Civica strengthens compliance offering with integration of Fretwell Downing

Civica, a global leader in software for public services, has announced the full integration and rebrand of Fretwell Downing Hospitality (FDH) and the Saffron cloud catering management platform. 

Following FDH’s acquisition in April 2020, the company has added specialist cloud catering management software to Civica’s compliance offering across sectors including local authorities, education, health and food service. 

This has strengthened the Group’s offering to the education sector: Saffron complements an existing suite of solutions that support a complete end-to-end process in schools, from online parent payments to cashless catering and kitchen management. Its specialist capability is highly complementary to Civica’s established activities and cloud-based growth strategy. 

The business has continued to perform well since acquisition with focused catering management solutions for key markets. In response to the challenges of removing paper to support COVID-19 safeguarding practices Saffron’s meal-ordering app is being rolled out in hospitals and care homes. Schools and universities are using Saffron to replace paper-based task lists and digitise document management. 

The market-leading cloud platform Saffron streamlines a range of activities from stock control, purchasing and management information solutions to the delivery of multi-site services. The solution now supports over 250 customers with better governance to underpin safety and wellbeing. It provides consistent compliance with food standards and delivers key capabilities from managing allergies to child nutrition and environmental awareness.  

Phil Jones, Managing Director - Saffron, Civica said: “As we continue to help our customers navigate the current COVID-19 landscape, this integration will help us further roll out fast and innovative cloud solutions. Our specialist capability is highly complementary to Civica’s established activities and cloud-based growth strategy and we look forward to making a real difference for both existing and new customers in the future.”