MellorsCateringServices
An introduction to our story
We are built on a foundation of family values and a passion for good food
Mellors Catering Services has always been a family business; from humble beginnings in our Southport bakehouse to an Award-Winning Contract Caterer… delicious food has always been at the heart of what we do!
1840
Super Sweet
Our story began in 1840, when the business was established as Dean Confectionary; a popular bakery on Lord Street, Southport.
The original owner, Elizabeth Dean employed an apprentice baker, Amelia Jane Ashworth. Miss Dean promised the bakery to Amelia upon her retirement.
1872
A Fresh Start
Amelia and her husband, William Mellor took over Dean Confectionary and renamed the business to what we know it as now… Mellors!
They had four children; the eldest, Patty took charge of the business, proving to be a good organiser with creative vision.
1908
From Pastry to Produce
Patty married a man named James Hall. He developed his own business, and is the originator of the ‘SPAR’ chain. His company still operates from Preston today!
Whilst James concentrated on growing his own business, Patty continued to manage Mellors.
1925
A Growing Business
Following successful growth for Mellors, a purpose-built bakery and staff house was constructed in Southport.
Patty and James now had two sons, both of whom become involved in their father’s grocery business.
1963
Introducing… Mr. Tim
Tim Timmerman joined Mellors from Amsterdam on a Bakery Student Exchange Scheme.
In 1974, Mr Timmerman opened his first shop, ‘The Dutch Chef’ on Lord Street, Southport. This is still successfully trading today as ‘The Monument Cafe’.
1977
A Fresh Pair of Gloves
Tim Timmerman purchased the Mellors estate from the Hall Family and became Managing Director.
The bakery continued to use recipes from the original recipe books belonging to Amelia Ashworth/Mellor in the 1800s. The most popular dish over the past century, and still is, the Mille Feuille – a vanilla slice.
1995
Mellors Catering Services
Tim’s son, Mark Timmerman launched his own contract catering company. He became Founder and Managing Director of Mellors Catering Services.
The new business experienced great success, winning five large contracts within the first year of trading.
2000
Breaking the Mould
Mellors Catering Services won their first college contract, breaking the £1.5m net sales barrier within 5 years of launch.
- Awards
- SEFTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2000
- INNER CITY 100 2003
- CORPORATE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2007 (ENGLAND & WALES) BY ICA
- SEFTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2009
2010
On A Roll
Mellors Catering Services acquired Lancashire Manor Hotel, situated near Wigan, Lancashire.
- Awards
- 2ND FASTEST GROWING COMPANY IN THE UK (HOT 100) 2016
- GOVERNMENT APPRENTICE SCHEME ACCREDITATION (5% CLUB) 20172003
- FINALIST FOR RED ROSE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2017
- COST SECTOR UK CONTRACT CATERER OF THE YEAR 2017
- EDUCATERING EXCELLENCE UK INNOVATION AWARD 2019
2019
Baking Success
A dedicated Mellors Support Office was opened in Skelmersdale, home to all our in-house departments.
Mellors Catering Services acquired Barton Manor Hotel, a luxury spa hotel in Preston.
- Awards
- Contract Catering Innovation Award Winner 2021
- Contract Catering StrEAT Food Award Winner 2022
2020
Ladles of Love
Mellors launched several initiatives to boost staff well-being and development:
- Rest & Relaxation Week for all office and field-based staff
- Area manager development programme ‘Half a Dozen Broom Handles’
- Internal Cookery Competition ‘The Golden Whisk’
2023
Mixing Things Up
We introduced ‘Grapevine’, an internal communication and social networking platform available to all staff.
Our total charity fundraising activity increased by 50% since 2020, raising our total donations to a whopping
£40,000 for Zoe’s Place!
2024
# Team Mellors
Mellors Catering Services currently employs over 2,000 lovely members of staff and operates 380 sites across the North of England!
Mellors
The Future
We wish to focus on our core markets and maintain our geographical boundaries, confirming Mellors as the regional alternative to the national caterers that dominate the sector.
We will continue to Fuel Minds and Nourish Futures.
Lettuce celebrate!
