Compass Group UK & Ireland’s education business Chartwells has retained a catering and hospitality contract with the University of Derby for a further five years in a deal worth £9 million.
Chartwells has delivered food and hospitality services to the University since 2004. Under the new contract, its 75-strong team will continue to provide these services to 17,000 students and 2,000 staff across four sites. In addition, Chartwells is now responsible for catering, cleaning and portering at the University’s Enterprise Centre.
Introducing a food court
Chartwells is introducing a food court on campus, which will feature a Subway, Starbucks and Indian burrito brand Wrapchic. This will be supported by a bespoke food offer that is tailored to the University and Chartwells has appointed an Executive Chef to lead these developments. A Student Experience and Engagement Manager has also been recruited to enhance the connection Chartwells has with students and nurture its relationship with the Students’ Union.
Supporting the University on a broader level
Recognising a need to support the University on a broader level, Chartwells is also providing master classes, industry insight talks, and careers and employment opportunities to equip students with real-world learning experience. As part of this commitment, Chartwells has partnered with Michelin-starred chef Rupert Rowley, who hails from Derbyshire, to support the catering courses at Buxton and Leek College (part of the University of Derby), with master classes and curriculum-led initiatives for culinary arts students at the University.
Robin Mills, Managing Director of Chartwells, said; “We are delighted to continue working with the University of Derby. We have a strong team here who have built a great relationship with the University over the past 10 years and who are very excited about our plans for the future – Derby will become one of our flagship universities.”
“Our developments in terms of food and hospitality will strengthen this, while offering students real-world learning experiences – in particular through our partnership with Rupert Rowley – showing how education establishments and caterers can work together to better the student experience and set them up for a bright future.”
About Chartwells
Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK and Ireland, is the leading provider of catering and support services to schools, colleges and universities in the UK. Chartwells works with over 2,000 education units including primary schools, secondary schools, academy schools, independent schools, colleges and universities.