Sodexo wins £12 million university contract

09 September 2009

Sodexo scoops huge deal with Richmond, The American International University in London. Sodexo, a leading food and facilities management services provider in the education sector, announces the signing of a prestigious multi-million pound deal to provide services to Richmond, The American International University (also known as Richmond University), based in London.

Worth a massive £12 million in total turnover, Sodexo will be employing 40 staff to provide catering services to the university’s 700 students across campuses in Richmond and Kensington.

The ten-year contract, which commenced, in August, will see student feeding move from a fixed number of meals per week to an allowance system that will deliver greater flexibility, with students being able to take refreshments when and where they like

As part of the deal, Sodexo will provide investment into the refurbishing of the university’s catering facilities that will include developing two new retail outlets on both campuses and updating all existing catering facilities with food concepts specifically designed for the university sector..

Sodexo will also introduce a number of innovative environmental initiatives that include using recycled materials in the refurbishment programme, staff training to reduce the consumption of utilities and procuring from sustainable sources wherever possible.

The private university attracts students from North America and across the globe, with over 100 nationalities being represented across the two campuses.

Sodexo will be operating its services seven days a week, including during summer school and activities outside of semester.

Peter Taylor, head of universities, Sodexo Education, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded the contract at what is a unique and prestigious university. The university provides academic excellence to what is an incredibly diverse audience and we are pleased to be able to support them to do what they do best".

William Scott, finance director, Richmond University, said: "The University is pleased to be entering into a long-term relationship with Sodexo.　 During a competitive process Sodexo's menu ideas and clear understanding of the University's needs were excellent. The whole University community is looking forward to sampling the new offerings".