Contract caterer Talkington Bates creates new care division

The new operation, Talkington Bates Care Division, is part of Talkington Bates Midlands but will look after sites nationally and will be headed up by Fiona Hopkinson. Hopkinson, whose new title is managing director, Talkington Bates Midlands & Care, commented: "At our care sites, the offering is not just about the catering, it's about the social side that the dining experience provides and the resident/visitor interaction this generates. "We go that extra mile for residents by offering a bespoke service that reflects their individual needs by, for example, offering nutritional information and advice. We have a passion for improving not only the food in this important sector but also the quality of life for residents." Since starting the regional-based operation of Talkington Bates, and developing the care market sector, Hopkinson has built it up to account for around 30% of the group's overall business. "Flexibility is key in this sector: that is why we cater for a range of dietary requirements including diabetic, low cholesterol, low-salt, soft and build-up diets while also taking account of ethnic and cultural food needs. "The families of the residents are regularly invited to Sunday lunches and are encouraged to participate in the nutrition of their senior relatives. They often choose to eat at the restaurant on-site rather than go out elsewhere and we provide very special family dining on occasions such as Mother's and Father's Days." At one of the Hanover Group sites in Bristol, for example, Talkington Bates has a relationship with a local allotment holder to provide fresh herbs and vegetables for the residents. Further initiatives on nutrition have been put in place with kitchen gardens on-site allowing residents to be involved in a fresh dining experience along with recipe suggestions and flexible menu options. The company has also worked with local authorities and groups to get the community involved with residents through hosting coffee mornings and lunches for organisations such as dementia groups.