Across the UK, financial pressures are forcing more local authorities to rethink their school catering provision. Rising food and labour costs, combined with ongoing funding challenges, have already led some councils and local authority providers to withdraw services or review their operating models.
For schools and Multi-Academy Trusts, this creates an immediate challenge: how do you secure a new catering partner quickly, compliantly and without disrupting pupils’ daily experience?
That was the situation facing The Inspire Multi Academy Trust (TIMAT).
When catering provision suddenly changes
In late 2025, TIMAT learned that its incumbent local authority catering provider would be withdrawing services across all schools. At the same time, multiple trusts in the South West were expected to enter the market looking for alternative providers, increasing pressure on supplier capacity and mobilisation timelines ahead of the September 2026 academic year.
Recognising the importance of acting quickly, TIMAT worked with us to bring its procurement process forward and secure a new catering partner ahead of anticipated market pressures.
Why timing matters
One of the biggest risks schools face in these situations is waiting too long. As more contracts come to market at the same time, suppliers can become stretched, reducing competition and limiting the mobilisation support available to schools.
By moving early, TIMAT was able to:
- Generate strong supplier interest
- Secure competitive commercial offers
- Access dedicated mobilisation resource
- Allow sufficient time for a smooth transition
Following an initial meeting in December 2025, we prepared and released the tender to market within just three weeks.
Turning a challenge into an opportunity
Rather than simply replacing its outgoing provider, TIMAT also used the process as an opportunity to review its catering offer more strategically.
Through targeted pre-procurement engagement and a fully compliant competitive flexible tender process, the Trust secured a strong field of bidders and was able to assess both financial and qualitative proposals in detail.
Importantly, the successful contractor was appointed with a May 2026 half-term mobilisation date, creating valuable lead-in time ahead of the new academic year and helping minimise disruption for pupils and staff.
Key lessons for schools and trusts
TIMAT’s experience highlights several important lessons for schools facing similar challenges:
1. Don’t wait: The earlier schools engage with the market, the stronger their position is likely to be.
2. Treat procurement strategically: A catering change is an opportunity to improve quality, service and long-term alignment – not simply replace an outgoing provider.
3. Market conditions matter: Regional supplier demand, mobilisation capacity and timing all influence outcomes significantly.
4. Transition planning is critical: Securing the right supplier is only part of the process. Successful mobilisation determines whether pupils and staff experience a smooth changeover.
5. Specialist support can accelerate the process: With compliant procurement requirements, operational pressures and limited internal resource, expert guidance can help trusts move quickly and confidently.
Aaron Meredith, CEO and Executive Headteacher at TIMAT (South West), said: “Litmus’ detail, knowledge and experience helped us navigate what could become a very taxing, complex and time-consuming tender process, quickly and confidently at a pace that many others would have struggled to achieve. The outcome has been an excellent one for our schools, securing a first-class contractor that aligns closely with our values and expectations for our children and community.”
With more local authority catering services under pressure, proactive planning is becoming increasingly important for schools and trusts looking to protect service quality and continuity for pupils.
Read the full TIMAT case study – including details of the procurement process, mobilisation approach and outcomes achieved – here.
The Litmus team
