Anchor Homes, England's largest not-for-profit provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, has renewed and expanded a £45 million catering contract with Elior Group business, Caterplus.
Caterplus employs a team of around 400 people on the contract to provide specialist catering services for over 3,000 residents living within 63 'extra care' locations.
In addition to a three-course lunch which can be enjoyed in communal restaurants or within residents' apartments, an optional breakfast service is available, with the caterer additionally providing hospitality services for residents and their families including tailored catering for birthday parties, weddings, funerals, and special events.
We share Anchor’s passion for creating homes and communities that are a positive choice for those in later life and where all available services – including the food services - support residents’ wellbeing.
Following a successful trial, Caterplus has rolled out the introduction of interactive sensory tables which can be used on any surface and enable residents to participate in a wide range of activities, from painting flowers and walking through virtual water to playing football or shove penny.
Robotic technology is also being deployed following the introduction of BellaBot which delivers and clears away trays, freeing up valuable time for Caterplus employees to interact and engage with residents.
BellaBot also injects fun into the dining experience and entertains residents and their guests by singing and telling jokes.
Tablets are available in the restaurants so that residents can provide instant and trackable feedback on Caterplus’ services.
Laura Tighe, Caterplus managing director, says: “We are thrilled to have developed our relationship with Anchor.
We share Anchor’s passion for creating homes and communities that are a positive choice for those in later life and where all available services – including the food services - support residents’ wellbeing.
Our expertise in this sector enables us to deliver a bespoke, high-quality service which meets the diverse range of residents that live in Anchor’s extra care locations.
“To ensure that the food is delicious and enticing, we employ a dedicated development chef to create bespoke menus for this contract.
We also run an ‘Anchor Chef of the Year’ competition which helps to drive innovation and creativity; raising standards across all locations.”
Pete Newman, catering contracts manager for Anchor, adds: “We have partnered with Caterplus for more than ten years, and we are delighted that we are continuing to work together to ensure a premium dining experience for our residents.
We are impressed by Caterplus’ innovative approach
