Here is the third instalment in our Smart Spend series – sharing real stories of how our consultants have helped schools and Trusts achieve real savings and real outcomes. Each blog highlights how practical decisions, expert support, and smart approaches to procurement and operations can make a tangible difference.
This instalment is shared by Diana Lishman, Senior Consultant at Litmus Partnership.
Multi-Academy Trusts are operating at increasing scale, often managing complex supplier relationships across multiple regions. For Star Academies, a high-performing trust with schools across Lancashire, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and East London, ensuring their catering provision delivered both quality and value was a key priority.
In 2020, the Trust asked Litmus to manage a major catering tender covering 25 schools, divided into four regional Lots.
A collaborative approach
Star Academies is widely recognised for its strong commercial capability. In fact, it is only the third MAT in the country to achieve the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Procurement Excellence Standard Award.
From the outset, it was clear that this would be a collaborative process with high expectations on both sides.
Working alongside my colleague Jenny Lenton, we developed all the tender documentation, refining specifications for each Lot and tailoring them to the specific requirements of individual schools. Throughout the process we worked closely with Star Academies, liaising with suppliers, running the competitive tender exercise and ensuring every stage was robust and transparent.
Navigating challenges along the way
Procurement projects don’t always follow a straightforward path. Following the contract award in 2020, the contractor appointed to two of the Lots ultimately declined to proceed. We worked closely with Star Academies to resolve the situation quickly and effectively, reallocating responsibilities to ensure continuity across the schools.
The Northern supplier was appointed to manage the Midlands Lot, while the second-placed London supplier took on the London schools.
By acting quickly and maintaining open communication with Star Academies and suppliers, we ensured the process remained stable and the schools experienced minimal disruption.
Delivering long-term value
Our work didn’t stop once the contract was awarded.
Since contract commencement, Litmus has continued to work closely with Star Academies and the catering provider to establish clear reporting systems, termly KPIs, and support with annual budget and end-of-year profit share negotiations.
Over the first five years of the contract, this partnership has delivered more than £600,000 in savings, while maintaining high standards of service across the Trust.
In 2025, Litmus was again appointed to manage the next catering tender, this time covering 30 schools under the Procurement Act 2023. Through the development of a detailed, bespoke specification and careful evaluation of supplier submissions, the Trust achieved a further £100k in savings against the existing catering budget.
The takeaway
For large MATs operating across multiple regions, catering procurement can quickly become complex. A structured tender process, supported by detailed specifications and strong supplier relationships, can unlock significant financial and operational benefits.
“Diana and Jenny have been excellent to work with. They have really supported and sought to understand our Trust requirements and are flexible in their approach to ensure the best outcome whilst providing strong professional guidance. Their extensive market knowledge and contacts have been hugely helpful to our tender approach and its success. They are also a pleasure to work with and we would certainly use them again.”
Matt Little, Procurement Manager, Star Academies
Read the full story on how we helped Star Academies to save £700k in five years here.
The Litmus team
