Sleafords Catering Services joins The Airedale Group


Sleaford Catering Services (formerly Savills Catering Services), one of the leading catering installation specialists have today merged its business with The Airedale Group. Based in Sleaford, Lincolnshire and trading for over 10 years, SCS have steadily grown to one of the largest independent install specialists, and install catering equipment all over the UK. SCS employs 20 people including 15 installation engineers. The merger sees Airedale combine its existing installation team with SCS’ and swells Airedale’s Technical Care division to over 150 people, including 90 engineers. The Group now offers both installation and service and maintenance nationally.
Allen Savill, former MD of SCS and now heading up Airedale’s installation division comments: “Over the last two years we have worked closely with the various teams in Airedale. As a supplier and contractor, we have seen them grow and develop and as a result we knew we could access investment at a level not available to us operating independently. With commitments around key areas such as developing an in-house training centre and improving our systems, it soon became obvious that with the backing and support of Airedale, we could focus more on developing our business rather than just running it. It was an easy decision for the team and we are all excited about the future.”
Bringing together the two businesses was originally the idea of one of Airedale’s Senior Contracts Managers (now Construction Director), Pete Oliver.
Paul Woodford MD of Airedale Catering Equipment states “Pete recognised the value of investing and developing our own national install team and approached the senior team with a proposal. We worked with Allen, Pete and our contracts team over the next year to develop this from an idea into a compelling business proposition which was presented to and supported by the Board. This is a great example of championing ideas from our team.”
Paul continues: “With the volume of specialist installation work, from one off spot replacement to £2m projects, we can now manage and route internally the resource and skills set to suit the individual site requirements. With IT systems directly linked from the engineers on site to our head office, all installations will be able to be tracked ‘live’ providing important feedback to our clients and in house after sales team. It really opens up the opportunity to provide clients with a unique platform.”
Following the transition, Airedale will be operating its 8th UK regional office. Pete Oliver will now be taking a senior role in developing this area for the Group and adds: “Working in this sector for over 15 years has given me a great insight into the industry and whilst there are some very good contractors, every part needs continual investment on training, support, development. This is something I am passionate about. With the fantastic support from my colleagues I am really looking forward to bringing Allen and his team together with our guys and providing our clients with an enhanced service offer.”