Glasgow Caledonian University’s (GCU) £32m Heart of the Campus redevelopment has taken another significant step with the appointment of BaxterStorey as the new hospitality provider for the state-of-the art campus.
The five-year agreement, which will commence in May, will provide students, staff and visitors with fulfilling, healthy choices using sustainable, local and seasonal produce at the new and renovated dining facilities at the city centre campus.
BaxterStorey currently provides bespoke hospitality services to a number of universities, colleges, large distribution centres and corporate head offices in Scotland, as well as running the Chef Academy Scotland, which gives chefs the chance to hone their skills with a calendar of courses supported by the likes of Edinburgh Business School, Nick Nairn Cook School, and Tennent’s Training Academy.
Gerry Milne, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-Principal Infrastructure, said, “BaxterStorey impressed with its commitment to sourcing locally, producing fresh food, competitive pricing, and its approach to student engagement. Our £32million redevelopment has transformed the look and feel of our city centre campus and we are delighted to facilitate the very best in catering services for our students, staff and visitors.”
BaxterStorey secured the contract following a full EU procurement tender and contract evaluation process.
Staff employed by GCU’s current catering providers Cordia, an Arm’s Length External Operation (ALEO) of Glasgow City Council, will be given the opportunity to transfer to BaxterStorey, under TUPE regulations. The University has worked with the new providers to secure this transition and BaxterStorey will provide full training to all staff who choose to transfer to the new employer.
Following the completion of the Heart of the Campus redevelopment, which provides new state-of-the-art learning and social spaces for students and staff, the University had requirements for a new model of delivering catering services.
BaxterStorey will work in partnership to deliver the University’s commitment to sustainability and waste minimisation, and to support health and wellbeing initiatives. Opportunities will also be made available for student employment and engagement with the creation of a Student Engagement Ambassador programme and a Graduate Trainee Programme, both of which will help to enhance the student experience at GCU.
Jeremy Wood, Regional Managing Director of BaxterStorey, said, “We understand the complexities of providing hospitality services for universities – ensuring staff, students and visitors alike are provided with fresh and nutritious food that’s convenient and a great source of energy, conducive to productivity and learning. We are delighted to be working with Glasgow Caledonian University and look forward to surprising and delighting our customers with delicious seasonal menus and great service.”