HEART Academies Trust and allmanhall: partnering for a sustainable future
Overview
“Our partnership is rooted in sustainability and social value. allmanhall supports HEART’s climate-conscious goals by helping measure and reduce the Trusts’ carbon footprint, offering carbon labelling via Foodsteps, and exploring waste management solutions. The collaboration also extends to staff training in preparing planet-friendly meals and engaging students… these initiatives align with HEART’s broader sustainability strategy”.
– Paul Edmond, Chief Finance & Sustainability Officer
Background
Following a rigorous tender process, allmanhall was selected as the preferred procurement partner. Their practical experience and commitment to supporting sustainability goals, including the reduction of the Trust’s carbon footprint, set them apart.
What has the partnership with allmanhall achieved?
The collaboration between HEART Academies Trust and allmanhall has continued to evolve, delivering tangible and wide-ranging benefits in support of the Trust’s sustainability ambitions.
Among the most significant achievements has been a 20% saving in food costs, which enabled the Trust to provide a free breakfast to every student – a vital intervention at a time when many children are skipping or unable to afford the first meal of the day.
In addition, allmanhall introduced a complimentary, tailored catering controls platform. This innovation not only supported further cost savings but also gave the Trust much greater visibility over its food waste, enabling more proactive and data-led reduction efforts.
“Their catering controls platform was head and shoulders above what we’d seen or what we had previously been using and that platform allows the team to count stock, place orders, record wastage…… it is very smooth and they’re on hand whenever you need them. It allows us time to focus on the food – what we’re here for!”
– Russell Abbey, previously Head of Catering Services
The savings generated through allmanhall’s procurement expertise also empowered HEART to invest in new catering equipment, purchased at a 20% discount through Nisbets, sustainable branded cups and aprons, and open a coffee shop at Bedford Academy – an initiative that has been particularly well received by students.
allmanhall’s consultative approach has supported HEART in making more environmentally conscious product choices. Recommendations included switching to condiments from Rubies in the Rubble, a brand that uses surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste, and moving from bottled to canned water from Radnor, significantly reducing single use plastic.
In alignment with HEART’s climate goals, allmanhall also worked closely with the Trust to introduce food carbon labelling through Foodsteps. This initiative highlighted lower-carbon menu options and prompted changes to existing menus, including replacing ruminant-heavy recipes with more sustainable, plant-based alternatives.
In support of HEART’s wider ESG objectives, allmanhall has been actively involved in engaging the local community. Notably, Ivor Richards, allmanhall’s Client Relationship Manager, volunteered at HEART’s 2024 winter CANTEAM Christmas event. This community initiative provided disadvantaged families and elderly residents with a festive meal, entertainment, and a sense of seasonal joy.
Looking ahead, allmanhall will continue to support HEART Academies Trust through a series of ongoing projects. These include training for catering staff, student-focused assemblies to raise awareness of sustainability, and further community engagement event.
All of this support is in addition to the core day-to-day management of the Trust’s supply chain and suppliers. allmanhall also provides continuous cost savings through expert price negotiations, and regular, strategic consultancy that enhances both the nutritional value and environmental impact of school meals.
What did the client say?
“The partnership between HEART Academies Trust and allmanhall has delivered tangible cost savings and operational efficiencies that directly benefit families across the Trust.
By streamlining procurement and ordering systems, the Trust has been able to reduce invoice processing time, freeing up staff capacity whilst maintaining financial oversight. These efficiencies, alongside work to negotiate improved pricing, has meant HEART has been able to direct more investment into frontline education”
– Paul Edmond, Chief Finance & Sustainability Officer