Contract catering FAQs

Discover answers to the most common contract catering questions we are asked, from pricing models and menu customisation to benefits, hygiene standards, and contract types.

What is contract catering?

Contract catering is a long-term partnership where a specialist catering company manages food and beverage services at a client’s workplace. BM Caterers specialises in the business and industry sector and delivers food services to workplaces in sectors including legal, financial services, technology, media and pharmaceuticals> the types of services can include café, restaurants through to Michelin-style dining.

How does contract catering differ from in-house catering?

Unlike in-house teams, contract caterers bring specialist knowledge in menu innovation, cost control, health & safety, HR, procurement, and reporting. we believe this brings clients operational freedom and access to high-impact food experiences without the administrative load.

How is contract catering priced?

Common pricing models include:

• Cost-plus: Caterer bills cost and management fee; overspends or savings are shared

• Cost-plus guaranteed: Fixed cost lines with performance-based incentives

• Fixed subsidy: Annual cost divided into predictable monthly payments

• Fixed cost per head: Charged per user, often used in schools or hospitality

• Nil subsidy/concession: No subsidy; revenue-driven model with client receiving percentage return

• Royalty contract: Guaranteed monthly return on sales, transferring risk to caterer

What services are included?

• Day-to-day dining: Restaurants, ‘grab‑and‑go’, and cafés

• Special event catering: From launches to networking dinners

• Beverage solutions: Barista coffee, vending, speciality coffee and tea and free issue in tea and coffee points, wine and cocktail bar services

• Strategic advice: Service planning, sustainability and ESG alignment with client goals

• Team management: HR, training, financial reporting, compliance

What are the benefits of contract catering?

• Enhanced accountability: Single-source responsibility, performance indicators, detailed reporting

• Operational focus: Clients stay focused on core activities while the contract caterer manages the food. 

• Expertise: Contractors are experts in areas including sourcing, invoicing, and logistics

• Access to award‑winning teams: HR, training, and career development (e.g. Investors in People Gold)

• Health & safety compliance: Access to accredited food safety programmes, health & safety officers, and for independent audits.

• ESG and sustainability: Local sourcing, waste reduction, Carbon calculators, Fairtrade/organic foods, and independent accreditation like EcoVadis silver.

   

How is food quality and hygiene ensured?

Caterers employ certified H&S officers, who deliver comprehensive safety training to the ctaering teams. Annual audits are carried out which ensures the highest standards in hygiene, reporting, and compliance.

Can menus be customised?

Absolutely. Whether it’s healthy or indulgent options, cultural preferences, dietary needs (vegan, halal, gluten-free) or event-specific menus, services are tailored to the client’s workforce’s demographics and wellness strategy.

How are special dietary needs handled?

Menus include clear allergen labelling, alternatives, and ingredient tracking systems. As a specialist caterer, our expertise and systems help manage customers’ diverse requirements seamlessly.

Why partner with BM Caterers?

• Over 100 UK locations, 1000+ team members, serving 40,000 customers daily

• Sustainable leadership: First to earn Sustainable Restaurant Association Three-Star Champion status

• Tailored solutions, flexible menus, and a fresh approach to food and drink