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FOOD SERVICE ASSOCIATES |
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Case studies
Anglia Polytechnic University
A Strategic Review of Catering Operations across two campuses in Chelmsford and Cambridge was conducted with the purpose of defining the future development and management of the services. The University did not want to be constrained by the thinking of the higher education market alone and our experience of commercial catering within Tourism and Leisure sites was seen as a huge benefit in terms of broadening the options for change. A detailed and thorough operational and financial review was conducted of the existing facilities and services which identified strengths and weaknesses and provided a benchmark for future development. An in depth customer survey was carried out amongst the student and staff market to identify the needs and expectations of the potential users. This highlighted several key issues which needed to be addressed as part of the overall forward strategy. As part of the review process competitive analysis of the alternative dining venues in the area immediately surrounding the campuses was also undertaken, including menu offer, pricing strategy, seating capacity, etc. The APU catering services were further benchmarked against other similar sized higher education establishments to compare offer, range of services, prices and key financial performance indicators, such as gross profit, labour cost percentages, etc. The option of continuing to provide a service in-house versus contracting out was considered with the pros and cons in terms of service quality, cost, capital investment and administrative management weighed against each other. With all of the information gathered and research undertaken a strategy for the future development of the facilities and services was compiled with options for consideration. We are working with the University to implement their chosen route to fast track improvements and the delivery of a catering service which lives up to the expectations of a modern university. |
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| Food Service Associates (Henley) Ltd, PO Box 48, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 3YX |
