A Refreshment Consultancy Tendering Refreshment Services
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Providing Objective Advice and Expert Assistance
ThirstLink is a nationwide team of independent Consultants, providing expert advice and assistance to end-user companies when they are seeking to improve or replace their Vending, drinking Water and Catering services. Working as an additional valued member of their procurement or facilities team, our support and comprehensive Tendering Service assists our clients to make the right choices during the supplier selection process.
Our Clients
We Value Our Relationships
Our Services
Here to Help You
Vending Consultancy & Tendering Services
At any stage of the contract cycle with your current vending operator, ThirstLink can assist you to improve service standards, reduce costs, renew current contract on improved terms or invite proposals and help you choose the most suitable new supplier on the most competitive financial terms
Water Tendering Service
We will provide an objective assessment of your current service at no cost. After our detailed analysis of all contractual, sales and service data we will submit our recommendations on the most suitable solution.
Catering Consultancy & Tendering Services
Working on your behalf, ThirstLink can fully manage the competitive tendering process for catering and support services.
Coffee Machine Sales & Consumables
If in-house staff or your on-site caterer are “operating” your vending equipment, ThirstLink will be pleased to provide equipment to you at preferential prices. We will also benchmark your current cost of vending products & consumables and arrange supplies on best terms.
Independent Expert Advice
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Providing Hands-On Assistance
ThirstLink has an independent and detailed understanding of the Vending operating and supply industry, as well as Drinking Water Suppliers and Catering and Hospitality services. Our Partners have spent many years working at all levels in all the various sectors of these industries.
Valued Clients
Testimonials
A year ago WH Smith were undertaking a major project to develop a new vending concept for their Travel locations and in particular hospitals .
Due to the lack of in house expertise and knowledge of the industry we arranged for ThirstLink to assist in this project and take it through to completion .
During that time we found that Darren Rhys was able to provide all the help that we required to move the project forward . He was able to provide us with a list of suitable providers and assist with the associated negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion.
He was able to put forward a list of options around the concept and was able to present these at a senior level within WH Smith.
We found Darren to be well organised and professional in his approach and was able to achieve all deadlines required.
We would have no hesitation in recommending ThirstLink for assistance with any vending related projects.
Mike McWatt, Senior Procurement Manager
In 2018 Bidfood made a decision to improve and streamline our vending services across all UK locations. Due to their sector experience and deep category expertise we appointed ThirstLink to review our existing contracts and to go to tender for a new national vending contract with the objective of reducing suppliers, improving services and reducing costs. Darren (Rhys) and ThirstLink managed a robust and efficient procurement process which delivered on all objectives. Their market insight and supplier relationships created real value that more than justified our investment.
I’ve reengaged Darren at my new employer to provide a similar review of our vending and watercooler contracts. I’d have no hesitation in recommending both Darren and ThirstLink.
Fraser Duncan, Group Head of Procurement
In 2019 SCL contacted Ernie Melling and Kate Sands of ThirstLink to assist in their existing vending and cafe contracts. Over the course of a year they assisted SCL in improving the quality of service from the incumbent supplier. As part of this review their advice was invaluable in reviewing the way forward for our refreshment service across both our leisure, heritage and museum locations. The attention to detail and commercial advice assisted SCL in reviewing and awarding two new contracts. I would have no hesitation in recommending their service.
Amy Senogles, Head of Retail
Having ThirstLink on board, has worked very well for Imperial College London. They provided the "link" between us and the vending suppliers and we were able to tap into their knowledge and experience. This saved us much needed time, and was at no cost to the College. Richard Crossman supported by Roy Girt really did make sure we got the right solution at the right price. ThirstLink then remained on board to ensure all the promises made during the tender process are delivered
David Hughes, Finance Functional Specialist
I am delighted to provide this commendation for ThirstLink Consulting services. Over the past decade, the Trust has consistently relied on ThirstLink for their expertise in procuring vending services, and we have been consistently impressed with their professionalism, knowledge, efficiency, and effectiveness.
From defining the project scope to its timely completion, ThirstLink has consistently delivered outstanding results. Their commitment, professionalism, and support has ensured that our patients, visitors, and members of the public receive the service they deserve. I wholeheartedly recommend ThirstLink’s services to our NHS colleagues and others without hesitation. We look forward to collaborating with them again in the future as the need arises
Paul Gilbert , Contracts Manager, Estates and Facilities
Our relationship with ThirstLink is on-going, as we wanted to keep protecting our interest throughout the term of the suppliers vending contract, Andy Stephenson a Consultant Director from ThirstLink attends all performance review meetings, assisting us to manage and monitor the service, and deliver on all promises made during the selection process
Ian Scarth, Senior Catering Manager
When ThirstLink was appointed, they were just like an extension to my team, not like other ‘consultants’ I had experienced. They assisted us to appoint the most suitable vending operator to meet our requirements and then ensured a hassle-free mobilisation
Alan Riddell , Deputy Director, Residential and Business Services
ThirstLink have supported Sheffield Hallam through two cycles of tender and supplier management. We have been delighted with the service that has been provided, they are always professional, with a diligent eye for detail, and with very effective follow up. I would highly recommend Andy Stephenson and his services to peers in the HE sector.
Jon Broadhurst , Head of Catering Services
Meet the Team
David Bate
Executive Director
Roy Girt
Executive Director
Sally Pearce
Admin Manager
Andy Stephenson
Consultant Director
Richard Crossman
Consultant Director
Colin Masters
Consultant Director
Nigel Francis
Consultant Director
Darren Rhys
Consultant Director
Ernie Melling
Consultant Director
Kate Sands
Consultant Director
Case Studies
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