University of Sussex seeks catering services provider

The current income (2011–2012) from catering is in the region of £2.2 million a year, while the current income (2011-2012) from conferencing is about £1.3m. John Duffy, the university registrar and secretary, said the move, to be completed by August 2013, was expected to bring wider market experience and expertise to the university to enable it to meet the increasing demands of a highly competitive environment. "We expect to see continued growth at Sussex as we attract greater numbers of high-quality students from the UK and overseas, and expand our research activity. "Student numbers at Sussex have grown by 2,000 in just the last two years, reaching 12,000 this year, and we are planning for 15,000 by 2015-16." "We have already made significant improvements in our support services to students and staff, and we need now to sustain them into the future as efficiently and effectively as possible." The existing catering services team currently manages a range of cafes and restaurants on campus. The central catering facilities and cafes have recently been extensively refurbished. There is a conference centre that offers a selection of flexible rooms, decked terraces, and scenic views, and is used by internal and external clients. It is non-residential, and let in conjunction with on-campus bedrooms in the summer vacation. Currently 67 members of staff are employed in the catering and conference services. Under TUPE regulations (the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006) they would be transferred to the new provider on their current terms and conditions (with the exception of future participation in university pension schemes). To express an interest and obtain the information pack, visit https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofsussex/aspx/Tenders/Current. Completed PQQ applications must be returned electronically no later than 12 noon on Monday, June 11th. The University already works with a range of external providers that deliver services on the campus: for example, it uses external partners to provide grounds-maintenance services, and most of its cleaning and laundry services.