Kingston University Catering Service

Catering at Kingston University London ~ Market Engagement Brief PurposeKingston University London is considering future options for the delivery of its catering services from August 2023 and this call for market engagement is to determine options that will best meet Kingston University’s objectives and by which to inform subsequent procurement.BackgroundKingston University is in a pleasant suburb on the borders of London and Surrey and is 25 minutes by train from central London. It is the largest higher education provider in South West London with more than 18,000 students enrolled on full and part-time courses and more than 1,900 staff. Its institutional history dates back to 1899 and it was established as a University in 1992. Kingston University, which is based cross four campuses, is passionate about enhancing its students’ life chances by helping them make the most of their learning opportunity and equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed in the 21st century’s demanding workplace. The University has a growing reputation for innovation and enterprise through its applied research, technology transfer and knowledge sharing activities and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses together with degree apprenticeships.The University is committed to fair work practices and paying above the minimum wage in line with the cost of living. We are also working towards becoming accredited as a real living wage employer and encourage our suppliers to do the same. For more information about the University, please visit our website www.kingston.ac.ukObjectivesKingston University currently operates an outsourced catering service, with the contract expiring in August 2023.As such, Kingston University wishes to conduct early market engagement to gather information from potential suppliers on the best options available and the current state of the market.Market InsightWe would like to receive feedback from potential suppliers on the questions below, please send your responses to Simon Biggs at Litmus Partnership who are assisting Kingston University with this exercise, his address is SimonBiggs@litmuspartnership.co.ukPlease send any responses by the close of play on the 26th August 2022To help inform the development of the Tender Specification, the University wishes to receive your views and opinions on the following areas: 1. The University is exploring the use of high-street food brands: a) Do you consider Brands offer a better student experience to in-house alternatives?b) From you experience what food brands offer the best value and experience to students? c) Do you believe the use of brands improves the financial performance of the contract?2. COVID has given the University much reason to consider a more flexible catering solution that ensures the food service remains both relevant and commercially viable for both the Client and Contractor: a) From you own experience what initiatives have you developed to support a more flexible catering solution to students? b) What do you believe now to be the best commercial arrangement that ensures both parties can benefit from a profitable business? 3. Ensuring the food offer remains ‘on -trend’ and an attractive proposition to the high-street: a) What changes in food offers have you experienced in the past few years? b) Looking ahead, what do you consider will be the most important food offers for students and why?Kingston University may organise a supplier engagement day, if you would be interested in this please also include this in your response.Outline Future Procurement Timetable Please note that responding to this PIN is not applying for this tender, which will be advertised separately when ready.PIN/Expressions of Interest August 2022Procurement October 2022 – February 2023Contract Implementation March 2023 – August 2023Contract Commence 1st August 2023