Staffordshire Housing Association is offering a ready-made business opportunity for a catering company or start-up.

A caterer is being sought to run the restaurant and cafe at the West End Village, Stoke.

The winning proposer will get a year’s rent-free use of the West End Village’s well equipped kitchen and restaurant facilities to allow them to establish their catering business.

“This is an excellent opportunity to establish a business in a high quality environment with a ready-made customer base,” said Staffordshire Housing’s Julie Russell.

“We are a community based organisation with a focus on job creation for the people of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and we want to give a keen, talented catering entrepreneur a chance to build on an already established service.”

The West End Village is an award winning facility with 112 apartments for people aged over 55.

The modern, comfortable communal areas, including a restaurant, cafe, shops and a gym, are open to the public on Mondays to Fridays and available to West End residents seven days a week. The West End Village has a programme of events and entertainment that attract the over 55 age group from the wider community.

The restaurant and cafe is also used by local residents and the 200-plus staff at the neighbouring Staffordshire Housing Association head office.

Added Julie Russell: “This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced self-starter, who is passionate about cooking nutritious, delicious and traditional food and working with a variety of age groups, to take over an established service with food sales of over £80k each year.

“We are looking for a talented caterer with both business ideas and excellent customer service skills. The ideal candidate will have a passion for food, combined with a commitment to delivering consistent quality food to a budget while managing the kitchen and a small team to achieve excellence in food and safety standards.

To submit a proposal, or ask for further information, call Julie Russell or Gina Cooper at Staffordshire Housing on 01782 744533.  The deadline for submitting applications is 28 February and interviews will held on Friday 14 March.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Staffordshire Housing Group is committed to building a better future for local communities.  The group’s parent organisation, Staffordshire Housing Association, has around 3,000 homes for rent and sale, including three older people’s villages, and offers a range of tenant services. Revival Home Improvement Agency works with older and vulnerable home owners to help them stay warm, secure and independent in well-maintained homes. Blue Mountain Housing Association works closely with refugees to provide essential support and help with access to healthcare, education, training and employment.  Since April 2012, Hanley-based charity Arch has been part of the group. Arch provides accommodation and support services to people in need, including survivors of domestic violence, ex-offenders and young people leaving care.