I have worked with WLP for the last 10 years. Doreen and the team have supported the Trust through a number of tender processes and have continued to offer us support throughout the duration of the contract. This has resulted in a significantly improved food service offer across all schools within the Trust.
I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending WLP for food service and cleaning consultancy for a school or Trust. We continue to look forward to working with WLP in the future.
We have worked with WLP since 2017, when they successfully tendered our catering service. Since then we have engaged the team to tender our cleaning service and a one to one device scheme. Each time the service has been excellent. Doreen and her team make everything clear and painless – giving advice that is essential to us being compliant whilst seeking to get the best value arrangements for the school.
Thank you for all your help. It has been a massive relief to have the support and guidance of WLP after all we have been through, and a real boost to my confidence to have your assistance.
I feel we are moving in the right direction at last and things in the kitchen are 100 per cent better than this time last year. Thank you again.
WLP have added to our family ethos. They go that extra mile to ensure that our vision for healthy children is delivered. They support menus and enhance the school’s catering team to produce quality food which children enjoy!
Previous suppliers and catering companies have not delivered on promises. WLP provide us with practical support, financial suggestions and solutions. WLP = Wonderful Lunch Providers!
WLP and WGSB have worked together since January 2011 and have developed a mutual understanding and respect for each other.
WLP have provided management services and advice including full tendering and procurement services for our Cleaning Service, Catering and Grounds Maintenance during this period in a most professional and effective manner.
In addition WLP have provided valuable ongoing support with the management of the above contracts through Service Level Agreements and regular termly review meetings, which have been encompassed within the trustees system of internal control and assurance.
We look forward to developing our relationship and partnership further in the future.
“Award of the contract is not the end of the process and to ensure value for money you must commit to regular contract monitoring. The Trust have been working in partnership with WLP since 2016 who have provided support in securing effective catering and cleaning solutions and guiding us through the complexities of legislation in the tendering and monitoring of these services.
Contract monitoring is key to the Trust ensuring that the contracts are delivered to a high standard and monitored against the KPI’s, and targets set which helps our schools remain compliant and maximise contract value. WLP’s efficient reliable and dedicated team have extensive knowledge and expertise in the education sector. WLP have provided excellent value for money and their expertise in the procurement and contract monitoring process has proven to be invaluable to the Trust and our schools.”
Before we used WLP, we used the ex-LA catering provider. Although the staff were reasonably happy, the uptake was low and the provider did not do anything to help us increase the numbers. They were allowed by the LA to take any losses directly from our school budget so had no incentive. Supply cover was rarely provided. The management fee was around £6000 pa.
When the UIFSM grant was introduced we took the decision to take the catering in-house.
Doreen Harris at WLP was recommended to me by a business manager colleague. As soon as I met Doreen, I knew she was someone I could work with. Although she has moved into a different role, we still have the same excellent relationship with the consultants who have replaced her.
With WLP’s advice, guidance and training our staff have delighted in grasping control of their own kitchens. (We federated in 2017 and took the kitchen in the second school to WLP last April). They feel like they are running their own businesses. They can set their own menus as they know better than anyone what the children like to eat. There is so much more freedom, but with the safety net of WLP looking after the statutory guidelines in the background. We also have access to their purchasing consortium.
As a result we have had a significant rise in numbers in both schools. Both schools now make a profit on the catering rather than a loss – the second school last year had a loss of £3,500 which has been turned into profit already. The management fee for WLP is much reduced and I can honestly say there is much more support. The only difference is that there isn’t any supply cover, although the consultants will come in and roll up their sleeves if they can. However, due to the profits, I have employed more staff so we can usually cover internally.
The consultants visit the kitchen staff regularly and also meet with me to give me feedback and to discuss trends and issues. We also discuss the budget, which they monitor regularly.
Neither of my cooks would go back and are much happier with the support they receive.
I would unreservedly recommend WLP for all aspects of their service. Employ them and you will never look back!
I would like to give praise and heartfelt thanks to all of the staff at WLP who helped myself project manage and seamlessly transition our Multi Academy Trust to In-house catering across 7 of our schools at the same time and also helped assist with the complex tender process to procure a service contract for the remaining establishment within our family of schools.
From start to finish, their professionalism, organisation, communication and expertise in all areas excelled all of my expectations. Our kitchen staff have a trusted source to call for advice and guidance at any time. They keep us updated on legislation changes and implement updated protocols without us even having to think about it.
They helped to give our teams the confidence to create beautifully, nutritionally balanced meals for all of our children within our trust. Their guidance and support has helped our cooks and catering staff greatly on this transitional journey and help give them the confidence to strive and take ownership of their own kitchens – WHAT A SUCCESS!
They are always one step ahead with our catering needs and give that family feel approach to their service and would recommend their service highly. They continue to support us on this journey and we hope that this professional relationship continues for many years to come.
Paul, Doreen, Clare & Alison – A massive thankyou to you all from Empower Trust!
