Ashby-based Wilson Vale continues to operate 18 of its catering operations, feeding approximately 2,000 keyworkers each day across independent and special needs schools and the pharmaceutical sector.
Enhancing safety and compliance practices have been a significant focus in recent weeks. The independent catering company has already purchased £120K worth of PPE equipment, including enough masks for people to travel to and from work in, visors and masks for the workplace, gloves, aprons, contactless hand sanitisers and safe distancing signage.
Alan Beddie, managing director of Wilson Vale, said: “We are putting everything possible in place to minimise risk to our staff and customers. We are running at 20% operational rate at the moment, with many of our sites and staff in hibernation, so we are using this time to assess every aspect of our operations to ensure that we will be ready to go once current restrictions ease.”
“Our senior team and operational staff are getting a good rest at present, but communication has been important; keeping in touch with our clients and senior team has been crucial as relationships are the bedrock of Wilson Vale. Although the way we work in the future will inevitably change, we will, naturally, continue to operate with the culture and sense of teamwork that has enabled us to establish the exciting position the business enjoys.
“Daily business life has continued to a degree. With the confidence of being in a stable financial position, we have continued to co-ordinate resources across the business and have remained active in the development and retention market, with two contract extensions already secured and two decisions pending – real tonic for the team in the current climate.”