VT Flagship wins landmark contract with RAF

Leading training and support services company VT Flagship has won a £30 million pound contract to deliver key support services at Royal Air Force Brampton Wyton Henlow against intense competition. This is particularly significant as it is the first time that the Royal Air Force has awarded Catering, Retail and Leisure (CRL) services as part of a contract.

The Multi-Activity Contract (MAC) will commence on 01 April 2009 when over 400 posts will transfer to VT Flagship and its CRL partner, Aramark, at Royal Air Force Brampton Wyton Henlow. Services provided include catering, communication information systems, mechanical transport operations and maintenance, general engineering support, fire services, cleaning, pest control, waste disposal and leisure management.

Royal Air Force Brampton Wyton Henlow, a tri-site location overlapping Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, plays a major part in support of the UK Defence Mission. Comprising just over 6,000 service and civilian personnel, it is home to a number of important organisations including the Centre of Aviation Medicine, the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre and the Headquarters Provost Marshal (RAF).

Due to the fluctuation of people, equipment and facilities over the next five years across the three locations, the contract has been split as follows; a two year contract at Royal Air Force Brampton, a three year contract at Royal Air Force Wyton and a five year contract at Royal Air Force Henlow with options to renew on each.

This is the second important contract win with the Royal Air Force; VT Flagship securing the delivery of support services at the Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering (DCAE) Cosford in September 2008.

Says Tara Gullett, VT Flagship’s Managing Director: “This is an important vote of confidence for the way in which VT Flagship has addressed the significant challenges facing the Royal Air Force and offered a highly tuned set of solutions for its vital support services that combine both excellence with value for money.

“VT Flagship has assembled a skilled team, with ex-Royal Air Force personnel at its heart, to deliver this contract that expands our footprint within the Royal Air Force and across the defence sector as a whole.”

Says Group Captain C Smith MA RAF Station Commander: “I look forward to our new relationship with VT Flagship and Aramark, and to working with them when the new contract comes into effect this April. Contractors are a vital part of the Station team without whom we simply could not deliver our operational output to the Royal Air Force, Defence Equipment and Support, the Defence Intelligence Community and other Lodger Units and a smooth and effective transition is imperative. I am confident that all involved will work hard to ensure the move is seamless.” 

Says Neil Shroeder, Managing Director of ARAMARK Defence Services: “We are delighted to have secured a major contract with the Royal Air Force as the sub-contractor in a strategic partnering relationship with VT Flagship. 

“Our two companies have many years’ experience of providing the range of services in their relative areas of expertise, mobilising new contracts and delivering quality services. We look forward to leading in the supply of catering, retail, leisure and cleaning services across the three sites of RAF Wyton, Brampton and Henlow at a time of crucial change and development.”