Growing with confidence: how allmanhall supports Futura Learning Partnership
Overview
Futura Learning Partnership are an expanding multi-academy trust, committed to delivering high-quality, nutritious food while achieving best value and embedding sustainability into their operations. In seeking a procurement solution, they engaged allmanhall to help reduce catering expenditure, gain greater visibility and control across multiple sites, and support operational efficiencies through a scalable model.
Futura’s objectives were clear: to deliver sustainable cost savings to drive best value; implement a platform to improve visibility, control and efficiency; and work with an expert partner capable of supporting both sustainability initiatives and the Partnership’s continued growth.
The challenge
Like many multi-academy trusts, Futura’s busy team were managing food procurement themselves, across a wide range of school sites, each with different needs but requiring a consistent standard of quality, compliance, and cost control. This prevented them from having any clear, real-time visibility of spend by site and supplier, making it difficult to manage budgets proactively or standardise their procurement.
With growth on the horizon, they were looking for a flexible procurement model that could scale and grow, in partnership, without adding administrative burden. There was also a powerful desire to build sustainability into their foodservice provision, aligning with their values around carbon reduction and improved waste management.
allmanhall's approach
allmanhall conducted a detailed benchmark of Futura’s food spend in 2024. This process identified demonstrable potential initial savings of around 8%, providing a solid foundation for immediate improvement and ongoing value delivery.
The Partnership adopted allmanhall’s consolidated billing model, allowing them to continue working with a range of suppliers while receiving just
one simplified invoice each month. This significantly reduced administrative overheads and gave their finance teams greater clarity and control. Especially valuable as they add new school sites.
To further improve visibility and procurement control, allmanhall implemented an industry-leading tech platform solution for the Partnership. Licences were funded by allmanhall and training was delivered to the catering team, particularly in the use of the tool for recipe management, stock management and menu creation. They continue to receive ongoing helpdesk support from allmanhall.
The results
The partnership has delivered measurable impact – double digit food cost savings, higher than the initial 8% promised – through smarter procurement and range control. Futura’s catering lead has reported a dramatic decrease in overall expenditure.
The introduction of allmanhall’s catering controls platform has significantly enhanced procurement visibility. Finance and operations teams are now able to monitor spend by site and supplier in real-time, supported by comprehensive monthly reporting.
It has empowered the catering teams to manage menus more effectively, dramatically reduce their expenditure, and gain more control with range management and a restricted Authorised Buying List.
“I am delighted to have partnered with allmanhall as our procurement solution since February 2025. From the initial conversations to mobilisation, the process had been handled very professionally and communication at every stage has been great.
We have also implemented allmanhall’s menu management software which has been very beneficial to our business, from cost control to allergen management.
The Pass platform provides relevant industry information which is always well-received by the Trust’s management team.
I would strongly recommend allmanhall if you are looking for a procurement partner.”
– Sinan Karadag, Catering Lead, Futura Academies Trust
Throughout the partnership, allmanhall has provided consistent, high-quality support. A dedicated Client Relationship Manager and a Client Support Advisor were assigned to Futura, ensuring queries are always responded to by a member of the team. Regular catchups and monthly
reports on spend have kept the Partnership well-informed and able to act on trends and insights.
The relationship was strong from the outset and has remained collaborative. For example, representatives from Futura have attended supplier innovation events, such as Vegetarian Express’s Eat Curious showcase in Bedford, helping them explore more sustainable product choices and trends.
The future
As the Partnership grows, allmanhall’s procurement model is proving to be robust and scalable. The onboarding of 11 North Somerset schools from
March 2026 will allow Futura to expand without compromise to quality or control.
allmanhall are supporting the Partnership’s ambition to improve sustainability credentials by introducing Foodsteps carbon-labelling into menus from April 2026. This will help inform more sustainable menu choices and provide transparency on environmental impact.
Conclusion
The collaborative relationship between allmanhall and Futura Learning Partnership highlights what can be achieved when procurement, technology, and expert support come together. By focusing on sustainable cost savings, improved visibility, and operational efficiency, allmanhall have helped the Partnership gain control, reduce spend, and prepare for future growth.
This success reflects allmanhall’s commitment to its core values – putting people first, thinking independently, delivering real results, staying informed, and building valuable relationships that truly last.