Cambridgeshire has a new, independent contract catering company with a very ethical mindset.
Fuelling Minds Catering Management Ltd, based in St Ives, is a bespoke contract catering company specialising in workplace and independent school catering services.
Their target market is business, industry and independent schools in Cambridge and surrounding areas, as well as Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, London and beyond.
Founder David Anderson, who lives in Wyton, left his role as managing director (South) for Wilson Vale to establish the business. A craft-trained chef, he has had a long career within hospitality, working in high-end hotels and restaurants before moving into the contract catering sector where he held many senior leadership roles.
He worked for Wilson Vale for over ten years, and before that, with CH&Co’s fine dining brand, Lusso. He also ran his own award-winning gastro pub.
David said: “It is important to me that Fuelling Minds balances profit with purpose, and that giving back is embedded within our DNA from the outset. Integrity, transparency, trust and quality are the foundations on which we are building the company.
“I firmly believe in the importance of taking meaningful action rather than merely offering words of support. By committing to support charities and social enterprises that are addressing pressing social and environmental challenges, we hope to make a difference in a variety of ways such as through fundraising, volunteering and awareness raising.”
The company’s environmental stance means no single use plastics and a commitment to local, ethical sourcing, including using only Marine Stewardship Council-approved fish and Social Impact Coffee.
“Our aim is to grow at a sensible rate, ensuring that our growth is sustainable and deliverable. Every proposition will be bespoke to each client – there will be no corporate off the shelf packages,” said Anderson. “We will offer creative and bespoke catering services using the freshest, local ingredients available and delivered by craft-trained, like-minded people in whom clients can place their trust”.
The company has already attracted a small team of experienced hospitality professionals to support its growth and success.
“It is early days, and I think it is important to express gratitude to all who have inspired and supported me to take this step,” said Anderson.
“The hospitality sector seems far more united in recent years, and it is inspiring to see companies working together for the benefit of this industry that contributes so much to the overall economy.”
Community champions
Fuelling Minds is also a corporate member of Neurodiversity in Business (NiB).
The network aims to build a better workplace for Neurodivergent (ND) people and help companies gain a better understanding of Neurodiversity, which includes neurotypical and neurodivergent neurotypes such as Autism, Attention Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia and Tourette’s.
David added: “While many businesses acknowledge the importance of neuro diversity inclusion, there’s a significant gap in having specific policies and practices in place to support neurodivergent employees.
“We are committed to fostering a workplace where neurodivergent individuals can thrive. We are now reflecting on how Fuelling Minds can support our customers – both children and grown-ups – starting with how we format our menus for easier reading. Jamie Oliver’s recent Channel 4 documentary, Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution was an incredibly powerful eye opener, and one that we could all learn from.
“NiB statistics show that only 16% of autistic adults are in full time employment and 45% of those who are, have lost or left their job because of challenges caused by autism. ND colleagues think differently and can bring strength and benefit to a team, so we want to access their hidden talents and ensure there are opportunities for them to thrive and grow.”
Fuelling Minds has also signed the Armed Forces Covenant in support of those who serve and their families, and is a Living Wage Employer backing Cambridge Sustainable Food, a non-profit organisation working to build a fairer, more sustainable food system for the community and environment.
