Question:

We’ve been asked by two different clients to provide a CapEx report on their catering equipment; to include depreciation costs as this will help them with their net zero sustainability projections. One area I’m struggling with is determining the life expectancy of various equipment, as I understand this might vary across different manufacturers and I can’t seem to find anything concrete online.

My question being Is, is there a recognised industry standard for the life expectancy of the following equipment.

• Combination ovens, gas/elec
• Fryers, gas,elec
• Fridges/freezers
• Solid top/ open top ranges
• Food processing equipment
• Servery/hotcupboards
• Etc, etc ,etc

Any guidance or resources you can provide would be greatly appreciated, especially in relation to how this might impact sustainability planning.

Replies:

1. There is no known industry standard because there are too many factors that affect life expectancy to generalise.  The following are the factors and some comments.
   • Type of establishment – for example, a school only uses equipment for 3 or 4 hours a day for 5 days a week and is not used for 13 weeks of the year, whereas, a hospital or hotel is using equipment for 3 meals a day and can be in use for 12 or more hours 365 days a year.
   • The brand of equipment – cheaper brands tend to need replacing in as little as 5 years whereas good quality equipment can last 10 or 12 years.
   • The staff – school meals staff are usually well trained and treat the equipment with respect, whereas many restaurant and hotel staff do not respect the equipment.
   • Maintenance – if equipment is regularly checked and maintained, it will last longer than equipment that gets no maintenance other than breakdown repairs.
2. There is work being done to introduce catering equipment into the CICSE TM65 scheme and this will require manufacturers to declare life expectancy amongst other things, however, it is still fairly early in the process.
3. The chairwoman of the TM65 introduction of catering equipment group is Lauren Hunter, and she is happy to have a conversation with you.  She can be contacted at lauren@impact-loop.com

Question:

Are you able to point me in the direction of a company that can supply marine spec bain marie units? Voltages varying from 110/120v 60hz to 415v 3ph 60hz no neutral we have also been asked for 480v in the past.

Replies:

1. This seems like Marine spec. I would get in touch with Moffat or Victor.
2. Try Stuart Russell of CED or Stuart Brereton of MKN.
3. Electrolux Professional – https://www.electroluxprofessional.com/your-business/marine/
4. Marine Bain Marie
   W Christie & Co Ltd is our dedicated marine supply business.
   Bespoke manufacturing is done by R H Morton & Co Ltd RH Morton & Co Ltd – ceda & includes servery counters, hot cupboards & full range of marine stainless steel fabrication.
   This is well represented on rhmorton.com website in the Marine section. We supply commercial supply vessels, ferries, cable layers, dredgers, fishing vessels. –  pretty much anything for the offshore oil & gas industry galleys but not cruise ships.
   We have been undertaking marine work for almost 50 years.
   Enquiries to either our Sales Director – Mark Rodden E: mark@rhmorton.com or Managing Director – Judith Tatham E:  judith.tatham@ntlworld.com

Question:

We are looking for recommendations towards either businesses and/or independent(s), for BIM resource, that provide full turnkey BIM models, and COBIE data for large multi-level projects. Working alongside a leading main contractor, to a set BEP, upon large co-corporate projects, to provide the full BIM, modelled design for the catering aspect. (i.e., various commercial catering appliances, bespoke fabrication, bespoke counters, ventilation canopies, walk-in cold rooms).

Replies:

1. Contact Scobie McIntosh.
2. I have successfully worked with this company on a large project that required Bim and Cobie acad-services.com My contact was Greg Coleman.

Question:

I am looking specifically for a 10-grid gas steamer – a general atmospheric steamer, not a combi. Please can you advise if anyone in the community happens to know something of this description.

Replies:

1. Closest to it would be Falcon and Lincat, I’m not sure there is a 10 available on the market.
2. I would try Falcon or Blue Seal
3. If it’s an atmospheric steamer then Falcon make one.
4. Contact Retigo as they produce a brilliant oven with a decent warranty.
5. Falcon are the only company that still make these, model number G3478.

Question:

We are after an individual or a company who specialise in design and CAD. This would include being involved from the design stage visiting customers premises to measure up and discuss requirements alongside us. This cover would be for the South of England.

Replies:

1. Stangard Design Solutions – contact Mark Harris via mharris@stangard.com
2. Catercall – contact Richard Jeffryes via richard.j@catercall.co.uk
3. Square One Group Ltd t/a Square One Commercial Interiors – contact Lee Martin via lmartin@squone.co.uk
4. Advantage Catering Equipment – contact Nick Plaice ​​​​via nick@advantagecateringequipment.co.uk
5. Space Group – contact Sally Carpenter via scarpenter@spacegroupuk.com

Question:

Please can you ask the membership if they know anyone that does a countertop induction hob with a built-in scale?

Replies:

1. A company Elica do them but unsure if the requirement is commercial or domestic, but my understanding is they are the first to do them so may cater for both applications.
2. Worth a try with these guys, they make up bespoke kit – https://www.controlinduction.co.uk/ Contact: Gemma, Angela or Geoff
3. If the person means digital display showing power rating and variable temp by scale, then pantheon catering equipment does a single 3 kw table top induction.

Question:

We have a customer who has Rex Martin equipment and according to Companies House they are now dissolved.  Would you know where I might go for parts and information on Rex Martin equipment? It is for a Rex Martins Induction Griddle with Cabinet. Model No: REFC-8B-08, Serial No: C90HYZ14008007.  It’s not coming up to temperature and has a E5 code which we don’t know what that stands for.

Replies:

1. I tried to get parts just before Rex Martin’s went into administration and they were very unhelpful. I still need parts for an induction unit (customer currently using only 2 zones on induction unit! ) I even tried South Korea but got no answer. There was no known part supplier at that time.
2. Martin Porter was the MD of Rex Martins so you could try to make contact with him via LinkedIn

Question:

Rather than ‘landfill’ old & used (printed with site specific logos & company) Hi Vis Vests – any recommendations towards recycling schemes?

Replies:

1. Contact this company: https://projectplanb.co.uk/
2. We use a company called Avena for our recycling off PPE and Workwear. Contact: Elliott Day Elliott.day@avenagroup.co.uk

Question:

We are seeking MOD security passed engineers plumber / electrician. To install a small / medium sized kitchen at High Wycombe in November / December 2024. Security clearance is DV (high). Can anyone help?

Replies:

1. Contact Archer Catering Systems via Tel: 0161 737 8307
2. Contact Catercall via Tel: 0800 542 0016

Question:

We are looking for a recommended CAD design company as we are looking to outsource CAD drawings.
Required to cover the Midlands area.
Any recommendations/help would be much appreciated.

Replies:

1. James Brettle, based in Halesowen. Email: info@jbrettle.com Highly recommended.
2. We have used Ian Clay in the past. Contact: Ian Clay CFSP – Director. Mobile 07884 018113 at Hunsworth Food Service Design Ltd.
3. Neil Ambrose of Amber Freelance is a very good CAD Designer with good Catering equipment knowledge. Contact: Neil Ambrose. Mobile: 07860 310 413. Email: Neil@amberfreelance.co.uk
4. They might like to get in touch with to have a chat we see how much time and work they require.  CAD Drawing Services. Contact:  Mobile – 07952 861607 or Email – Blayne@Blueyonder.co.uk
5. SEV Design. Does 3D and very well priced/quick etc! Details below (based Liverpool). Contact: Steve Elmes. Email: steve@sevdesign.co.uk Phone: 07713 239126
6. James Brettle is good, I’ve used him a lot in the past, he’s based in Halesowen in the West Midlands fully versed in commercial kitchen design and servery/restaurant design. Contact details on his website: http://www.jbrettle.com/welcome.html
7. ceda Member ‘Square One Group Ltd’ have said ‘We have in house CAD facilities and could help this member. Happy for the member to contact me direct should they wish to discuss further. Contact Lee Martin. Email: lmartin@squone.co.uk See: Square One Group Ltd t/a Square One Commercial Interiors – ceda
8. We use this guy; he is really good! Blayne Meeson Cad Drawing Services. Email:  blayne@blueyonder.co.uk  and Mobile: 07952 861607
9. Stephen Hewitt. Contact: 07773 781944
10. I would recommend James Brettle. Contact: Email – info@jbrettle.com Mobile – 07886788105
11. They could try Mark Turner @ LT Design and Project management (07894 055184).
12. Prois-uk (part of Instock Group) are based in Scotland, however, we have a team in England and our offices are in Sheffield, nice and close to the Midlands. Within our team we have commercial designers that can produce CAD drawings, 2D and 3D. We can also provide visuals and walk throughs.
    As a team of commercial catering equipment and full fit out specialists we are able to design commercial kitchens, front of house food service counters, offices, retails stores and much more.
    We are only one hour away from the Midlands (depending on the exact location)
    Please contact Amy Parry – Divisional sales manager via Email: amy@prois-uk.com or Mobile: 07484 090265 Website: www.prois-uk.com