Imperial College London, one of the finest universities in Europe, appointed ThirstLink to assist them in the specification, then tendering, of their vending services throughout their London campus buildings. The brief was simple; to rejuvenate and consolidate the refreshments offering to students and staff, by moving to one sole supplier. In addition, ThirstLink wanted to ensure that revenues were maximised for all parties, and the return to the college increased.
After a detailed and bespoke tender was conducted, ThirstLink analysed the bid information for the college, so that they could make a fully considered decision on their chosen new supplier. The implementation stage was then fully co-ordinated by ThirstLink.
The students and staff are now enjoying quality products from new, smart snacks, food, and hot drink vending machines, as well as having the convenience of cashless technology fitted to every point of sale. Our knowledge of the public, retail, and education sectors of the market enabled us to advise on the most commercially favourable vend tariff across all categories.
7 years on, ThirstLink continue to work with the college, managing the account, overseeing the vending operator’s service. and keeping the client fully advised on all aspects of the vending performance at all ICL locations. We also offer advice on marketing and promotional activity to increase exposure, plus detailed sales statistics.
Client Testimonial
“I am very happy to provide a testimonial! Having Thirst Link Consulting on board, has worked very well for the College. They provided the “link” between us, and the vending Operator 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. They really did make sure that we got the right solution at the right price.” – David Hughes, Imperial College London Campus Services.
Case Study detail: –
Provision prior to TLC being appointed 2016: –
76 vending machines of various ages, model, and design, with a mixture of ‘bean-to-cup & ground coffee hot beverage machines, aged glass fronted snack vendors, and CCSB vendors can & bottle close-fronted units. Most machines were older than 5 years. Products offered were the traditional basic vending core lines.
Vending Income previously = £407,000
New Provision following supplier selection process:
Services expanded to other campuses, Sports Centre, Retail Premises, ‘Essentials’. Vending areas confined to specific key sites with all machines removed from corridor, lobbies, and stairwell locations.
95 new modern vending machines in place, featuring quality ‘Bean-to-cup’ hot beverages delivered in 12oz vended cup with sip lids. Tired old traditional snack, can, and cold drinks (CCSB units) replaced with modern ‘state of the art’ Smart Fridges with weighted shelving displays. All machines converted to cashless vending; card readers installed on every unit with signal boosters fitted to every device. Products include healthy options, as well as a range of protein beverages and protein bars, all controlled, monitored, and updated monthly with new products.
Other services also expanded under the “refreshment services umbrella agreement” included high-quality ‘Bean-to-cup’ table-top coffee machines introduced into office areas, plus a full review of all drinking water services, for both public, student, and office areas throughout the ICL estate.
Vending Income for 2023-24 was £650,000.