A new home for Vertas

The new office

Over the past few months I have taken on a  new role which means that I have become more involved with the three companies spun out by Suffolk County Council in recent years. These, although still owned by the County Council, now operate as independent commercial enterprises.   One of these, Vertas, held a great At Home event yesterday to celebrate moving to their sparkling new offices on the edge of Ipswich.

With shareholder Chair, John Goodwin

Vertas is a multi service facilities management company based principally in the East of England.  It offers a number of property related services including Reception and Concierge, Security, Energy Management, Grounds Services, Cleaning and Landscape Design.  It also has a substantial Catering business.  This, having started as the SCC school meals service, now offers catering beyond educational establishments, supplying commercial premises and undertaking hospitality events and outside functions.

Since its split from Suffolk County Council some three years ago the business has grown rapidly and this good progress is expected to continue.

Yesterday's event was typical of the company's attention to quality and detail.  In addition to the fine new offices, we were able to see a number of displays illustrating the company's broad base of activity.  Given the nature of the event catering activities were much in evidence.  In additon to the canapes served to the guests,   there were interesting displays of contemporary school dinners (see below), and an opportunity to have a cup of coffee from a moveable intallation which is typical of those that can be provided at schools, colleges and other locations.

Typical school dinners, an improvement on what we used to get!

The company is keen to promote sustainable values and also healthy eating, particularly in schools.  A particularly interesting display was the one from Essex flour mills, Marriage's, the Master Millers. Still independent after 200 years, and in the same family, Marriage's are a key supplier to Vertas.  The company is committed to the production of healthy additive free products.  Recently they have developed a new sort of flour, Golden Wholegrain, which has all the benefits of traditional brown bread with a taste that is lighter and sweeter.  Children who are not keen on 'proper' brown bread are much more likely to take to bread made with the new flour.  Vertas Catering has been quick to include this healthier option in their school offering.

Marriage Master Miller comparing wholemeal bread with the new child friendly version.

Thanks to Ian, Marcus and Jo, Vertas's management, for an entertaining and educational afternoon!