Testimonials

Facing the total refurbishment of a commercial school kitchen is a daunting prospect, add, a short turn around period, multiple unknowns in the hidden structures and services, and an unfamiliarity in this sector of building refurbishment. You have a recipe for disaster.

We decided to use Whitco based on the recommendations of others. The planning phase was extensive and little in the final design was left to chance, after the builders moved out Whitco had a 2 week slot to produce a very high spec £250k kitchen that suited all parties.

Despite significant structural roofing problems taking the whole project out of sync, it happened. David Glover (sales) from Whitco ensured communication with me at all times, he not only ended up cleaning and fitting but also cooking!

Refurbishment builds are always stressful no matter how much planning goes into the project, and in retrospect thinking can say ‘we should have thought of that’. But a contractor that stays the course with the client no matter how difficult it gets and still ensures that standards are met is hard to find -Whitco is one such contractor.

A quality kitchen markets your food services, this was a sound investment by the school and the end result is a credit to Whitco’s team.

Mark Fellows, Business Manager, Rugby High School

With more than 20 years’ success in the catering industry, we have plenty of experience to draw on. Here are some recent examples of our work for private and public sector clients. Whitco is highly respected – but don’t take our word for it, take theirs!

"Whitco have been instrumental in project managing and installing the new kitchen and restaurant at the Sixth Form College, they are a company of professionals who are willing to “go the extra mile” to ensure that the finished project is completed with quality equipment, is user friendly and has a workable layout for the catering staff."

Trevor Beckett – Colchester 6th Form College

Whitco successfully completed the kitchen installation at Kilworth House Hotel project in 2007, working to a tight installation schedule, this compact kitchen installation was well designed fulfilling all the needs of the Chef and Kitchen Staff and was brought in on time and on budget. Yet another successful team effort by Whitco.

Richard Coppock - Associate Director, Corporate Architecture Ltd

The Catering Department at Oakham School is housed in a bespoke facility that was built and equipped approximately 25 years ago. The demands of the Catering Department are considerable with some 20,000 meals being produced weekly. The expectations of the consumer have increased and diversified massively over the 25 years that the building has been in operation. This change of expectation along with general wear & tear and obsolete technology lead to a complete review of the cooking equipment and methods employed by the department.

Isabella Anello of Whitco Ltd was presented with the challenge of designing a new kitchen that was capable of meeting the 21st century demands of the school. Surveys were conducted, drawings produced, equipment specified and quotes submitted. The elements of this process that really impressed us at Oakham School was the time and thoroughness that Whitco invested into understanding the operational needs of the kitchen prior to any suggestions or drawings being proffered. The other element that impressed us was the quote, we couldn’t believe how competitive the prices were for equipment with such high specifications.

Once the drawings had been agreed and the quotes accepted installation was planned. This threw up numerous anxieties about timing, due to the 24/7 nature of the operation at Oakham the opportunities for closing the kitchen are minimal. The extensive re-routing of utilities meant that there was no easy plug and play solution so timing and efficiency were critical. Witco’s project management was a masterpiece of logistical management and the whole installation process was as seamless and professional as we could have possibly of hoped for.

The net result of Witco’s relationship with Oakham School is an efficient, practical and aesthetically pleasing kitchen that is more than capable of meeting the demands of our discerning clientele. There has of course been the odd snag that Whitco have been asked to rectify and here is the true testament to the organisation. All problems are responded to without quibble and with good humoured efficiency. What more can one ask?

Andrew Keenan MBA MHCIMA