Anglia Ruskin University Case Study

An education in reuse

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, London and Peterborough, and is ranked in the top 40 universities in the UK, and top 350 institutions in the world.

ARU first found out about Ramco through TUCO, the UK’s university catering membership organisation. But it was after meeting them again at an industry event in March 2023 that ARU approached Ramco for help reusing their surplus equipment. The University was about to begin major refurbishments of their Cambridge and Chelmsford catering facilities, with work taking place throughout the summer. With the ambition to create new social spaces and introduce fresh menus, the changes meant some equipment would be upgraded and replaced with newer models.

Two collections, two sites, two days

With refurbishments due to commence a month after initial discussions, ARU had already identified the various appliances they wanted to rehome.

Across two sites and over two days in May, equipment ranging from combi ovens and range hobs to fridges and ice machines were collected by Ramco and transported to their specialist facility in Skegness. After processing, cataloguing and photographing, the equipment was listed in Ramco’s online auction and sold to customers who could ensure each item was given a second life. 

A great result! 

For 27 years, reuse specialists Ramco has been helping well-known businesses and government departments give new life to unwanted assets. Foodservice organisations like Mitchells & Butlers, Baxter Storey and CH&Co have trusted in Ramco to help give new life for their unwanted assets.

As well as the environmental benefits relating to waste prevention and reuse, Ramco’s service helped Anglia Ruskin University reduce disposal costs whilst also generating a financial return that can be reinvested to support the further development of ARU’s Catering Service.

Susie Cullen, Head of Catering, Hospitality and Events at Anglia Ruskin University, said:

“At Anglia Ruskin University we’re committed to doing all we can to reduce our impact on the environment and ensure the organisation is operating sustainably.

“When undergoing large-scale refurbishments of our catering facilities at two of our sites, we knew we needed an expert partner to help us find value in the equipment we no longer needed.

“Working with Ramco meant we were able to implement an environmentally friendly disposal solution that gave our unwanted equipment a second life, helping to reduce waste.

“This is the first time ARU has worked with Ramco, but we’re very pleased with the outcome, and would use them again.”