US food service group seeks bigger slice of UK market by linking up with Wiltshire firm

A food procurement business launched 19 years ago from a garden shed has struck a strategic partnership with a leading US software and analytics firm.

The link-up between Allmanhall, based in Corsham, Wiltshire, and Buyers Edge Platform represents more than £300m purchasing power in the UK.

It also strengthens Buyers Edge Platform’s presence in the UK market and enhances its ability to deliver innovative procurement solutions to foodservice operators.

Allmanhall started in 2006 when, over a family meal, father and son Edward and Oliver Hall came up with the idea of a business with a mission to inspire improvement in catering and foodservice.

Starting in their shed, the pair grew the business into a major food service consultancy with more than 100 clients across the education, care, business and leisure sectors.

Today it employs around 45 people with a focus on sustainability in food supply.

Buyers Edge Platform began in 1998 when 45 independent restaurants in Rochester, New York, grouped together to reduce their Pepsi costs.

Today it has more than 1,000 employees and analyses more than 171m purchases a day.

Allmanhall chair and co-founder Edward Hall said: “This strategic partnership is an important step as we build the next generation of our family business.

“Our team, clients and supplier partners are the reason we are here today and we remain committed to them and to offering even greater support and value into the future.”

Allmanhall managing director and co-founder Oliver Hall added: “Our mission is to be a leading provider of world-class food procurement solutions in our marketplace.

“We are thrilled to partner with Buyers Edge to help us achieve that mission. We are two family-owned and family-run businesses sharing a similar philosophy towards our client relationships and supply chain partners.

“Allmanhall has enjoyed record growth in recent years and this investment will ensure we continue to remain a market leader, whilst investing in improvements and outstanding service and support for our valued clients and team.”

Allmanhall will continue to operate independently under its existing leadership, with Buyers Edge Platform European president Daniel Wilson joining its board as a non-executive director.

Buyers Edge Platform CEO and founder John Davie said: “The vision of Buyers Edge Platform is to bring the foodservice industry’s most successful companies together to create new value for foodservice clients and the industry at large.

“Our partnership with Allmanhall means we become a leading provider of third-party food procurement in the UK, which is an important market for us.”

He said under the partnership, Allmanhall and Buyers Edge would share access to cutting-edge technologies, resources and best practices.

Bristol-headquartered national law firm Burges Salmon advised Allmanhall and its shareholders on the transaction, led by partner Dominic Davis, senior associate Gregory Nash and associate Tom Curnow, working closely alongside Trefor Griffith of TG Advisory.

Dominic said: “By combining their strengths, resources and technologies, Allmanhall and Buyers Edge Platform are very well positioned for future growth and their collaboration represents an important milestone in the food procurement industry.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Oliver, Edward and their team and are delighted to have played a role in bringing together two dynamic family-owned companies that are committed to excellence and innovation in their field.”