Kudos, part of the Crown Group has today announced the signing of a six-year multimillion pound contract to provide food and venue management services at the National Football Museum, soon to be relocated to the Urbis building in Manchester.
The deal, worth an estimated £12million in total turnover, will see the food and venue experts provide distinctive, cafe and restaurant services at the museum, alongside managing its events and banqueting portfolio.
Kudos beat stiff competition from the industry in a competitive tender process and was specifically commended for its food credentials and commercial awareness.
The museum is home to the world’s greatest football collection, housing more than 140,000 objects, works of art and photographs. Items include a shirt from the world's first ever international match played in 1872, the 1966 World Cup Final ball and the shirt worn by Maradona during the infamous 1986 ‘Hand of God’ quarter final match between England and Argentina.
The venue will also provide a permanent home for its nationally-recognised Hall of Fame, with new legends being inducted in a prestigious awards ceremony every year.
It is due to open in 2012 and is expected to attract over 350,000 visitors per year.
Jon Pryce, managing director, Kudos, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win the contract for one of the most exciting and prestigious venues in the UK. As soon as we saw the brief for the museum, we knew that our food and commercial know-how would be well-received.
“Contracts like this don’t come around that often so we are really pleased to be chosen as partners to the museum and can’t wait to get started.”
Michele Somers, head of commercial development at the National Football Museum, said: “We are very much looking forward to working alongside Kudos. Their diverse portfolio along with their commercial expertise will ensure we deliver a high quality and enjoyable experience for all our visitors, whether it’s corporate guests attending a full VIP reception and dinner or families enjoying a day out, wanting lunch in the cafe.”
