Over the past few weeks, the Mellors Senior Team and Support Staff have been rolling up their sleeves and stepping into kitchens for a festive edition of our “In at the Sharp End” initiative. More than 40 members of the Mellors Support Office team headed out to our units to support with serving up Christmas lunches and spreading festive cheer. From the Midlands to Middlesbrough, Morecambe to Grimsby, and everywhere in between, their efforts have truly made a difference!

Whether helping with food preparation, serving meals, or tackling the washing up, our head office teams embraced the opportunity to get hands-on and assist our catering teams during one of the busiest times of the year. The initiative is a testament to Mellors mantras of “run it like it’s your own business” and our commitment to fostering a culture of understanding across all areas of the company.

At Mellors, we are proud to be one team, and we actively encourage our head office colleagues to visit our incredible catering teams on-site. These visits offer valuable insights into the dedication, hard work, and attention to detail required to deliver nutritious and delicious meals.

The In at the Sharp End initiative demonstrates Mellors cohesive culture that unites our senior management, support teams, and unit-based staff. By working together towards the same goals – to “Fuel Minds and Nourish Futures”.

Andy Walker, Mellors Operations Director, said:

“This initiative is a brilliant example of Mellors teamwork in action. It’s great to see our support step into the front line to better understand the challenges our catering site teams face every day. Christmas, in particular, is an incredibly busy time, with the need to serve hundreds, if not thousands, of students in a matter of minutes.”

“I’m immensely proud of everyone who took part – their efforts not only lightened the load but also spread festive joy and positivity throughout our sites.”

“Through initiatives like In at the Sharp End, Mellors continues to build strong relationships between its teams, creating a culture with shared goals, and a commitment to delivering the very best for the communities we serve.”

Wishing you all a holly jolly, mince-pie-munching Christmas!

Happy New Year! It’s a New Year and a new month, which offers up lots of opportunity to explore what the season has on offer. It may be chilly outside but that doesn’t stop us from getting hot in the kitchen…This month were celebrating the cauliflower!

An incredibly versatile veg, the cauliflower can be used for lots of recipes, from warming curries, to soups, pizza crusts (?!), rice substitute, to comforting cauliflower cheese, this classic British veg is a great seasonal superstar.

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, and its family members include Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage. It’s packed with vitamin C & K and is said to boost heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.

Eating cauliflower in season means it picked at its peak and packed full of nutrients – a perfect pick me up for those January blues!

Did you know?

100% of our suppliers are based in the North of England, which means better quality and fresher ingredients. Most of the delicious food we serve is prepared from scratch in your on-site kitchen, which means better, fresher food for the customers.

So, why choose seasonal?

• Fresher, tastier food – Seasonal fruits and vegetables are picked at the peak of ripeness, when they are at their most flavorful. This means your lunches will taste better and be more appealing to those fussy eaters!
• More nutritious food – Seasonal produce is often higher in nutrients than food that is out of season. This is because it is not picked before it is ripe and has not been stored for long periods of time.
• Lower environmental impact – Cut your carbon footprint & food miles – Eating seasonally helps to reduce the environmental impact of food production because seasonal produce can be sourced more locally.
• Food appreciation – Eating seasonally can help teach us about the seasons and where our food comes from. This can help develop a greater appreciation for our food and the environment.

Seasonal Produce – What’s best this January

• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• Parsnips
• Savoy cabbage
• Swedes

Jump into January Theme Day

For those on Mellors Meals, you’ll be seeing a focus on healthy eating and staying active with nutrient-packed foods to help everyone “Eat the Rainbow“ and discover fun, fresh ways to get our customers to eat their 5 a day.

Will you see the cauliflower make a STAR appearance?

Celebrate at Home

Celebrate the humble cauliflower with our Try At Home Recipe – Cauliflower Buffalo “Wings”.

These Cauliflower Hot Wings are a great way to get in some of your 5 a day, and because we’re using a seasonal veg, they’re packed full of nutrients and better on your pocket.

Encourage your kids to love cauliflower as much as us with this Cauliflower Colouring Sheet

Do you have other ways to cook cauliflower? What’s YOUR favourite?

Let us know on ‘X’ @mellorscatering

Christmas Jumper Day was celebrated in true Mellors style, with plenty of flair and festive sparkle! From our catering sites across the North of England and the Midlands to the Support Office, we donned our finest festive knitwear – and the result was nothing short of magical.

This year, our efforts supported Mellors’ charity partner, Zoë’s Place. Once again, the Mellors team demonstrated their incredible enthusiasm, showing they’re always ready to pull on a Christmas jumper and spread smiles to children’s faces.

From glittering reindeer designs to quirky Santas and everything in between, we swapped our usual uniforms for a fun-filled day that was enjoyed by all.

Mellors Catering Services is thrilled to announce that we have been recognised with a “Highly Commended” award in the Health and Wellness category at the prestigious Active Lancashire annual awards. The event took place at Crow Wood Hotel & Spa in Burnley on Friday 15th November, where businesses and organisations across Lancashire celebrated their sporting, community initiatives and wellness in the workplace.

This award acknowledges Mellors commitment to fostering health, happiness, and wellness not only within the workplace but also at home too.

Tony Trainor, CEO at Mellors, said:

“The entire team has worked tirelessly to weave health and wellness initiatives into the fabric the Mellors culture. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team members who consistently strive to develop, innovate, and improve our health and wellness at Mellors. I’m incredibly proud of the Mellors team for achieving this success and for being recognised for this prestigious award.”

Mellors has introduced a variety of forward-thinking initiatives to enhance the well-being of its employees and their families. These include:

• Wellness walks to encourage physiscal activity and mental relaxation.
• Step Challenges to promote friendly competition and healthier lifestyles among employees.
• Menopause Support Sessions, providing vital education and support for a better understanding of health issues impacting women.
• Family Fun Days, fostering community spirit and creating opportunities for employees to connect and unwind with loved ones.
• Rest & Relaxation week, ensuring all our support teams have uninterrupted time away from the business.

Tony added,

“At Mellors, we take health and wellness seriously because we believe in enriching lives and setting an example for others. We want to be a beacon of positive change, showcasing how businesses can support people which also creates better performances. .”

Receiving this “highly commended” award highlights the impact of Mellors efforts and leading by example to promote holistic well-being.
Looking forward, Mellors is committed to ever-expanding its health and wellness offerings and creating even more opportunities for positive change in the lives of its employees.

Mellors are delighted to unveil an exciting brand re-fresh across all five Priestly Academy Trust’s primary schools over summer, which has transformed mealtimes into a vibrant “World of Fun with Food”.

The new designs are aimed to captivate, engage and inspire young children with immersive characters that jump off the walls, and bring mealtimes to life, injecting excitement and adventure to every lunchtime. We ensured that our marketing not only adds to the fun but also pays tribute to the incredible work Margaret MacMillan did…

But did you know? The very first school dinners in Britain were cooked at Green Lane Primary School in Bradford, on the boilers that once heated the school’s baths. This is where the tradition of school meals began, thanks to the pioneering efforts of Margaret McMillan.

Margaret McMillan – The Trailblazer of School Dinners

Margaret McMillan, alongside her sister Rachel, was a true champion for children’s rights. Her mission was to broaden education, giving children the tools they needed to aspire to greater things. In 1892, McMillan and Dr. James Kerr conducted the first-ever medical inspections of primary school children in the in Bradford. What they discovered was alarming—overcrowding, pollution, and poverty had left children with serious health issues.

To address these problems, McMillan and Kerr recommended regular health checks, better school ventilation, and, most importantly, the introduction of free school meals. At the time, only the poorest children in workhouses received food—usually a stale bun, a banana, and watered-down milk. McMillan argued that if society required children to attend school, then it was responsible for ensuring they were fed properly too.

After years of campaigning, McMillan’s efforts bore fruit in 1906, with the passing of the Education (Provision of Meals) Act. This landmark legislation allowed local authorities to offer free school meals, with the first of these meals being cooked at Green Lane Primary School and distributed across the city.

Fuelling the Future

Today, Mellors is proud to serve nutritious, balanced meals at Green Lane Primary School, the very place where school dinners first began. Nourishing young minds continues, with a focus on fresh, wholesome food that supports children’s growth, development, and ability to learn.

Danielle Watkins, Mellors Head of Nutrition & Food Development, shares her thoughts, “It’s incredibly inspiring to be part of something that started with Margaret McMillan’s vision over a century ago. We feel honoured to fuel the future of young minds at Green Lane Primary, across Priestly Academy Trust schools and in schools over the North of England and Midlands, with meals that are fresh, tasty, and nutritionally balanced. We’re committed to helping children get the most out of their day by providing them with the best food possible, using only the finest ingredients from local suppliers.”

A Fresh Take on School Meals

Headteacher, Joanne Baxendale of Green Lane Primary said…. “The history of our school is something we are very proud of, and ensuring our children receive high quality meals remains a priority. To enable our children to thrive at school and be able to access their learning, it is imperative that we nourish their bodies, not just their minds. Without a healthy, filling lunch they simple would not be able to achieve their best at school.

“With a strong commitment to high-quality ingredients, engaging mealtimes, and the importance of good nutrition, Mellors is ensuring that children across Priestly Academy Trust’s schools have the fuel they need to learn, grow, and thrive.”

Mellors is delighted to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for a Health & Wellbeing Award at Active Lancashire’s annual awards, which will be held at the Crow Wood Hotel in Burnley on 15th November 2024. This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to promoting health, happiness, and wellness within the Mellors workplace.

With people at the heart of everything we do, we’ve rolled out numerous initiatives aimed at fostering a positive, supportive environment. Here are just a few of the ways we’re making Mellors a great place to work:

• We’re getting active! Staff across our catering sites and support office are encouraged to walk more with our “Red Hot Chilli Steppers” initiative. Colleagues can log their steps and share their outdoor adventures on Strava, creating a shared sense of accomplishment and motivation as we all get moving.

• Wellness Walks – Our wellness walks help staff step away from busy days to breathe fresh air, enjoy nature, and recharge. These breaks are great for mental wellbeing, providing a moment of relaxation and a much-needed reset.

• Supporting Zoe’s Place – Through our partnership with Zoe’s Place charity, we regularly organise fundraising events that bring everyone together for fun activities while supporting a great cause. It’s a great way to give back and bond as a team!

• Family Fun Day – The Mellors Family Fun Day welcomed support office team members and their families for an afternoon of games, a BBQ, and entertainment. It was a fantastic way to celebrate our achievements, with families enjoying the day together and creating new memories.

• World Mental Health Day – Recognising the importance of mental health, we actively support World Mental Health Day by providing resources, promoting open conversations, and encouraging everyone to take a moment for themselves. Building lasting wellness habits is central to our approach.

• Menopause Support Sessions – We’re committed to addressing menopause not only for individuals but for those around them. We provide lots of resources, support materials, and regular webinars with nutritionists and experts, making information accessible to our 2,000 staff members.

• Mega Day & Autumn Party Events – These fun learning and social gatherings give us a chance to unwind, connect, and celebrate our shared achievements.

• Grapevine – Our dedicated communications & community app, Grapevine, keeps everyone connected. With easy access to resources, contact details, and a direct line to Mental Health First Aiders, it’s a valuable tool for staying informed and supported.

Thank you to all our amazing team members for being a part of these initiatives, and for making Mellors such an enjoyable and happy place to work.

On Friday 18th October 2024, Mellors catering teams from across the North of England and the Midlands came together for a spectacular evening of celebration at the annual Autumn Party, hosted at Lancashire Manor Hotel. With over 190 of our incredible catering managers coming together, the night was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the year’s achievements, reconnect with colleagues, and raise vital funds for Zoe’s Place, Mellors charity partner.

The evening kicked off with a warm welcome as guests enjoyed canapés and drinks upon arrival. Attendees enjoyed a mouthwatering luxury hot buffet, followed by a trio of delicious desserts.

From the popular charity raffle to a fun-filled selfie booth, gaming tables, and, of course, a packed dance floor, the night was full of laughter, joy, and memorable Mellors moments. Across our charity raffle and attendees generously donating their room deposits upon check-out, we managed to raise a whopping £2,709! BIG thank you to all who donated.

Also presented during the evening were awards for the Golden Whisk, Small Unit of the Year, Large Unit of the Year and the Bill Kelly Special Recognition Award. Congratulations to…

• Mounia Lounes from Laisterdyke Leadership Academy – Winner of the Golden Whisk Award 2024
• Chapel Street Primary – Small Unit of the Year
• Thornaby Academy – Large Unit of the Year
• Clare Quick –Bill Kelly Special Recognition Award

A special thank you to our amazing suppliers who generously donated the fantastic raffle prizes, and to everyone who joined us—it was wonderful to see you! Here are some of our favourite moments and highlights from the night! 🎉

We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

Mellors Catering Services is delighted to announce the launch of its NEW website, filled with fresh updates and delicious information! This exciting development aims to enhance Mellors digital communications, improving the user experience and showcasing the unique Mellors culture that sets us apart in the Contract Catering sector.

The new website is designed to reflect Mellors commitment to innovation, fresh, tasty food, and the incredible catering teams who serve over 130,000 meals daily across the Midlands and North of England.

Packed with new and improved features, the streamlined site offers a user-friendly experience that truly brings Mellors unique culture to life, reflecting our dedication to “Fuelling Minds and Nourishing Futures”.

What’s New?

The newly launched website showcases Mellors commitment to serving delicious and nutritious meals. The site provides scrumptious details on the diverse food offerings across primary and secondary schools, further education and Staff Restaurants, bringing smiles to every mealtime!

With a sleek, modern design, the website is a reflection of Mellors commitment to delivering quality meals and driving food innovation through concepts like “Taste of Asia” and “Plant-Powered Kitchen.” We are constantly introducing fresh, creative ideas that make mealtimes both nourishing and exciting. Whether it’s featuring our vibrant, diverse menus or highlighting our cutting-edge approach, the new site captures Mellors passion for creating engaging food experiences.

The site is bursting with fresh foodie visuals that are sure to make your mouth water, showcasing our recently updated marketing brands, which is being rolled out across the estate. Dive into the fascinating Mellors story, exploring our rich heritage, dedicated team, and the forward-thinking vision that fuels our commitment to consistently delivering quality food.

At the heart of Mellors is a commitment to ongoing environmental and charitable initiatives, reflecting our dedication to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. We also emphasise our strong partnerships with local suppliers, ensuring that our meals are prepared from scratch using fresh, high-quality ingredients that preserve maximum nutrition.

Our resource centre offers valuable tools for parents and students, including recipe cards and activity sheets to children to follow up on their experience with Mellors. A language translator has also been added to enhance accessibility on the website.

A significant enhancement is the job vacancies section, making it easier than ever to browse and apply for career opportunities at Mellors. Be sure to check out the inspiring career journey of Andy Walker, who started his career from kitchen manager to Operations Director, plus all the amazing benefits of joining the Mellors team.

Tony Trainor, Chief Executive Officer said:

“We are excited to unveil our new website, which highlights the outstanding work our team delivers daily—fuelling minds and nourishing futures across the North of England, the Midlands, and beyond. This launch embodies our dedication to ongoing innovation, growth, and transparent communication at every level.”

Visit Us Today
The website is available on desktop, tablet, and mobile. Visit us today to explore all the exciting new treasure trove of tasty features.

At Mellors, we are passionate about supporting local farmers and producers who share our commitment to freshness and quality. One gem in our network of suppliers is Gore Hall Farm, near Southport. This farm is a family affair, run by seventh-generation farmers, brothers David and Richard Cropper, alongside their father, John. Together, they manage a huge 500 acres of fertile West Lancashire farmland.

Gore Hall Farm is a salad lover’s paradise, specialising in a variety of crisp, fresh lettuces (Iceberg, Romaine, Little Gem, and Flat Lettuce) and the most succulent, crunchy celery you’ve ever tasted! The Croppers’ meticulous care and attention to detail ensure top-notch produce every time.

The farming season at Gore Hall kicks off in November, when the Croppers nurture sapling plants through the winter months in preparation for planting in the following March. Protective fleeces shield the crops from frost, keeping them warm and toasty, ready to be served on Mellors plates across the North of England and the Midlands.

Typically, Gore Hall Farms produce goes from farm to fork within a speedy 48 hours (maximum). This helps lock in the freshness, quality, and nutrition – perfect for fuelling hungry minds! With over a whopping 20 million heads of fresh salad produced each year, Gore Hall Farm is an efficient operation. Each head of lettuce and celery is lovingly hand-picked by their dedicated team.

This year, growing conditions at Gore Hall, like many UK farms, have been challenging. Richard Cropper shares that prolonged periods of heavy rain have posed some challenges. While salad crops flourish in a typical British summer, extreme weather—whether too wet, dry, or hot—can disrupt the process.

Gore Hall takes sustainability seriously, actively taking part in numerous initiatives to protect their natural surroundings. They harvest their own water supply throughout the year, ensuring efficient and eco-friendly water usage. Around their fields, they plant a bumblebee-friendly flower mix, promoting biodiversity and supporting pollinators. The farm boasts various accreditations, including “Assured Produce” and an A-grade BRC Accreditation, reflecting their commitment to high standards.

Jonathan Thompson, Mellors Procurement Manager, says, “Partnering with Gore Hall Farm has been  great. Their commitment to quality and freshness is fantastic and their produce consistently meets our high standards. The Cropper family’s dedication to sustainable farming practices ensures that we can provide our customers with the best salads, straight from the fields to their plates. We truly value our partnership with such a reliable and passionate local supplier.”

Did you know?

• Lettuce is an excellent source of beta carotene (Vitamin A), essential for healthy skin, bones, and eyes.
• Celery belongs to the same family as carrots and parsley. Its benefits may include supporting heart health, aiding digestive function, suppressing inflammation, improving memory, and helping manage blood sugar levels.

Richard’s top tip for savouring these fresh salads? 

Serve them at room temperature to unlock the best flavours!

Lettuce raise a toast to the Cropper family for their unwavering commitment to quality and freshness on Mellors plates around the North of England & Midlands!

Mellors is thrilled to announce that we have reached an incredible milestone, raising £40,000 in support of Zoe’s Place. This achievement reflects our longstanding commitment to this children’s charity, which we have proudly supported since 2014, making us one of their longest-standing fundraising partners.

Over the past decade, the Mellors team has participated in a variety of fundraising initiatives to support Zoe’s Place. From challenging hikes up Scafell Pike to our Autumn Party and the popular Go Yellow Day, our efforts have been driven by a dedication to making a difference.

This £40,000 milestone is a testament to the collective effort and generosity of the Mellors team. The funds raised will go a long way in supporting the vital work of Zoe’s Place, providing essential hours of specialised care and support for babies and young children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Gina Earnshaw, Senior Corporate & Major Donor Fundraiser at Zoe’s Place, said, “This remarkable milestone from Mellors will have a huge impact on the children and families we care for. Their ongoing support has been invaluable in helping us continue our mission to provide comfort, care, and compassion during the most challenging times.”

Mark Lyons, Mellors Operations Manager & Charity Champion added, “I’m incredibly proud of Team Mellors for reaching this remarkable milestone. Supporting Zoe’s Place has been an immensely rewarding experience for all of us. We’re excited to continue this journey and look forward to raising even more for Zoe’s Place in the future.”

At Mellors, we are committed to making a positive impact in our local communities and look forward to continuing our partnership with Zoe’s Place and finding new ways to support their amazing work.