Framework Agreement for Catering Services at Elevate MAT Schools

Catering Procurement Process for September 2027.
Elevate MAT are an 18 School Multi Academy Trust. The Scope for Procurement is for a Contract Catering Partner delivery of services across all Trust Schools. The Procurement will be looking at supporting change management. The Trust plan to move from the status quo cook-on-site at most of their schools, towards a hub-cooking centralised and delivered out structure, across all Academy schools. Their vision is to move to the hub delivery by the close of Year 1 contract year. Invitation to Tender Documents will ask for bidders to present costings based on the status quo, and additionally alternative proposals to review all operational efficiencies and present costings for the hub delivery with timescales.
Tender notice will go live early June 2026 with site visit opportunity for all interested parties 6th-10th July 2026 across the 18 schools. This will be a Trust-led walk around and contractors will be able to discuss with representatives in an open forum.
The Tender deadline will be close of the Summer holiday period, with evaluation and reference site visits in September 2026.
The long lead time to mobilisation, will enable the awarded contracting partner, to fully understand the services and agreement ahead of contract start.
Any interested parties are welcome to contact Red Box Consultancy Services to discuss the upcoming opportunity.
The Framework will be established to enable additional schools to join the contract at a later date as the Trust grows and develops throughout the contract term.
Potential investment required in facilities to enable the changes to occur.
Overall, the Trust are looking to create efficient, compliant catering services through hub production.
Potential for extended tenure of the contract between 5-10 years for the investment and service model to be effective.