A prominent Flintshire employer feeding thousands of children every day is preparing for a period of significant growth, with plans to expand its footprint across the North West and beyond.
NEWydd Catering and Cleaning is set to move into new areas, creating fresh opportunities for employment, partnership working and wider recognition of its catering and cleaning services.
Led by Managing Director Steve Jones, the Mold-based provider – which employs more than 350 people – is attracting growing interest from educators and organisations across Cheshire and the Wirral, as demand increases for high-quality, values-led services.
While firmly rooted in the communities it serves, the organisation is now ready to take its locally sourced, professionally delivered offer to a broader regional audience.
“We’ve been part of daily life here for years, often quietly,” said Steve, supported by Business Operations Manager Rob Lawton, and Business Development Manager Scott Lawson.
“But the scale of our impact and the strength of our values are now being recognised far beyond Flintshire. Growth is the next natural step for us, for our teams, and for the North Wales suppliers we’re proud to champion.”
With most staff living in the areas they serve, NEWydd is one of the region’s largest and most established employers. Many employees span generations, creating a strong, family-like culture reflected in long-serving team members such as school catering assistant Eira Dykes, who has dedicated more than 47 years to the service, cleaner Lyn Lovatt (34 years) and Area Contract Manager Jane Edmund-Robinson, who began her career 33 years ago as a catering assistant and progressed into senior management.
“Our people are at the heart of everything we do,” added Steve.
“That sense of belonging is what we’ll carry with us as we move forward.”
Best known for delivering up to 14,000 freshly prepared school meals every day, NEWydd places nutrition, sustainability and local sourcing at the centre of its operations, with menus prioritising Welsh suppliers to support the regional economy and reduce food miles.
Its impact extends well beyond mealtimes. The Eat Smart, Save Better programme, delivered in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, has already reached 18 primary schools, helping families learn how to cook healthy meals on a budget. Participants complete the programme with new skills, ingredients, cooking equipment and a recipe book to support affordable cooking at home.
The organisation also supports schools by redesigning dining spaces, improving food culture and helping vulnerable pupils through confidence-building cooking classes. Seasonal Theme Days, Taster Events, curriculum-linked activities and live kitchen demonstrations further enhance engagement with pupils and families.
“Our identity is Welsh, local and community-first – but our ambition is bigger,” said Rob.
“As more organisations look for a partner that delivers professional standards with genuine heart, we’re ready to grow, taking our people, our values and our commitment to local communities with us.”
Alongside its catering provision for schools, businesses, events and private functions across North Wales, NEWydd also delivers tailored cleaning services for offices, schools, care homes and industrial sites, offering flexible contracts ranging from one-off deep cleans to regular scheduled services.
Scott added: “This is an exciting time for us, and we are seeing real momentum in both catering and cleaning enquiries.
“Our priority is to continue delivering a high-quality, reliable service while exploring fresh opportunities for growth. Our team is committed, ambitious, and ready to take NEWydd onto its next chapter.”
For more information, call 01352 704119 or email contact@newydd.wales. Alternatively, visit www.newydd.wales/en/Home.aspx.