The UK's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) has selected Compass Group subsidiary ESS to deliver catering, retail, leisure, cleaning, laundry and reception services at its Porton Down location in Wiltshire and Portsdown, West Hampshire.
Over 40 employees have transferred to ESS' payroll under the mobilisation, with the company working closely with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and other MOD stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition of services.
The contract follows the award to ESS of a Hestia South West Multi Activity contract which covers more than 250 military establishments from Cornwall to the north of Scotland, including operational headquarters, and training environments operated by the DIO and its industry partners.
ESS will provide a high street style dining and retail experience for customers at both locations.
The company is offering a range of hot and cold food concepts at breakfast and lunch, hot and cold drink ranges, and retail items to take away.
Health and wellbeing are promoted through plant-forward dishes and daily healthier options selected and signposted by ESS nutritionists.
Michael Neal, Area Manager for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, says, "I am delighted that we are going to be continuing and expanding our relationship to work closely with ESS and to bring in DSTL into the Hestia contract.
ESS has worked collaboratively with DIO and DSTL for a smooth transition of the estate.
We are looking forward to a productive relationship."
Bob Gray, Managing Director of ESS Defence, adds: "We’re excited to bring DSTL into the Hestia South West contract which we’ve been operating since June 2018.
"This is a great opportunity for us to provide customers at both sites with a range of new food and beverage offers, as well as high-quality soft FM services.
We’re proud to be supporting DSTL and we’ve enjoyed welcoming our new colleagues and customers."
