Wilkes Vending Services

The Wilkes Group was originally founded in 1946 by Mr Gerald Wilkes.

The Second World War had just come to an end and having spent a considerable time in the NAAFI, a career in catering seemed a natural progression.

Industry was developing rapidly and the “works canteen” was an essential part of any growing business. With his keen entrepreneurial spirit and an eye for business opportunity, Mr Wilkes was soon successful in taking over the responsibility of the running of many of these canteens throughout the West Yorkshire area.

As the number of outlets grew, Wilkes Catering Services, as it was then known, purchased more and more provision for their many outlets.  It was at this stage that Catering Supplies (Wakefield) Ltd was formed to purchase and distribute groceries to the works canteens.

In later years, the range of products supplied by Catering Supplies (Wakefield) Ltd included ingredients used in Automatic Vending Equipment, in addition to the Catering Disposables already provided.

Around this time Mr Gerald Wilkes also joined forces with two brothers, Mr Ronald and Mr Douglas Cann, who owned Canns Bakery – to form Cann & Wilkes Ltd.  This become a well known bakery in Wakefield and supplied many of the growing number of catering outlets, along with the many private shops, which sadly have made their way for today’s giant supermarkets.

In 1970, the company moved into the operation of Automatic Vending Machines.  It was then that Wilkes Vending Services Ltd was formed.  Initially, the Vending Machines were sited for clients to whom the Catering Services were already being provided.

Over the past 30 years, the popularity and range of Vending Machines has continued to increase.  Wilkes Vending Services now offer a full range of Hot Beverages, Canned Drinks, Confectionery and Hot Food, in addition to the Bottled Water Services provided by our latest edition to the Group, Wilkes Water Coolers.  In total, we are responsible for the supply of over 2000 Vending Machines throughout the North of England.

In 1990, the Group progressed into Industrial and Contract Cleaning and in recent years the Wilkes Group has enjoyed substantial growth in all areas of its business.

In 2002, we achieved ISO 9001 : 2000.  This has further assisted our effectiveness and ensured that the highest levels of Customer Care are achieved.  It has also enabled up to obtain contracts with major Blue Chip Clients and local Councils, which has further enhanced our growth.