Julie Barker, managing director of TUCO Ltd said: “The merger brings greater efficiency and strength to the organisation and its members; greater value for money in how we operate in the area of procurement; and a more streamlined administration.
“The industry will see changes in how we engage and communicate with our members, partners, external organisations and sector bodies; changes in our competition and training portfolio; and learning and development strategy.
“The new structure allows for strategic growth in our business, and positions ourselves to drive the organisation forward.”
She said the strategic aims of the new organisation would remain faithful to the objectives of its predecessors.
“The promotion of professional standards, excellence in training and development and effective procurement routes through a range of framework agreements are at the heart of this newly created enterprise.”
The board of directors of the new organisation include representatives from both the TUCO Organisation and TUCO Purchasing Ltd.
The board will be chaired by Barker, the head of accommodation and hospitality services at the University of Brighton.
TUCO Ltd is the professional membership organisation for catering professionals in higher and further education institutions in the U.K.