Home > News>Mellors Celebrates 30 Years in Education Catering! Mellors Celebrates 30 Years in Education Catering! Posted: 30th July 2025 | Category: Achievements, History, Team This year marks a major milestone for Mellors Catering Services — we’re celebrating 30 years of “serving up smiles”! Since 1995, Mellors has been serving up delicious and nutritious meals in the heart of school dining halls and workplace restaurants. What began as a passion for great-tasting, high-quality food has grown into the award-winning, family focused Mellors Catering Services we know today — founded by Mark Timmerman and his dad Tim. Mark’s food journey started at age 10 in his dad’s Southport bakery, where he developed a love for all things foodie! From the early days, Mark set up a strawberry and cream stall at the Southport Flower Show – now to education catering – Mellors has now reached its 30th birthday milestone. Mark built Mellors on strong family values and a belief that quality food should be accessible to all. In fact, he’s so committed to staying connected that his personal phone number still appears on our sandwich labels — because at Mellors, customer feedback has always mattered. Today, Mellors continues to grow as a proud, independent family business, trusted across the education and B&I sectors for three delicious decades! Over 130,000 freshly prepared meals every day Across more than 380 sites in North of England, Midlands & Beyond! With a passionate team of 2,000+ foodies To mark our 30th birthday, we’ve been celebrating in true Mellors style— with food, and fantastic company: A brilliant party at Mooch Café Bar in Hebden Bridge, bringing together over 60 members of the Mellors family. Mellors team enjoyed Czech-stlye food, “turns”, drinks, catching up with old friends and new – it was a great evening. A “Birthday Bash” Theme Day rolled out across all our primary schools, secondary schools, colleges, and B&I sites, featuring a fun, party-inspired FRESH menu! The celebration also coincides with National School Meals Week. A special 1995-themed Mellors Autumn Party at the Lancashire Manor Hotel — a special night for all our amazing Catering Managers to celebrate in style. Innovation at the Table To mark this incredible year of 30th birthday celebrations, we’re more committed than ever to rethinking school food and offering exciting new experiences to celebrate this special milestone! Here’s a taste of what we’ve introduced: • Tuk Truck: Buckle up foodies! Get ready for a flavour-packed adventure! Our mobile Tuk Truck experience brings global street food straight to schools — making lunchtimes more exciting while inspiring students to explore different cultures and learn through cuisine. • Crafted by Mellors: Discover a unique collection of exclusive dishes inspired by Mellors 150-year-old recipe book. Each dish has been lovingly developed and crafted to tastes and traditions that resonate with Mellors past recipes with a nod to future foodie trends – tradition with a twist! • Mega Day: An annual fun-filled team event held at Lancashire Manor Hotel, where 200 Mellors catering managers gather for a day of connection, learning, tastings, and supplier showcases. Celebrating Mellors new strapline “Fuelling Minds and Nourishing Futures” and our Mellors F.R.E.S.H Mantras! •Finalists in three categories at the Contract Catering Awards and proud winners of a Health & Wellbeing Award, recognising our efforts to promote a positive workplace culture. But Don’t Just Take our Word for It! Many of our incredible team members have been with Mellors since the very beginning. They’ve played a vital role in our journey, witnessing our growth from humble beginnings to becoming a proud, award-winning, and trusted contract caterer. Julie Horrocks, Mellors’ first-ever Area Manager who started with Mellors in 1998, now successfully manages 25 incredible sites. She shared: “Working at Mellors is fantastic—no two days are the same! The team is passionate about serving great food to children, and that energy makes it a joy to come to work.” “From day one, there’s been a real family feel. Unlike larger caterers where you feel like just a number, Mellors gives you the freedom to run your area like your own business.” “The culture here lets you be yourself—you’re always supported, through the laughs and the tough days. Mark even involves our families through events, which really brings everyone together.” Julie’s top tip – “Be yourself at all times.” But Don’t Just Take our Word for It! Andy Walker, Chief Operations Officer, has been with Mellors since 2008—and says he’s “never looked back.” Now in his 18th year, he reflects on his journey: “I started as an Area Support Manager, and over the years have progressed through several roles to now being Chief Operations Officer.” “The family feel—it’s not just something we say, it’s how we work. Whether it’s the support teams, office staff, or site employees, everyone is approachable, passionate, and truly inspiring.” “Our culture makes Mellors special. We genuinely look after one another—professionally and personally. Coming to work doesn’t feel like a job; it feels meaningful. You’re valued, supported, and given the space to grow. That’s what makes Mellors so special to me.” Mark Timmerman says: “I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved — and it’s all thanks to the amazing people behind Mellors. From the very beginning, we’ve stayed true to our values: that has set us apart. The journey has been unforgettable — and the best is yet to come.” Here’s to the next 30 — full of fresh thinking, meaningful impact, and plenty of smiles. What were you doing 30 years ago? Check out “Mellors Story”