TESTIMONIALS

When asked why he chose Palmer & Howells and favoured a three year contract, Tyrone Smith, Domestic Bursar replied:

"Our food costs are less than they were six years ago when we employed another major education catering company, yet the food goes from strength to strength and has increased in quality year on year with Palmer & Howells. I am delighted to have found a catering company that delivers 'Net Purchasing'. It has ensured that we continue the School's policy to improve the food we offer and not skimp on this important service to our pupils."

Bob Hazard is the Catering Manager at Kingham and he has been amazed at the difference in approach when comparing it to the company he previously worked for. "Palmer & Howells have a completely open and honest policy, which I find a refreshing change and easy to work with."

Mark College Steve Chinn, Principal of Mark College had this to say on our first year report:

"As a small rural school we were apprehensive about bringing in contract caterers after running the catering 'In-House' for many years.

Palmer & Howells have calmed all our fears. They handled the transition superbly, produce good quality food within the agreed budget, with the minimum of hassle for me. One of my better management decisions!"

Dean Close School, Cheltenham

We have been on-site since we began some five years ago, and have implemented a new cost control regime. We were the first caterers to come within the School's budget. The Headmaster, Jonathan Lancashire, in a Press Release quoted:

"The School has formed an excellent working relationship with Palmer & Howells and we are absolutely delighted with their support and commitment to providing a first class catering service together with the highest standards of food and cost control. One or other of the Directors always attends the major School functions which is very reassuring".

"They take the time and trouble to listen to the customers, i.e. the pupils, and translate what they want into the catering service. An example of this recently was demonstrated when a group of pupils asked if they could use 'FairTrade' coffee, that is coffee produced from farms where the farmers are paid a fair price for their crops. This has now been incorporated throughout the School's catering service."

The Downs School, Malvern

We have been at the Downs since April 2000. We took over the contract from a National Contractor and implemented our new financial controls and purchasing. The School thought the purchase invoices and supplier price lists were erroneous, as they were from exactly the same suppliers, supplying the same goods but at a much cheaper cost than under the previous regime.

The School have been through a difficult period and we were able to make significant savings to assist them at that time. The previous Headmaster Alistair Ramsey has said of us:

"Catering and cleaning at a small School has its difficulties, not least with staffing. We have been very impressed to find Lorraine in the kitchen at 6.00am when our Catering Manager has been off ill. Not having to worry about this important area of School life is a great weight lifted off our shoulders. We are absolutely delighted with Kevin and Lorraines’ commitment to providing a top class catering and housekeeping service."