Strategic support in action: Quenelles and Houston & Hawkes

At Quenelles, we’re passionate about building long-term partnerships that make a tangible difference – such as our work with Houston & Hawkes, an independent contract caterer operating in London and the South-East.

Our journey together began three years ago, in June 2022, with an initial procurement review. Since then, our collaboration has grown and strengthened, evolving into a trusted partnership where we provide ongoing strategic support across key areas of their business.

Insight and support

The procurement review in 2022 saw us take a deep dive into supplier relationships, purchasing behaviours and commercial opportunities, enabling us to provide Houston & Hawkes with clear insights and practical recommendations to optimise procurement and strengthen their offer.

From that point, we established a rhythm of regular procurement reviews, ensuring that the business continues to adapt and respond to market changes while keeping costs under control and value high. These reviews have become a cornerstone of our relationship, helping Houston & Hawkes stay agile and competitive.

Importantly, our shared commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing has underpinned this work. As a certified B Corp, Houston & Hawkes is focused on driving positive environmental and social impact through local purchasing, ethical supply chains and strong ESG principles. Quenelles’ independent insight and benchmarking have supported this ambition, helping ensure that every procurement decision balances commercial strength with sustainability goals.

Adding value through tenders and KPIs

Beyond procurement, we’ve supported Houston & Hawkes with tender support, providing the benchmarking, analysis and strategic guidance needed to approach each opportunity with confidence.

We’ve also played an active role in client KPI reviews, helping Houston & Hawkes measure performance, assess value delivered, and ensure that client expectations are consistently exceeded. This data-driven approach ensures transparency and builds trust, strengthening their client relationships.

Dave Hawkes, Director at Houston & Hawkes, explains: “We turned to Quenelles because they offer a trusted and accurate industry benchmark recognised by caterers, clients and consultants alike. They bring clarity, insight and an independent perspective that helps challenge and strengthen our strategic thinking. This gives us the confidence to make clear, evidence-based decisions with the best interests of our clients in mind.”

To find out more about how we can support your organisation, get in touch here.

The Quenelles team