ESS wins DVLA soft services contract

ESS Embarks on a New Journey with DVLA 

The Energy, Government & Infrastructure sector of ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has won the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) soft services contract. The successful bid focuses on high-quality service provision, the implementation of new technology and sustainable practices underpinned by collaborative working.

The four-year contract will see ESS providing foodservice, cleaning, window cleaning, waste management and pest control to all DVLA Swansea sites, which operate 24/7. There are around 6,000 DVLA staff based in Swansea and ESS will deliver a catering offer designed around their requirements.

Restaurants will serve dishes from the company’s Global Kitchen brand which comprises concepts from across the world, as well as sandwiches, salads and breakfast options. Other catering outlets will provide a range of hot and chilled food, high street branded coffee and drinks. A micro market will ensure DVLA staff have access to healthy, nutritious food 24/7, and a click and collect service will be available through the ESS App. ESS will also deliver hospitality for a range of meetings and events.

Products sourced from the company’s Welsh supply partners will feature in the offer.

New technology, including digital signage, a bespoke management information dashboard and innovative cleaning solutions, will be deployed across the contract. Sustainability will be assured through initiatives including plant-forward meal options and chemical-free cleaning.

The contract will be delivered by ESS Government Services, which supports high-profile sites across the police, secure environments, and local and central government, with clients including Ministry of Defence, Department for Work and Pensions, Department of Health and Social Care, Llywodraeth Cymru (Welsh Government), Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament), Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police.

As part of the new contract, ESS is looking forward to welcoming new employees who will be transferring to its workforce.

Cen Powell, Head of DVLA Estates Management Group, said:

“We are looking forward to welcoming ESS to DVLA’s Swansea sites and the benefits the new contract will bring to the agency and, of course, our staff, the catering and cleaning services’ primary customers.”

Ronnie Kelman, Managing Director – ESS Energy, Government & Infrastructure, commented:

 “We’re delighted to have been awarded the DVLA soft services contract to add to the Government departments we already work with and build on our footprint in South Wales. Our team are working hard to mobilise the various services in preparation for the contract start on 1^st November. We’re looking forward to working collaboratively with the DVLA throughout the contract term to deliver what its people need to succeed in their roles.”