Exploring HE Catering Business Models

This one-day workshop explores the different models of operation for catering services in the UK's universities and colleges. Facilitated by catering consultant Tim Cookson FIH and illustrated by case studies from around the country, it is relevant to anyone reviewing their catering model, looking for best practice and inspiration, or building a career in higher education catering and retail.

The case studies will spotlight the following models :- 

• Management of catering via an in-house model.
• Outsourced contracting of the catering service.
• A mixed outsourced and in-house model
• Management of catering via a limited company set up by the institution often referred to as an SPV ( Special Purpose Vehicle ).

The course is facilitated by Tim Cookson , Chair of The Litmus Partnership, a consultancy firm who specialise in monitoring financial / operational performance, designing and delivering change management projects.

Programme:

09.30 - 10.00:    Registration, Arrival and Coffee

10.00 - 10.30:    Overview of the Sector and Models of Operation – Tim Cookson FIH, Chair, Litmus Partnership and Course Facilitator

10.30 - 11.00:    Introduction to Guest speakers 

11.00 – 11.15:   Break

11.15 – 12.00:   Case Study 1 - The University of Nottingham - Amanda Pettingill, Catering, Hospitality and Conferencing Director

12.00 – 12.45:   Case Study 2 - University of Glasgow - Robert Garnish, Executive Director, Commercial Services

12.45 - 13.45:    Lunch and Networking

13.45 - 14.30:    Case Study 3 - The University of Manchester – Alison Shedlock, Assistant Director Estates and Facilities – Head of Campus Services 

14.30 - 15.15:    Case Study 4 - Gather & Gather - Dee Wilkinson, Sales Director

15.15 - 16.00:    Panel Session facilitated by Tim Cookson  

16.00 - 16.15:    Wrap up and close 

Who are the course leaders?

Tim Cookson FIH, Chair, Litmus Partnership - Facilitator

Tim has a wealth of top-level experience in this field, having held many board positions within major hospitality organisations, and established several companies. He now focuses on his catering and hospitality consultancy – The Litmus Partnership - and is a member of the Supervisory Board of the Institute of Hospitality (IoH).

Amanda Pettingill, Catering, Hospitality and Conferencing Director, The University of Nottingham

Amanda has extensive experience within the catering industry, including hotels, sport and education, spanning the management of major event venues for a contract caterer to working as an in-house service provider at two universities.

Robert Garnish, Executive Director, Commercial Services, University of Glasgow

At Glasgow, Robert leads the teams responsible for catering, hospitality, print, sport, retail, student accommodation and conferences and events.  He previously worked for the John Lewis Partnership in Scotland and at the company's head office.

Alison Shedlock, Assistant Director Estates and Facilities – Head of Campus Services, The University of Manchester 

Alison is the leader of one of the largest university catering and event teams in the north of England, where she has transformed the delivery of catering and events by incorporating ethical and sustainable options.

Dee Wilkinson, Sales Director, Gather & Gather

Dee heads up business development for Gather and Gather, whose 6,000 strong team operate across 600 sites across the UK and Ireland. He has a background in project and operational management including within the university sector.  Gather & Gather partners include Oxford Brookes University and UCL.