance Vacherin's sustainability initiatives and its investment in culinary and talent development.
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Notable achievements under Rowe’s leadership include nurturing grassroots talent through PLATE, Vacherin’s next-generation chef talent programme in partnership with Westminster Kingsway College. He has also collaborated with renowned chefs like Doug McMaster and Sabrina Gidda to enhance Vacherin's sustainability initiatives and its investment in culinary and talent development.
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09/Jan/2025 09:17
Lexington Independents secures £7 million in new contract acquisitions
Lexington Independents, the education catering arm of Elior UK, has achieved growth exceeding 300% over the past year.
The caterer secured £7 million in new business contracts during the year, partnering with independent schools including Putney High School and Hurlingham Independent School, both located in southwest London.
Over the past year, Lexington Independents has made significant investments in its team, including the recent appointments of Charlie Hayward as Business Director and Bonnie Dankbars as Operations Director.
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The caterer secured £7 million in new business contracts during the year, partnering with independent schools including Putney High School and Hurlingham Independent School, both located in southwest London.
Over the past year, Lexington Independents has made significant investments in its team, including the recent appointments of Charlie Hayward as Business Director and Bonnie Dankbars as Operations Director.
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09/Jan/2025 09:02
East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation Trust to partner with Sodexo
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust will partner with Sodexo to deliver its soft facilities management services across the Trust’s two acute hospitals – Colchester and Ipswich, and community services in East Suffolk and North Essex. These include Aldeburgh, Felixstowe and Harwich Hospitals, and Bluebird Lodge in Ipswich.
Sodexo has been appointed preferred bidder following the Trust Board’s decision to contract all soft facilities management services to an external partner, moving to a single, consistent approach across all its sites. These services include catering, housekeeping.
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Sodexo has been appointed preferred bidder following the Trust Board’s decision to contract all soft facilities management services to an external partner, moving to a single, consistent approach across all its sites. These services include catering, housekeeping.
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23/Dec/2024 13:22
David Mulcahy to leave Sodexo after 20 years
David Mulcahy is set to depart from his role at contract caterer Sodexo after nearly two decades with the company.
David Mulcahy, who joined Sodexo from Compass in 2006 as craft and food development director, will be leaving the company after nearly 20 years. Most recently serving as food innovation and sustainability director, Mulcahy played a key role in supporting chef development, advancing food procurement strategies, and fostering strategic partnerships across the business.
David Mulcahy's departure follows that of Sean Hayley.
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David Mulcahy, who joined Sodexo from Compass in 2006 as craft and food development director, will be leaving the company after nearly 20 years. Most recently serving as food innovation and sustainability director, Mulcahy played a key role in supporting chef development, advancing food procurement strategies, and fostering strategic partnerships across the business.
David Mulcahy's departure follows that of Sean Hayley.
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20/Dec/2024 16:25
Sodexo offers guaranteed job interviews for ex-offenders
As part of its Starting Fresh programme, Sodexo has introduced guaranteed job interviews for individuals with disclosed criminal convictions to support ex-offenders in their transition back into the workforce.
The catering firm, which employs over 30,000 people across the UK and Ireland, is offering guaranteed job interviews to applicants with disclosed criminal convictions who meet the job criteria and pass the necessary screening. This initiative aims to provide ex-offenders with an opportunity to re-enter the workforce.
Several Sodexo sites have already adopted this initiative.
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The catering firm, which employs over 30,000 people across the UK and Ireland, is offering guaranteed job interviews to applicants with disclosed criminal convictions who meet the job criteria and pass the necessary screening. This initiative aims to provide ex-offenders with an opportunity to re-enter the workforce.
Several Sodexo sites have already adopted this initiative.
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19/Dec/2024 12:53
BM tests AI-powered self-checkout system
BM Caterers is trialing artificial intelligence (AI) self-checkout systems at two client sites, with the potential for a wider rollout in 2025 if successful.
The business is testing the new technology at the headquarters of a logistics company in Crewe and at a law firm in London.
The Deligo AI self-checkout system automatically recognises items without the need to scan barcodes. This innovation aims to automate routine cashier tasks, enabling staff to focus on higher-value customer interactions.
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The business is testing the new technology at the headquarters of a logistics company in Crewe and at a law firm in London.
The Deligo AI self-checkout system automatically recognises items without the need to scan barcodes. This innovation aims to automate routine cashier tasks, enabling staff to focus on higher-value customer interactions.
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17/Dec/2024 08:48
Levy secures new multimillion-pound contract with Excel London
Levy UK and Ireland has secured a new multimillion-pound contract with Excel London, coinciding with the events centre's planned 25,000 sq m expansion.
Levy, the sports, entertainment, and events division of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has been Excel’s food and beverage partner since its opening in 2000, serving over 400 events and four million visitors annually.
In 2023, both companies extended their catering contract for an additional 22 years.
As part of the new agreement.
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Levy, the sports, entertainment, and events division of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has been Excel’s food and beverage partner since its opening in 2000, serving over 400 events and four million visitors annually.
In 2023, both companies extended their catering contract for an additional 22 years.
As part of the new agreement.
more »
17/Dec/2024 08:40