This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

16 Jun 2026 at 09:28

Tender

18 Feb 2026 at 20:00

Summary of the contracting process

The Embark Multi Academy Trust is seeking to outsource its Catering Service for primary and secondary schools under an open procedure, with potential for additional schools to join as the Trust expands. The procurement process has progressed to award stage, with an award notice published on 16 June 2026. The trust is located in Derby, UK, and the service aims to provide high-quality meals while ensuring value for money. The awarded contract, valued at £3,500,000, is scheduled to start on 1 September 2026 and run until 31 August 2029, with options for two additional one-year extensions. The procurement process included submissions from three final-stage bidders, and the service falls under the industry category of school catering services.

This tender presents an excellent growth opportunity for businesses specialising in catering services, particularly those experienced in educational settings. Large-scale catering providers, like the awarded supplier, Aspens-Services Limited, are well-suited to deliver on this tender due to the significant contract value and scope. The contract includes provisions for accommodating new schools joining the Trust, offering potential for ongoing business expansion. Suppliers with expertise in quality culinary offerings, menu planning, and efficient service models will find this an advantageous procurement to pursue, given the contract’s extension options and the strategic opportunity to embed services within a growing educational trust network.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Embark - Outsource Catering Service

Notice Description

The Trust was seeking an outsourced Catering Service to provide a high-quality service and school meal, whilst delivering value for money for the school, parents and pupils using the Services. The tender is for primary and secondary schools however further schools may join the contract as the Trust grows.

Lot Information

Lot LOT-0000

Options: To include schools who join the Trust and associated services

Renewal: Two further 1 year extensions (3+1+1)

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-065794
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/056483-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services


CPV Codes

55520000 - Catering services

55524000 - School catering services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£3,500,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£3,500,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
£3,500,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
16 Jun 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
2 Apr 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
14 Jun 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
2031-01-01

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
EMBARK MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
Additional Buyers

EMBARK FEDERATION

PHP LAW LLP

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
TOTNES
Postcode
TQ9 5RW
Post Town
Torquay
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK43 Devon CC
Delivery Location
TLF East Midlands (England)

Local Authority
South Hams
Electoral Ward
Totnes
Westminster Constituency
South Devon

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

ASPENS-SERVICES

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-065794-2026-06-16T10:28:58+01:00",
    "date": "2026-06-16T10:28:58+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-065794",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PPRM-9434-VNYQ",
            "name": "PHP Law LLP",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PPRM-9434-VNYQ"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Unit 3 The Brutus Centre Station Road Totnes",
                "locality": "Totnes",
                "postalCode": "TQ9 5RW",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKK43"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Claire Jones",
                "email": "claire.jones@phplaw.co.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "procuringEntity",
                "processContactPoint"
            ],
            "roleDetails": "Procurement Consultant"
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PYLY-4964-TXGH",
            "name": "Embark Federation",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PYLY-4964-TXGH"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "University of Derby Kedleston Road",
                "locality": "Derby",
                "postalCode": "DE22 1GB",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKF11"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Richard Mansfield",
                "email": "richard.mansfield@embarkfed.org.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-11717748",
            "name": "EMBARK MULTI ACADEMY TRUST",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "11717748"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PYLY-4964-TXGH"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "University Of Derby",
                "locality": "Derby",
                "postalCode": "DE22 1GB",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKF11"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "ben.riggott@embarkfed.org.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-OC429243",
            "name": "PHP LAW LLP",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "OC429243"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PPRM-9434-VNYQ"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Unit 3 The Brutus Centre",
                "locality": "Totnes",
                "postalCode": "TQ9 5RW",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKK43"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "josie.medforth@phplaw.co.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "procuringEntity",
                "processContactPoint"
            ],
            "roleDetails": "Procurement Consultant",
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.phplaw.co.uk"
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-06561073",
            "name": "ASPENS-SERVICES LIMITED",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "06561073"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PJZY-1355-VRGY"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "International House 10 Beaufort Court",
                "locality": "London",
                "postalCode": "E14 9XL",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKI42"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "sales.admin@aspens-services.com"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.aspens-services.co.uk",
                "scale": "large",
                "vcse": false,
                "publicServiceMissionOrganization": false,
                "shelteredWorkshop": false
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-COH-11717748",
        "name": "EMBARK MULTI ACADEMY TRUST"
    },
    "planning": {
        "noEngagementNoticeRationale": "The requirements are not complex, or niche and the Contracting Authority already has an understanding of what they want the service to deliver and the market is known."
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "EBMAT01.48",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Embark - Outsource Catering Service",
        "description": "The Trust was seeking an outsourced Catering Service to provide a high-quality service and school meal, whilst delivering value for money for the school, parents and pupils using the Services. The tender is for primary and secondary schools however further schools may join the contract as the Trust grows.",
        "status": "complete",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "LOT-0000",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "55524000",
                        "description": "School catering services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "55520000",
                        "description": "Catering services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKF",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "LOT-0000"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 4200000,
            "amount": 3500000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "additionalProcurementCategories": [
            "goods"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=102966&TID100108173&B=",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-04-02T11:00:00+00:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-04-02T11:00:00+00:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-05-07T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "LOT-0000",
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 4200000,
                    "amount": 3500000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Proposed Service Model",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 12.5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Service Model Case Study",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Menu Planning & Development",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 10,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Food Offering",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 7.5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Allergy Management",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 7.5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Contractor Staff",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Account Management",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 2.5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Contract Management",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Contract Mobilisation & Risk Management",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 2.5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Sustainability",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 2.5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "cost",
                            "name": "Guaranteed Position Assessment",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "cost",
                            "name": "Guaranteed",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 10,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "selectionCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "economic",
                            "description": "A financial appraisal will be based upon a credit check. Insurances Employer Liability PS10m Public Liability - PS10m Product Liability - PS2m"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "technical",
                            "description": "Provide 3 relevant previous contract examples To constitute a pass, the contract examples provided shall be relevant to the requirement, with a sufficient level of detail that provides confidence in the Tenderer's established past experience in similar and relevant projects/contracts. The contracts must be within the education sector and similar complexity and working on more than one site within the contract. My Checklist The checklist is here to help you finalize the notice. Click the Validate-button below to generate your checklist. Validate Europe/London"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-09-01T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2029-08-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2031-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Two further 1 year extensions (3+1+1)"
                },
                "hasOptions": true,
                "options": {
                    "description": "To include schools who join the Trust and associated services"
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "015007-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/015007-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-02-18T20:00:25Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "hasRecurrence": true,
        "recurrence": {
            "dates": [
                {
                    "startDate": "2031-01-01T23:59:59Z"
                }
            ]
        },
        "contractTerms": {
            "financialTerms": "One invoice per month Invoicing for UIFSM & FSM based on actual meals taken, broken down by school"
        },
        "riskDetails": "Financial Inflation and Rising Costs: Food price inflation, energy bills, and wage increases. Caterers locked into long-term contracts may struggle to remain profitable, risking service quality or contract withdrawal. Staffing Challenges Recruitment Difficulties: Shortages of skilled catering staff, especially in rural or low-income areas. Difficulty attracting and retaining staff due to limited pay and benefits. Training Gaps: Inadequate training in food safety, allergens, and safeguarding can lead to compliance issues. Reputational and Compliance Risks Non-compliance with School Food Standards can result in reputational damage and regulatory scrutiny. Non-compliance with the tender specification or compliance requirement"
    },
    "language": "en",
    "bids": {
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "measure": "bids",
                "value": 3,
                "relatedLot": "LOT-0000"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "measure": "finalStageBids",
                "value": 3,
                "relatedLot": "LOT-0000"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "measure": "smeFinalStageBids",
                "value": 1,
                "relatedLot": "LOT-0000"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "measure": "vcseFinalStageBids",
                "value": 0,
                "relatedLot": "LOT-0000"
            }
        ]
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "title": "Embark - Outsource Catering Service",
            "status": "pending",
            "date": "2026-06-15T00:00:00+01:00",
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 4200000,
                "amount": 3500000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "additionalProcurementCategories": [
                "goods"
            ],
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-COH-06561073",
                    "name": "ASPENS-SERVICES LIMITED"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "LOT-0000",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "55524000",
                            "description": "School catering services"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UKF",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "LOT-0000"
                }
            ],
            "standstillPeriod": {
                "endDate": "2026-06-25T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "contractPeriod": {
                "startDate": "2026-09-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2029-08-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                "maxExtentDate": "2031-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "hasRenewal": true,
            "renewal": {
                "description": "Two further 1 year extensions (3+1+1)"
            },
            "hasOptions": true,
            "options": {
                "description": "The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid. To include schools who join the Trust and associated services"
            },
            "relatedLots": [
                "LOT-0000"
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "056483-2026",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK6",
                    "description": "Contract award notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/056483-2026",
                    "datePublished": "2026-06-16T10:28:58+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ],
            "assessmentSummariesDateSent": "2026-06-16T00:00:00+01:00",
            "milestones": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "type": "futureSignatureDate",
                    "dueDate": "2026-06-26T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "status": "scheduled"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}