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Reversing the industry trend
When Graham Drew took over ARAMARK Scotland as Regional Director four years ago, the company had only one Operations Manager and one Salesman for 22 contracts. These days, with an impressive client-retention record including The Robert Gordon University, Stevenson's College, Banta Global Turnkey and the University of Paisley, they manage more than 60.
Catering in Scotland looks at the company's continued success in an increasingly competitive market…
'As ARAMARK Scotland has grown, we are proud to say that every one of our team has been born, grown up and worked here in Scotland,' says Graham. 'Now we have three Regional Operations Managers, four Operations Managers and a new Food Services Manager. 'The experience we bring, and the knowledge we have of the Scottish marketplace across all lines of business, is unique, giving us the cutting edge.'
Drew's passion for his expanding team's success stems from his enthusiasm for the industry and, as he says, 'contrary to competitor and industry practice,' ARAMARK Scotland has achieved year-on year-growth. Indeed, so successful has their recent track record been that Business Development Manager Stewart Dunn is currently talking to companies in Cumbria and the North East of England, 'inspiring them with a little bit of Scottish magic and the ARAMARK ethos of integrity and trust.'
Having built up a strong relationship with the Salvation Army, Drew, Dunn and Graham Merchant helped to boost ARAMARK Scotland's tally to a total of 95 contracts.
The company created a healthcare division to run the highly specialised market. Graham Merchant, as Operations Manager for the Salvation Army, moved to the new division as Regional Operations Director to help grow the relationship.
'ARAMARK Scotland will be working closely in 2007 with the Scottish Executive and Dr Claire Brown, Project Manager of the Healthyliving Award, to roll out the sought-after accolade across the entire ARAMARK estate,' continues Drew. 'We are also offering additional services to catering, including cleaning, reception, concierge services, grounds maintenance, window-cleaning, security and swimming-pool inspections, as well as many more soft services.
'With the opportunities we have out there, using the skills of our managers and more robust, operational team, and providing the customer benefits that our service expansion offers, ARAMARK will continue to be one of the leaders in the Scottish marketplace.'
And with new contracts all over Scotland including Falck Nutec, Michelin, Cigna International, Grampian Foods and Exxon Mobil's new high class café deli bar in Aberdeen, which serves 250 employees, the wheels of ARAMARK Scotland's machine are very much in motion.
This article has been edited from its original version. For the complete feature please see Catering in Scotland magazine November/December 2006.
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