Healthcare & Public Sector Catering Consultancy

Better Food.
Better Care.
Better Outcomes.

40+

Years of industry experience in NHS & public sector catering

100%

Independent advice, always evidence-based, always objective

NHS

Career founded in healthcare, from Trainee Chef to sector leader

HCA

Chair of the Hospital Caterers Association & PSC 100

About Andy Jones

40 years.
One consistent mission.

Andy Jones is one of the UK's most experienced and respected figures in public sector and healthcare catering. Starting as a Trainee Chef in the NHS, he progressed to become Service Development Director at ISS, founded AJ Associates, and chaired the Hospital Caterers Association and Public Sector Catering 100.

He has collaborated with James Martin on BBC One's Operation Hospital Food, contributed to Tom Heap's 39 Ways to Save the Planet, and co-runs Nutrition and Hydration Week. His career has been defined by a relentless commitment to improving food experiences for patients, staff and communities.

Through HCC by AJ Associates, part of The Barns Group, Andy now brings that expertise to NHS trusts, hospitals, care homes, local authorities and public sector organisations across the UK.

"Andy is widely regarded as one of the leading voices in public sector catering. His experience, knowledge and industry relationships are exceptional."

— Chris Stanley, Co-Founder, The Barns Group

Chair, Hospital Caterers Association
Chair, Public Sector Catering 100 (now Public Sector Catering Alliance)
Service Development Director, ISS
BBC One, Operation Hospital Food with James Martin
39 Ways to Save the Planet, Tom Heap
Co-organiser, Nutrition and Hydration Week
Multiple awards for outstanding contribution to public sector catering

What We Do

Our Services

We work with organisations across healthcare, social care and the wider public sector, helping them improve food quality, operational performance and value for money.

Catering Reviews

Independent assessment of current catering operations, standards and performance against best practice and regulatory requirements.

Food Service Transformation

Strategic redesign of catering models to improve patient experience, staff satisfaction and service sustainability.

Operational Improvement

Practical, hands-on support to enhance efficiency, food quality and consistency across complex catering environments.

Compliance Auditing

Rigorous independent audits against nutritional, regulatory, food safety and operational standards.

Procurement Strategy

Expert guidance on food procurement, supplier selection, tendering and contract management to maximise value.

Benchmarking

Performance benchmarking against sector standards, peer organisations and best practice, with clear, actionable recommendations.

Who We Work With

Sectors We Serve

NHS Trusts

Care Homes

Healthcare Facilities

Private Hospitals

Local Government

Public Sector

Social Care

Contract Caterers

Work with Andy

If you are looking for independent expertise to improve your catering operation, patient experience or food service strategy, we would be glad to help.

Part of The Barns Group

HCC by AJ Associates is part of a network of specialist consultancy businesses working across education, healthcare, hospitality and facilities management.