HC-One, the UK’s leading social care provider, operating c.300 care homes and providing a wide range of care and support services to residents are thrilled to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with leading procurement and menu management specialists, EF-group, by signing a new five-year contract to continue enhancing the lives of residents.
The EF-group team have over 160 years of experience in procurement and menu management within the healthcare and senior living sectors and provide clients with software and supply chain solutions to tackle everyday problems including the procurement of necessary items from food and drink to medical and sanitary supplies.
The collaborative work between HC-One and EF-group will continue following the contract renewal, as they strive to deliver the best possible outcomes for residents across England, Scotland and Wales.
HC-One and EF-group’s relationship spans two decades and is rooted in trust and integrity, serving as the foundation for their shared mission of setting new benchmarks in the industry to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of residents.
As a trusted partner, EF-group will work with HC-One to accelerate the digitalisation of the HC-One hospitality team’s systems and services as part of its digital transformation programme through EF-group’s industry-leading procurement and menu management solutions.
This includes an online ordering platform (Freshmarkets) integrated with HC-One’s back-office software, the ability to present homes with budgetary information and comprehensive reporting and enhancing their ability to manage and plan recipes through CaterCloud.
The renewal of the partnership is key in maintaining the high standards set by both HC-One and EF-group. Stephen Gallagher, Executive Director at EF-group, revealed that the 20-year relationship between HC-One and EF-group – is built on “mutual respect” and a “steadfast commitment” to innovation.
Stephen Gallagher, Executive Director at EF-group, commented:
“We are thrilled to announce the renewal of our long-standing partnership between HC-One and EF-group, marked by the signing of a new five-year contract.
“It is a very important responsibility and honour to work with HC-One. Our aim and vision, jointly, is to be the best in class for residents, families, and colleagues in the senior living space.
“This new contract represents not just a continuation, but a deepening of our collaborative efforts. We look forward to the future and the innovative solutions we will bring to senior living, ensuring the highest standards of care and wellbeing for all residents.
“Together, HC-One and EF-group are dedicated to setting new benchmarks in the industry, making a lasting positive impact on the lives of those we serve.”
Mark Meacham, Head of Catering and Housekeeping Support Services at HC-One, said:
“The renewal of our partnership with EF-group will enable us to continue the support they have provided in co-producing innovative platforms for menu development and food safety.
“In addition, we will be able to place more focus on upskilling and supporting our catering colleagues through development days and training academies. Ultimately, this renewal will help us achieve our goal of ensuring that those living in our care live their best lives.”
Kate Ward, Head of Procurement at HC-One, stated:
“EF-group’s expertise and reliable service have been instrumental in ensuring the consistent quality and timely delivery of our food supplies. Renewing their contract for another five years is essential to maintaining our high standards and achieving our objectives of providing exceptional care and nutrition to our residents.
“This partnership is a key enabler of our commitment to excellence and operational efficiency, and we are excited to work together to support HC-Ones sustainability journey with EF-group and their parent company, Foodbuy.”
