Lexington Independents is proud to announce remarkable growth over 300% in the last year driven by new business wins valued at £7 million.
Lexington Independents delivers exceptional dining experiences across independent schools in the UK with a strong commitment to quality, partnership, and cost-assured innovation. It has continued to grow in the competitive independents school catering sector by offering a truly bespoke approach that champions local engagement and collaboration and meets the needs and challenges of the independent education sector.
Lexington Independents has invested in expanding its team to further enhance operational excellence and innovation. The addition of a new Business Director, Charlie Hayward, and Operations Director, Bonnie Dankbars, will support the drive for continued growth and excellence. To address the increasing importance of dietary health and well-being, Lexington Independents has appointed Nutrition Manager Roshni Kondakis and Nutritionist Leah Corper, alongside a Corporate Social Responsibility Executive. Two dedicated Development Chefs, Ben Martin and John Mateides, specialising in skills-led teaching and innovative menu management, have also joined, responding to labour market challenges and supporting the anticipated impact of the VAT increase on school fees in January 2025.
Over the year, Lexington Independents has run various campaigns and interactive pop-up events to elevate the student dining experience, fostering a positive and engaging relationship with food and nutrition. Workshops led by Leah Corper, including “Exploring Food with the Hungry Caterpillar,” “The Journey of a Cheese Sandwich,” and “Luka the Lion and Allergies,” have engaged students with topics such as healthy hydration, food groups, and digestive health. These sessions offer an immersive approach, designed to educate students on nutrition and sustainable food practices in a way that’s fun and meaningful.
Regular newsletters and ‘Meet the Caterer’ events have created additional opportunities to connect with students and their communities. Each initiative is designed with a singular goal: to support student development and foster a positive, sustainable food culture.
Sean Ritson, Divisional Director of Lexington Independents, said: “We are delighted with the growth and development of the business over the year. Looking ahead, we will continue to champion agile, client-focused catering solutions that support student well-being and educational needs and to set a new standard for partnership-driven, innovative catering in the UK.”
Recent Lexington Independents contract wins and extensions include United Church Schools Trust, Putney High School (part of the Girls’ Day School Trust) and Hurlingham Independent School in South West London.
