Freshly Prepared
Chef-led food, quality ingredients and meals made from scratch wherever we can.
About us
School food couldbe done differently?
Impact Food Group began with a simple idea: to do school food differently and to do it better.
Founded by passionate education caterers, we set out to bring real change to the value food can bring to schools. Not just healthier, fresher meals, but better experiences and outcomes for students, staff and communities.
Today, that belief continues to shape everything we do.
From one idea toa million students
From the beginning, our founding brands brought different strengths to the table.
2005
Raising the bar for school dining
Modern dining experiences, student-led choice and high-street-inspired food concepts
2007
Bringing chef-led food to schools
Freshly prepared meals, made-from-scratch cooking and exceptional food quality
2018
Stronger together
Innovate and Cucina came together to form Impact Food Group, united by a belief in the power of food to transform lives
2022
Independent school specialists
A bespoke, hospitality-led approach designed specifically for the independent education sector
2025
Expanding our reach
A natural cultural fit, strengthening our primary expertise and trusted partnerships across the North of England
2025
Growing our impact
A family-founded education caterer bringing primary expertise, fresh food excellence and a people-first culture
Today
Today, each brand retains its own identity and expertise, united by a shared purpose:
Transforming lives through the power of food
Togetherwe've shapedour foodculture
Every brand has brought something unique to Impact Food Group.
Together, they've shaped a food culture that's rooted in quality, driven by innovation and inspired by the students we serve.
Healthier by Choice
Balanced, nutritious menus inspired by the foods students love, with less fat, sugar and salt.
Better Every Day
Plant-forward menus, responsible sourcing and sustainable choices that are better for students and the planet.
Everyone's Welcome
Safe, inclusive dining with thoughtful allergen management and food every student can enjoy.
Inspired by Schools
Listening, learning and evolving with the schools, students and families we serve.
Every meal could createlasting impact?
Impact+ is our commitment to transforming lives through the power of food – delivering better outcomes for students, stronger communities and a more sustainable future.
Passionfor food
Food that inspires students today, shaping better outcomes for tomorrow.
We create high-quality, nutritious meals students love, combining culinary expertise and innovative menu design to fuel learning, support wellbeing and encourage healthier choices.
Healthyplanet
Sustainability-smart food that's better for students and the planet.
From reducing food waste and carbon emissions to increasing plant-based choices and responsible sourcing, we embed sustainability into every meal we serve.
Thriving people& communities
Creating positive impact that extends beyond the dining hall.
We support students, schools, colleagues and local communities through meaningful partnerships, social impact initiatives and opportunities that help people learn, grow and thrive.
Proven impact you can trust
What started with a single school partnership has grown into one of the UK's leading education catering specialists.
Today, Impact Food Group serves over 1,700 schools and one million students every day through a family of specialist brands, supporting primary schools, secondary schools, sixth forms, independent schools and multi-academy trusts across England.
Our impact at a glance:
- +10%
average increase in meal participation within the first 16 weeks of a new contract
- 96%
of students feel happy at school because they enjoy our food*
- 95%
find it easier to focus in class**
Source: Impact Report 2025 - *vs 76% in non-IFG catered schools **vs 72% in non-IFG catered schools
Meet the team
Our Senior Leadership Team is passionate about supporting our people, looking after our customers and staying true to the values that have shaped IFG from the very beginning.
Richard Taylor
Chief Executive Officer
“My purpose is to create an organisation where everything we do ultimately improves young people’s lives, using the power of food to make a lasting difference.”
Bryan Lygate
Chief Operating Officer
“I want to make sure our teams deliver brilliant food and experiences every day, partnering closely with schools to create a consistently positive experience for students.”
Caroline Jary
Social Impact Director
“I’m proud of our commitment to positive social impact, and how our delicious, nutritious food can make a real difference to students’ school day.”
Bill Bennetts
Chief Information Officer
“I’m driven by using technology and insight to make things better — for our teams, our partners and, ultimately, the students.”
Frank Bandura
Chief Financial Officer
“My mission is to create strong financial foundations which enable great ideas, long-term investment and meaningful impact.”
Gemma Bolton
HR Director
“I believe that when our people feel valued, supported and inspired, they can do extraordinary things for the students and communities we serve.”
Alex Hall
Food Director
“I want young people to love good food. By making it appealing and accessible, we can inspire curiosity and healthier habits for life.”
Michelle de Rocha
Sales Director
“I believe the best client relationships start with understanding their needs and aligning on shared goals from the outset, creating the right foundations for innovation and long-term partnership.”
Ken Navin
Client Relationship Director
“For me, it’s about building genuine partnerships around a shared goal: creating the very best experiences for every student we serve.”
Richard Corbyn
Client Relationship Director
“I value the trust we build with our clients by understanding their needs, keeping our commitments and working as a true partner.”
Matthew Went
Chapter One Managing Director
“I’m passionate about helping independent schools write their unique food stories, through strong partnerships and memorable experiences that enrich everyday school life.”
Clare Hanna
Health & Safety Director
Contact Us
Looking for a catering partner that delivers more than just food?
Get in touch to find out how we can support your school or trust - from improving participation to creating a better dining experience for students.
Impact Food Group Copyright 2026