Anchor is England’s largest not-for-profit provider of specialist housing and care for those in later life. Caterplus employs around 400 employees to provide specialist catering services for over 3,000 residents living within 63 of Anchor’s extra care locations across England.
The service includes a three-course lunch which residents can enjoy either in the communal restaurant or in their apartments. There is also an optional breakfast service available.
The Caterplus team provides additional hospitality services for residents and their families, including birthday parties, weddings, funerals and special events such as the Coronation.
Laura Tighe, managing director of Caterplus, said: “We are thrilled to have developed our relationship with Anchor. We share Anchor’s passion for creating homes and communities that are a positive choice for those in later life and where all available services – including the food services - support residents’ wellbeing.
“Our expertise in this sector enables us to deliver a bespoke, high-quality service which meets the diverse range of residents that live in Anchor’s extra care locations. To ensure that the food is delicious and enticing, we employ a dedicated development chef to create bespoke menus for this contract. We also run an ‘Anchor Chef of the Year’ competition which helps to drive innovation and creativity; raising standards across all locations.”
Following a successful trial at some Anchor extra care sites, Caterplus has rolled out the introduction of interactive sensory tables. These tables can be used on any surface and enable residents to participate in a range of activities such as painting flowers.
Caterplus has also embraced robotic technology and across the contract has introduced BellaBot, a robot that delivers and clears away trays, freeing up valuable time for Caterplus employees to interact and engage with residents.
Pete Newman, catering contracts manager from Anchor, commented: “We have partnered with Caterplus for more than ten years, and we are delighted that we are continuing to work together to ensure a premium dining experience for our residents.
“We are impressed by Caterplus’ innovative approach not just to the food and service the team provides on a daily basis but also their approach to technology, enhancing the overall service for residents.”