Contract caterer Cleverchefs has revealed plans to open 40 new catering sites across the UK after securing a six-figure funding package from HSBC UK.
The funding will allow it to provide school meals to 70,000 more pupils per week across independent school, primary, secondary and further education sectors.
The Bristol-headquartered company is also expecting to create up to 150 jobs, and achieve £12m in turnover, across the next 12 months.
Nick Collins, founder of Cleverchefs, said: “Expanding the number of schools and colleges that we serve fresh and fun food to is fantastic for our business, but more importantly it supports our aim of improving food nutrition in the education settings across the UK. A chef-led business is what makes this rapidly expanding company different, we live and breathe food, taking creativeness to a new level.
“HSBC UK’s support has played a crucial part in the expansion process, and the funding has been a central part of our mission to make food the highlight of everyone’s day. We are looking forward to delivering creative and nutritious meals to even more children for many years to come.”
Ceri Thomas, relationship manager for business banking in Wales and West Midlands at HSBC UK, added: “We’re thrilled to be supporting such an innovative business with ambitious expansion plans. This growth will allow more pupils across the Southwest to enjoy healthy and balanced meals at school, and for parents/guardians to feel the benefits too.”
Cleverchefs was established in 2015 and started out in the wedding and event business. During the pandemic, Collins branched out into the contract catering market with a strong focus on education.
