HCLcatering

23/09/2024

🌈 Your Career, Your Journey – Just Like Sarah’s! 🌈

At HCL, we believe in giving you the tools and support you need to thrive. Just ask Sarah Melling, who started as a General Catering Assistant (GCA) and is now a Training Kitchen Manager in the Secondary Sector. 💪✨

“I have worked for HCL for 10 years. I started my journey working as a GCA in a Secondary School and then progressed to being the main cook. When the opportunity to become an assistant cook manager arose, I looked forward to the challenge.” — Sarah Melling

Sarah balanced family life and pursued her passion for cooking, training to become a Chef Manager and now a Trainer, where she inspires new colleagues every day. 🌟

“HCL has offered me so many opportunities to learn new skills and develop my career path… I was delighted to be able to share my knowledge and help others start their careers with HCL.” — Sarah Melling

Ready to start a new chapter in your career? Discover the opportunities waiting for you at HCL➡️ https://buff.ly/4bnnY0Y

18/09/2024

🚨 Exciting news! 🚨

We are delighted to announce the appointment of John Want as the new CEO of HCL, starting on 1st October 2024! 🎉

John brings extensive experience from the food industry and shares our passion for delivering high-quality services to schools. Under his leadership, we will continue to innovate and grow, while further strengthening relationships with our valued customers.

A big thank you to Ian Hamilton, who is retiring as CEO, for his incredible contribution over the past decade.

👉 For more information, check out our latest press release: https://buff.ly/3znDyLY

We are delighted to announce the appointment of John Want as the new CEO of HCL, effective from the 1st of October 2024. John joins us with a wealth of experience in the food sector including a strong background in sales, marketing, and business leadership. John is passionate about quality food and....

04/09/2024

🎉 The Wait is Over! 🍽️

Schools are back and so are we! We are excited to serve healthy meals that keep students energised and ready to learn! 🌟🥙

A warm welcome to our new partner schools:

St Catherine's School
Greenleas School
St. Philips CofE VA
Hazeldene School
Tottenhall Infant School
Starks Field Starkfield School
Lea Valley Academy

We can't wait to see the joy on your faces as we bring our tasty and nutritious meals to your schools! 😋🥑

16/08/2024

Our team at Farnham House has done it!! ✨

They have received a silver Herts Responsible Food Award! Hertfordshire County Council

We are delighted as this recognises us as a business that champions health and sustainability. We still offer the same incredible food as always, but we’ve made a few small changes including:

- 90% of our cold beverage range is either free from or low in sugar

- Light versions of sauces used in made-in-house products Help us congratulate our team in the comments!

Help us congratulate our team in the comments 👏

12/08/2024

🌱 Celebrate National Allotment Week with us! 🌱

At HCL, we're dedicated to providing the freshest, locally sourced produce in our school meals. We're excited to spotlight our commitment to sustainability and community support this National Allotment Week . Our Community Support Team continues to guide schools in cultivating their own fruit and vegetable gardens, fostering a love for healthy eating and environmental stewardship among pupils.

Growing your own produce is not only fun but also a fantastic educational activity. This August, we encourage parents to get involved with their kids in the garden. Here are some easy-to-grow suggestions:

🥕 Carrots
🥬 Lettuce
🌱 Radishes
🍅 Cherry Tomatoes
🥒 Cucumbers

We'd love to see your garden's progress! Share your photos with us and we will feature your growing journey on our Instagram and Facebook stories.

Let's cultivate a greener future together! 🌍💚

05/08/2024

👨‍🍳 Our training kitchen managers are the heart of our operations!

They ensure food safety and health protocols are strictly followed, imparting their valuable knowledge to our dedicated team.

Meet Ashley Lawrence from our Primary Sector: "Working for HCL has opened an array of opportunities. We are like one big family and being a training kitchen manager has allowed me to meet so many different people and help them on their new journey with HCL or further their careers within the company. It is rewarding to see how people learn and how it makes colleagues feel supported and part of our work family."

Want to join our work family? Visit our vacancy portal to see what roles we're recruiting for: https://buff.ly/4bnnY0Y

26/07/2024

🌟 Happy Summer Break to all! 🌟

As the academic year concludes, we bid farewell to our year 6 and year 11 pupils. Many of our staff have been touched by the thank you cards they have received, which has truly warmed our hearts! You will all be missed and we wish you the best of luck in your new school.

We have created wonderful moments shared over delicious meals throughout the year with teachers and pupils and it is now time to enjoy your well-deserved time off!

Our passionate kitchen staff will also be taking a break to recharge, preparing to welcome everyone back in September. We are excited to see everyone for the new academic year. A special shout-out to the new year 7's who will be joining us—we can't wait to meet you and introduce you to the best school meals around. Get ready for a culinary journey you won't forget!

17/07/2024

🌟 Olympics-Themed Lunch at Katherine Warington School ! 🌟

We had an incredible time celebrating their Summer Olympics-themed lunch on Monday! Our kitchen team went above and beyond, creating a diverse and delicious array of dishes inspired by the Paris Olympics.

Pupils and staff alike were thrilled with the effort and creativity put into the event, giving us wonderful feedback on the food and the ambiance.

A huge shoutout to our amazing kitchen team at Katherine Warington School for their dedication and hard work. What a great way to end the term! 🎉🏅

08/07/2024

Event Recap: LACA Show! 🌟

We had been eagerly looking forward to the LACA Show and it did not disappoint! Our head office staff were thrilled to attend and support our Community Support Team, who were nominated for the 'Unsung Hero Award,' and our training team, nominated for the Nan Berger Memorial Award. 🏆

We are proud to have had eight entries from HCL in the Finishing Touches competition. It was incredibly fulfilling to see our staff so involved and witness their immaculate work that was showcased. 🎉

To find out the verdict on our teams nominated for awards and the results of the Finishing Touches Competition, head over to our latest news: https://buff.ly/3RZCh3R

Help us in the comments to congratulate everyone involved in the LACA Show.

LACA Lisa Miles Posh Cakes and Puddings Katrina Denbigh

As a proud education caterer, we recently had the pleasure of participating in the esteemed 2024 LACA Finishing Touches Competition. The event took place at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham, drawing thousands of professionals from the catering industry for a day filled with networking, exhibitions...

19/06/2024

We value diversity and the rich histories that shape our vibrant community!

Last week, we hosted a theme day to honour the Windrush generation in our secondary schools.

In dedication to the Windrush 76th Anniversary on Saturday the 22nd of June we're proud to share a personal perspective from Shareen, our Mobile General Assistant, about her connection to this important day.

“Being born in the UK with grandparents from Barbados and Jamaica, I feel a profound connection to the Windrush generation. Family members have worked within the NHS and Transport for London, key structures supporting the country.”

Follow the link to our blog to read more about what Shareen kindly shared with us: https://buff.ly/3yKXjwj

17/06/2024

We had a productive day at the Eastern Education Show last Thursday!

This event was a great opportunity for our sales and marketing team to connect with attendees interested in our services. We also enjoyed catching up with our existing school partners.

Our food was well-received, showcasing the culinary skills that our company upholds and our kitchen staff fosters.

We look forward to announcing the winner of our competition, with the prize being a fun and engaging workshop held by our community support team!

If you'd like to speak with our team about what we can offer your school, please send us a message. We're here to help!

11/06/2024

Find us at stand number 101 this Thursday at the Eastern Education Show! 🎉

Let's chat about all things school catering. Whether you're seeking a new caterer or an existing customer looking to discuss how we can further support your school, we're here to help.

And you don’t want to miss out on our delicious tasters available throughout the day. See you there! 😀🍽️

10/06/2024

Healthy Eating Week is here! British Nutrition Foundation

As a school catering company, our mission is to nourish, educate and inspire pupils to make nutritious and delicious food choices. 🌟

Why Healthy Eating Matters:

Boosts Brain Power 🧠- Nutritious meals contribute in pupils staying focused and ready to learn.
Energises the Body 💪- Healthy foods provide the energy needed to get through their school day.
Supports Growth 🌱- Balanced diets are crucial for growing bodies and minds.

Follow the link to see the sample menu we offer in our schools: https://buff.ly/3yCoNUK

Here's to another year of prioritising children's health!

07/06/2024

It's World Food Safety Day! 🍽️🌍

Food safety is a shared responsibility between governments, producers, and consumers.
It is our priority to always maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene within HCL. We operate in accordance with the relevant food safety laws and to the strict requirements of our own Food Safety Management System (FSMS). Our procedures have been developed to ensure that identified food safety hazards within our business are controlled and the food served is safe and wholesome.

🚨 Did you know? 🚨

1 in 10 people worldwide fall ill from contaminated food each year.
Over 200 diseases are caused by eating contaminated food.
40% of the foodborne disease burden is carried by children under 5.

Our training and standards team diligently enforces all legal policies across our sites to ensure the food our customers consume is safe and free from health hazards. Today is a reminder to highlight that your health is our priority!

31/05/2024

LACA has announced the shortlisted finalists for the 2024 Awards for Excellence, ahead of the LACA Awards taking place on 4th July.

We are incredibly excited to share that our Training Team has been shortlisted for the Nan Berger Memorial Award and the HCL Community Support Team has been shortlisted for the LACA Unsung Hero Award!

Read the full article here: https://buff.ly/4e5EcNC
Public Sector Catering

Please join us in the comments to congratulate our colleagues on being shortlisted and wish them the very best of luck!

HCL is an award-winning specialist caterer with a foundation in the education sector.

27/05/2024

🌍 Leading the Way: Spotlighting Toni's Sustainability Triumphs

We're thrilled to announce the latest strides in our sustainability journey, spearheaded by the incredible efforts of our colleague, Toni!

Here's a glimpse into the remarkable changes she's helped implement in our Business and Industry sites:

♻️ Plastic-Free? Since April 2024, we've bid farewell to plastic bottles! Welcoming canned and glass bottle options makes recycling easier while reducing our environmental footprint. Also, all items in our inventory are now free from plastic, marking a significant step forward in our sustainability mission.

🍽️ Bye Bye Single-Use: From July onwards, we're ditching single-use cutlery and coffee cups. Embracing full metal cutlery, travel mugs, and crockery promoting reusability and minimises waste.

🌱 Zero Waste Warriors: Achieving a 0% landfill status at the Farnham House, County Hall and Apsley Campus, we've implemented effective food waste recycling practices, contributing to a cleaner planet.

🌾 Local Love: Prioritising local produce and minimising supplier deliveries, we're reducing our carbon footprint and supporting our community.

💡 Partnering for Progress: Collaborating closely with Herts Sustainable, our monthly meetings focus on enhancing energy efficiency and reducing other single-use items, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement.

Toni's dedication and vision have been instrumental in driving these positive changes. Let's celebrate her leadership and continue on our path to a greener future together! 🌿💚

HCL is an award-winning specialist caterer with a foundation in the education sector.

15/05/2024

Looking after our health can start with what's on our plate!

Cutting back on salt is a crucial step towards better well-being. That's why our dedicated Nutrition team analyses every ingredient on our menu to ensure they meet our strict salt guidelines.🥗

✨ As part of our commitment to health and nutrition, we adhere to the School Food Standards by not adding salt to our recipes. Plus, during lunchtime, we ensure that salt isn't available to add to food, promoting healthier choices and habits among our pupils.

👩‍🍳 Did you know? A general rule of thumb is that more than 1.5 grams of salt per 100 grams is considered high. But fear not! There are plenty of delicious alternatives to elevate the flavour of your meals without relying on salt. Try incorporating herbs and spices for a tasty twist and resist the temptation to keep that saltshaker on the table.

Follow the link to read more about salt intake and the health of your children: https://buff.ly/3UrGWMs

Action on Salt

13/05/2024

It's Mental Health Awareness Week!

Physical health is essential for our well-being. We deeply understand the importance of prioritising mental health for all of our employees.

Our staff are the backbone of our company and creating a supportive and empathetic work environment is paramount to us. That's why we're committed to sharing resources and support systems to help manage the day-to-day challenges that can impact our mental health.

Together, let's continue to find more time for movement and explore ways that prioritise our mental health not just this week, but every day.

Have a read of our new blog, where we have shared some tips on on how you can look after your wellbeing when you are stressed, busy or worried:https://buff.ly/4dNv0xs

Mental Health Foundation

06/05/2024

Have you heard about our new Peach and Apple Burrito dessert on our new Summer- Autumn menu?

If not, here are the reasons why you should encourage the children to try it:

🌟 50% Fruit Based: Encouraging Healthy Habits!
In line with the School Food Standards, we're proud to offer desserts that incorporate at least 50% fruit, twice weekly. Our Peach and Apple Burrito is a fun and creative way to help children include more fruits in their diet.

🍎 Nutrient-Packed Goodness:
Loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre, our burrito is a wholesome source of nutrition. We believe in making healthy eating enjoyable, and this dish does just that!

🍯 Minimal Added Sugars:
Say goodbye to excessive sweeteners! Our burrito relies on the natural sweetness of fresh apples and peaches, ensuring a delicious flavour.

🌯 Smart Substitutions:
We've swapped traditional pastry for tortilla wraps, providing a lower saturated fat option without compromising on taste or texture. Plus, starchy foods like tortillas can help keep kids fuller for longer while delivering important nutrients like calcium and vitamin C.

Curious to read more about our new Summer-Autumn menu offerings? Head over to our website's HCL News section for all the juicy details: https://buff.ly/3PpwCCH

24/04/2024

Celebrating National Work Experience Week! 🎉

At HCL, we are thrilled to mark this occasion by showcasing our commitment to supporting young adults in their journey to gain valuable skills and experiences.

Through our partnerships with MorBeans, The Virtual School and The Millers Tearoom project, we've been privileged to provide enriching work experiences to budding talents. From hands-on learning opportunities to engaging skill-building exercises, our dedication is steadfast in inspiring and educating the next generation.

"The impact of your training extends far beyond the art of making coffee, catering and customer care. By providing these young individuals with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in the hospitality industry, you are fostering their confidence and opening doors to exciting opportunities." - Tanya Machisa, Virtual School

We take pride in making choices that support our communities and people!

22/04/2024

Let's celebrate EarthDay.org with flavour and sustainability! 🌱🌍

Introducing our newest addition to the Summer/Autumn menu: the Homemade Sausage Roll (Ve)! 🍽️

Immerse yourself in the traditional flavours of sage and onion, crafted into a delicious and nutritious bean-based filling, full of protein and fibre, all wrapped snugly in golden puff pastry. 😋✨

But here's the twist: this flavoursome delight isn't just for vegans and vegetarians. It's a hit among all our pupils and staff alike! 🌟

As we celebrate Earth Day, let's reflect on the impact of our food choices. Did you know that opting for plant-based meals, like our Homemade Sausage Roll, can contribute to reducing our carbon footprint and promote a healthier planet? 🌿

Join us in embracing sustainability without sacrificing taste, every bite of our Vegan Sausage Roll is a step towards a greener, brighter future! 💚

Follow the link to see what else is new on our menu: https://buff.ly/3PpwCCH

21/04/2024

Attention, HCL friends! 📢

Let's unite in celebrating the outstanding achievement of our Tring School kitchen team!

They've received a commendable nomination for 'Bubbly Recognition' from their school, recognising their dedication to exceeding expectations.

A heartfelt thank you from the head office to the following individuals for their exceptional hard work, which certainly hasn't gone unnoticed:

Julie Childs
Janet Hemmings
Irene Thorne
Zoe Janes
Maria Cayford
Jenny Gibley
Kirsty Jones
Neslihan Koseoglue

'Thank you so much for arranging the food for the visitors from Amsterdam. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your hard work and commitment to the school' - Sally Ambrose, Headteacher

19/04/2024

Eid Al-Fitr occurred from April 9th to April 10th, marking a delightful conclusion to the festivities. As our friends returned to school, we aimed to embrace the spirit of unity and honour this cherished event, a vibrant tapestry of traditions embraced by many. 💙

The feedback we've received from our schools resonates with the atmosphere of togetherness and cultural richness. 🌍

Explore our blog for a glimpse into the colourful celebrations captured taken by some of our staff members who worked hard to make this celebration memorable for our schools! 🥳

https://buff.ly/3xDWIMp

09/04/2024

🎉🌟Celebrating Lisa Miles from HCL! 🌟

We are thrilled to share your incredible achievement, one of many talented employees at HCL. Lisa has recently been honoured with a prestigious Gold Award at the Salon Culinaire competition, marking a significant milestone in her culinary journey.

Lisa's journey to success began in 2020 when she first entered the Salon Culinaire, spurred on by the encouragement of David Gower and Kirsty Yearsley, following her remarkable performance at LACA the previous year. Despite it being her debut, Lisa's talent shone brightly as she clinched the Silver Award. Determined to push her boundaries, Lisa set her sights on the Gold Award.

Undeterred by the challenges posed by the pandemic, Lisa continued to hone her skills and participated in the online competition, where she secured her first Gold Award. However, her aspiration to earn this accolade at the actual show remained steadfast.

Months of dedication and passion went into crafting her masterpiece, a cake that truly reflected her unique style and personality. The moment of truth arrived and to Lisa's utter delight, her cake stood adorned with the coveted Gold Award, a testament to her unwavering commitment and talent. Going head-to-head with seasoned professionals in the catering and sugar craft industry, Lisa's victory was nothing short of extraordinary.

For Lisa, receiving this honour alongside seasoned experts, despite being a hobby baker, is a reflection of her passion and skills. Her achievement not only brings immense pride to HCL but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring culinary enthusiasts.

Congratulations, Lisa, on this phenomenal accomplishment! Your dedication, perseverance, and talent have truly set a shining example for all of us at HCL. 🍰

04/04/2024

Elevate your Carrot Day celebration with the irresistible charm of our newest creation – the Moroccan Tagine dish (Ve) ✨🥕

This term, pupils will have the chance to discover the delightful flavours of colourful roasted vegetables.

Yes, that includes carrots; paired with hearty chickpeas in a luscious Moroccan-inspired tomato sauce, infused with the comforting notes of cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon.
And that's not it, the Moroccan Tagine is served with fluffy couscous adding to this culinary masterpiece.

This dish is no doubt pleasing to both the eyes and the palate. 🍲🧡

Curious about our other Summer/Autumn menu additions? Dive into our latest news on our website to find out more: https://buff.ly/3PpwCCH

28/03/2024

🌷 Wrapping Up and Embracing Easter Break! 🌼

It's time to bid you all a well-deserved holiday. Take this opportunity to rest, recharge, and return ready for what lies ahead.

Before you embark on your break, we're excited to share a sneak peek into what awaits you upon your return. Brace yourselves for our upcoming Summer/Autumn menus, featuring an array of new and revitalised dishes to add a refreshing twist to pupil's dining experiences!

Keen to discover more about the culinary delights in this term's primary and secondary school lunches? Simply follow the link below for more information: https://buff.ly/3PpwCCH

We'll be ready to welcome everyone back with delightful flavours and memorable dining moments!

08/03/2024

Celebrating International Women's Day during Career's Week! 🌸✨International Women's Dayy

Today, we spotlight four remarkable women at HCL who have carved inspiring career paths. Head over to our blog to read their incredible stories, reflecting the diverse journeys of women across our company: https://buff.ly/4a4LDBQ

We are committed to supporting and empowering our staff, If you're looking for a workplace that values growth and diversity, explore our vacancy portal on our website.

From all of us at HCL, we wish all women a happy International Women’s Day. This year, IWD encourages everyone to . As IWD say on their website “To inspire inclusion means to celebrate diversity and empowerment on International Women's Day 2024 and beyond.” At HCL, we believe ...