Mulberry Schools Trust - Catering Services
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Think about the students, not just the service
When I look at this tender, the biggest thing that stands out is the focus on the students.
Yes, you're providing catering services to six schools.
But what you're really delivering is an experience that shapes students' daily lives.
The Mulberry Schools Trust isn't just looking for meals.
They want a service that enhances student wellbeing, supports educational achievement and fosters a sense of community.
They're seeking high-quality, nutritious and appealing food that encourages students to make healthy choices.
That's what I'd build my submission around.
Remember, it's about transformation
The Trust's ethos is clear.
Education is a human right, and catering plays a role in this transformation.
Your response should reflect how your service can contribute to overcoming barriers and providing opportunities for all students.
This isn't just about serving food.
It's about being part of a larger mission to create equality of opportunity and support personal development.
Pay attention to what they say
The notice gives us some clear indications of priorities.
High-quality, nutritious food tops the list.
But it's not just about what you serve—it's about how you serve it.
The Trust wants meals prepared on-site with fresh, local ingredients.
And they want you to be adaptable—flexible menus that cater to the diverse needs of their school communities.
They're looking for a contractor who can manage a service that supports and encourages catering staff.
If I were writing this tender, I'd ensure these points are front and centre.
Evidence of engagement is crucial
If there's one thing that can set you apart, it's showing how you'll engage with the school communities.
The Trust values meaningful engagement with pupils, parents and school leaders.
They want a service that's responsive and adapts to the needs of each school.
Evidence always beats promises.
If you have past examples of successful engagement and adaptation, now's the time to showcase them.
- Practical examples of flexible menu adaptations
- Testimonials from past clients about service responsiveness
- Case studies of engaging with diverse school communities
Sustainability isn't optional—it's expected
Environmental sustainability is a key theme here.
The Trust expects a commitment to sustainable and ethical practices.
That means using seasonal and locally sourced produce, reducing food waste and efficient energy use.
Reflect on how your operations align with these principles.
And don't just talk about it—provide concrete examples and evidence of what you've done in the past.
Consistency is the challenge
Delivering a consistent service across multiple sites is no easy task.
The Trust is looking for consistent standards across all six schools.
Consider how you'll manage staff, maintain standards and ensure compliance with food safety and dietary inclusion.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd want to see:
- A robust staff management plan, including training and development
- Procedures for maintaining food hygiene and allergen management
- Strategies for consistent service delivery across all locations
Financial sustainability cannot be overlooked
The Trust wants value for money without compromising quality.
They expect effective financial management and a proactive approach to improving participation.
Your submission should demonstrate how you'll deliver an affordable and financially sustainable service.
This means transparent pricing, efficient operations and demonstrating value for money.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
Remember who you're trying to convince.
This isn't just a contract for catering services.
It's an opportunity to be part of a community dedicated to transforming lives through education.
Every response should be tied back to how it supports the Trust's mission.
How does your service contribute to the wellbeing and educational experience of the students?
That's the question to test every answer against.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on food without considering the broader educational impact
- Ignore the importance of on-site preparation with local ingredients
- Fail to demonstrate flexibility in menu and service delivery
- Overlook the need for engagement with school communities
- Provide generic statements without evidence of past success
- Neglect environmental sustainability commitments
- Lack a clear plan for maintaining consistency across all schools
- Underestimate the importance of financial transparency and value for money
My Final Thoughts
Mulberry Schools Trust is not just looking for a catering provider.
They're looking for a partner who shares their commitment to transforming lives through education.
With a contract value of £8,040,809 and a potential duration of up to five years, this is a significant opportunity.
Quality carries more weight than price here.
The Trust's emphasis on high standards, inclusivity and environmental sustainability means your written submission needs to be strong, evidence-based and aligned with their values.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.