In the late 90’s, the public sector centralised a lot of procurement, giving local & county councils increased buying power on behalf of schools, colleges and other council-run departments. Acme grew relationships with councils and joined new purchasing frameworks, which channelled equipment-replacement sales into Acme. These frameworks are still an important part of the Acme of today, and whilst many purchasing responsibilities have been devolved back to schools through the Academy programme, they still remain an active part of Acme’s portfolio.
In addition, Acme benefitted from several government initiatives in the late 2000’s, aimed at reinvesting in a flailing schools infrastructure. Both the ‘Schools for the Future’ programme in 2007/8 and ‘Free School Meals’ initiative in 2013/14 were very positive for Acme. Both resulted in the construction, refurbishment or expansion of school kitchens and, with our experience gained throughout the Casual Dining/Gastropub years, we were well-poised to take on the challenge. Acme’s Catering Projects department really built-out during this period and became the market-leader that it is today. We have since progressed on to carrying out catering projects for many of the UK’s leading private and public companies and this area remains one of great strength today.
During this period, we also started working with several hospital trusts, such as Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Stockport NHS Trust. We have carried out various refrigeration, air conditioning and catering works for both, as well as providing support & compliant services to their estates of thousands of pieces of equipment. We’re proud that both remain customers to this day.
Whilst public sector business has decreased since the wide-ranging cuts imposed since 2015, it still remains a very substantial and important part of the Acme portfolio today.
