Northumbria University in Newcastle has renewed its contract with Sodexo, extending the partnership to 2033.

 The agreement includes the management of both soft and hard facilities management (FM) services and residential living, along with the introduction of a new food offer at the university's largest student accommodation, Trinity Square.

Sodexo has been at the helm of managing student accommodation services at Northumbria University since 2014. The latest contract features a new catering service, providing hot drinks and a "grab and go" food solution, including paninis and pastries.

The initiative aims to revitalise underused spaces within the Trinity Square student accommodation, thereby enhancing the student living experience and fostering a comfortable and conducive learning environment.

Sodexo's contract with Northumbria was originally limited to Trinity Square, which houses 1,000 students.

The university later expanded Sodexo's remit to include all four city residences, and it now serves 2,500 students annually.

Sodexo's services for the university's student accommodation encompasses reception, helpdesk, security, mechanical and electrical maintenance, and cleaning.

Employing 58 individuals at Northumbria University, Sodexo leverages digital platforms to streamline maintenance requests, having recently implemented a mobile-enabled maintenance system to enhance service response times, minimise costs and prolong the lifespans of equipment.

Sodexo's engagement extends beyond the university to the local community, where it collaborates with charities and social enterprises such as Northern Rights and the DFN project [a transition-to-work scheme for young adults with disabilities].

The partnerships support the long-term unemployed and individuals with learning difficulties in finding employment.

In June 2024, Sodexo secured a contract to provide catering services at Oasis Restore, the UK’s first purpose-built secure school.