The introduction of the M&S Simply Food brand will be focused within Compass’ specialist Healthcare division Medirest, with the new store at the Royal Derby Hospital being the first to open. More openings are set to follow in hospital locations, supporting the growth of Compass’ retail proposition.  

Medirest has operated the retail contract at the Royal Derby Hospital for five years. The addition of M&S Simply Food will further strengthen the retail offer at the hospital which currently features a fully licensed Costa Coffee, an amigo convenience store and a Deli Marche.

Commenting on this new agreement with Marks & Spencer, Ian Sarson, group managing director of Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “M&S is an ideal strategic partner for Compass. We are delighted to partner with M&S and look forward to offering our customers the confidence of a high street quality brand that they know and love.”

Paul Horwell, head of UK franchise at Marks & Spencer, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Compass Group at Royal Derby Hospital. Compass joins our roster of trusted franchise partners and the combination of Compass’ retail expertise in specialist locations with the M&S’ innovative, quality food offer is an exciting prospect. Derby is a great opportunity for both parties and I’m looking forward to seeing how much further we can take the partnership.”