With decades of experience supporting schools and Multi Academy Trusts, education is the sector Litmus started in – and it remains at the heart of what we do today. From catering and cleaning to IT and wider support services, we help Trusts create efficient, high-quality operations that allow them to focus on what matters most: delivering great education.
This was exactly the challenge facing SHINE Academies. Operating across Wolverhampton, Walsall and Shropshire, the Multi-Academy Trust wanted to create a consistent, high-quality catering experience for every pupil. With a mixed model already in place – with four of its six schools supported by a contracted provider and the remaining schools managed by the Local Authority – SHINE Academies wanted a single, reliable catering partner and turned to the Litmus team for help.
A simpler, smarter tender
We managed the entire tender process, making what could have been complex, straightforward and stress-free. By understanding the Trust’s priorities – from nutrition and operational support to cost transparency – we ensured the chosen provider aligned with SHINE’s values and long-term vision.
Craig Bland, Associate Consultant at Litmus, who led the project, says: “For SHINE Academies, this was about much more than appointing a catering provider. It was about creating a consistent experience for pupils and giving the Trust confidence that their catering provision would be high quality, transparent and sustainable for the long term. Our role was to simplify what can often be a complex process and make sure the outcome truly reflected their values.”
Delivering impact
The results speak for themselves:
- The Trust realised savings in the first year and was able to hold the contractor to account during second‑year contract negotiations.
- A significant amount of time was saved that was previously spent on the operational and financial management of the catering contractor.
- The complex tender process was streamlined, resulting in a straightforward and stress-free experience for the Trust, and a successful and smooth mobilisation of the new service provider.
- The Trust now benefits from improved levels of honesty and commitment, supported by clearly defined guidance.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are easily manageable.
Gemma Draycott, CEO, SHINE Academies, said: “Craig Bland at Litmus started working with SHINE Academies in January 2024 to manage a tender for our catering services across the Trust. From the outset, Craig took the time to understand our organisation, our priorities, and what we needed from a catering partner. His involvement, detailed knowledge and expertise made what could have been a complex process for us, straightforward and stress-free.”
A lasting partnership
With the right structures in place, SHINE Academies now enjoys a consistent catering experience that supports pupil wellbeing and reflects its values of collaboration, courage and compassion. Following this success, SHINE appointed us to provide ongoing contract monitoring, ensuring the service delivery remained compliant and performance met the KPIs.
We have also recently delivered a successful IT Support Services tender for Shine Academies and are currently supporting with a HR and Payroll services tender.
If you’d like to read more on our work with SHINE Academies click here. Or if you’d like to have a chat to our team about how we can help your school or Trust find the right catering provider then get in touch with us here.
The Litmus team
