With more than 40 years’ experience supporting the education sector, we know that managing a catering tender is about far more than appointing a provider that offers value for money.
It’s about building a robust, sustainable catering model – one that delivers quality, transparency and long-term commercial value for schools and trusts. From developing bespoke specifications and running compliant tender processes, to establishing clear reporting systems, KPI monitoring and supplier accountability, the right approach can deliver meaningful results for years to come.
For many of the schools and trusts we work with, that has translated into significant six-figure savings, alongside stronger partnerships with providers and improved operational performance.
A great example is our work with Star Academies – one of the UK’s leading multi-academy trusts, operating schools across Lancashire, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and East London. With a reputation for excellence – including becoming only the third MAT in the country to achieve the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Procurement Excellence Standard Award – Star Academies needed a procurement partner that shared those values.
A partnership built on shared standards
Our relationship with Star Academies began in 2020, when the Trust appointed us to manage the tender process for catering provision across 25 schools. The tender was split into four Lots, covering Lancashire, West Yorkshire, the Midlands and London, and required a fully compliant OJEU procurement process.
Leading the project for Litmus was Diana Lishman, Senior Consultant, supported by Jenny Lenton, Associate Consultant. Together, they worked closely with the Trust to develop a detailed tender process tailored to the specific needs of each region and individual school.
Overcoming complexities
Procurement projects can be complex – and, when unexpected challenges arise, having the support of a consultancy is invaluable.
Following the 2020 contract award, the contractor appointed to two of the Lots chose not to proceed. It was a significant hurdle, but Diana worked strategically alongside the Trust to find a solution, ensuring continuity and securing strong replacement appointments without compromising on quality.
Delivering measurable results
Over the initial five-year contract period, Litmus helped Star Academies secure more than £600,000 in catering contract savings, while maintaining high standards of service delivery across the Trust’s schools
When Litmus was reappointed in 2025 to manage the next catering tender – this time across 30 schools under the Procurement Act 2023 – the Trust achieved a further £100,000+ in savings against its existing catering budget. That’s £700k of combined savings.
Beyond the financial return, our team has continued to support Star Academies with:
- Transparent reporting systems
- Termly KPI monitoring
- Annual budget reviews
- End-of-year profit share negotiations
- Ongoing supplier relationship management
Matt Little, Procurement Manager at Star Academies, said: “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.”
Success built on partnership
Our work with Star Academies demonstrates what can be achieved when a trust and consultancy work in true partnership.
While the £700,000 in combined savings is significant, the lasting success of this collaborative partnership is reflected in the strong systems, trusted relationships and continuous improvement that have been built along the way.
To learn more about our work with Star Academies, click here.
The Litmus team
