Caterplus expands contract with Anchor

The catering services business specialising in the care and retirement living sector has retained and expanded its contract with Anchor, which is worth £45 million over its duration.

Anchor is England’s largest not-for-profit provider of specialist housing and care for those in later life. Caterplus, an Elior business, employs around 400 employees to provide specialist catering services for over 3,000 residents living within 63 of Anchor’s extra care locations across England.

The service includes a three-course lunch which residents can enjoy either in the communal restaurant or in their apartments, there is also an optional breakfast service available. The Caterplus team can provide additional hospitality services for residents and their families, such as bespoke tailored catering services for birthday parties, weddings, funerals, and special events.

Digital innovation is important to Caterplus and Anchor. Following a successful trial at some Anchor extra care sites, Caterplus has rolled out the introduction of interactive sensory tables. These cutting-edge tables 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.

Caterplus has also embraced robotic technology and across the contract has introduced BellaBot, a robot that delivers and clears away trays, freeing up valuable time for Caterplus employees to interact and engage with residents. BellaBot also injects some 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, Managing Director of Caterplus, said: “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 from Anchor, commented: “We have partnered with Caterplus for more than 10 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 not just to the food and service the team provides on a daily basis but also their approach to technology, enhancing the overall service for residents.”