Chartwells secures seven-year contract extension with Middlesex University

Chartwells has secured a new seven-year contract to provide catering and support services to Middlesex University.

The caterer, which has already held the contract for 25 years, won the tender process with a bid that will see it evolve the food offering by introducing more vegetarian and vegan options as well as a new payment and pre-ordering systems to reduce queues.

Richard Taylor, managing director of Chartwells, said: "We are confident that our new catering offer will provide a positive change to our on-campus catering.

"One of the university's core strategic aims is to create a vibrant student experience which promotes wellbeing and builds a sense of belonging and commitment. We are looking to achieve this with the creation of welcoming spaces and an engagement plan focused on collaborating with students, including chef demonstrations and supplier sampling throughout the year.

"We also recognise the need to remain flexible, to adapt with changing consumer, environmental and sustainable needs. I am looking forward to seeing the impact our new catering vision will have on campus."

James Kennedy, Middlesex University's interim vice-chancellor added: "Middlesex is a university that puts students at the heart of all our decisions, and choosing a new in-house caterer was no different. During the very competitive tender process we were very impressed by Chartwells' commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our students.

"Many of our students have long commutes to university and it is essential that when they are here, they have a choice of nutritious food that tastes good and meets their individual needs. We are continually seeking to improve the experience."