Question:

Does any member know of a company who can retro fit shutters for a site in Central London? Thank you

Replies:

1. I have used a company before called HAG shutters. They are based in Bristol but work nationwide.
   Contact Dave Watts dave@hag.co.uk who has always been extremely helpful. Website: https://www.hag.co.uk/
2. Depending on what sort of shutters there is Syston Doors or Bolton Gate Shutters who do work in London.
3. Contact: Steve Brownell at Oak Security Systems Ltd. Email: info@oaksecuritysystems.co.uk

Question:

I am looking for a Catering Service Company who can do Sota Turbo chefs and similar plus Convection Ovens in North West England – roughly 5 sites.

Also, looking for a Catering Engineer for 3 months + inside / outside M25 Area – Gas & Electric plus Refrigeration useful.  Does anybody know reliable engineers that have been made redundant that might be interested. Thank you.

Replies:

1. Marren Group would be their best option.
2. NWCE Ltd can assist with the maintenance in the North West.
   Please contact NWCE Ltd
   Ben Oddling
   Email: ben@nwce.co.uk
   Tel: 0161 764 8688
   Website: nwce.co.uk

Question:

We are reading through a contract for a large project just won where we are acting as principle contractor and designer. It is asking for a professional indemnity at £5M held at that level for a period of 12 years.

Would this be considered normal or excessive?

Replies:

1. Normal on large government projects.
2. From our experience its low as we normally have to include £10m cover, just as designer never mind as PC.
3. That is normal.
4. If acting as principal contractor then I would say that’s reasonable, but it depends on the total value of the project, most main contractors/principal contractors would hold more like £10 million. If acting as just the kitchen supplier its excessive, we have had £1million PI for the last 15 years and have only just upped it to £2million.
5. Generally, the insurance levels might vary according to the nature and value of the contract.  We hold £10m PI cover as standard, as this level is required on a high proportion of our design consultancy projects – we wouldn’t view £5m as excessive.
6. I assume this is to cover the collateral warranty period which can be up to 12 years – may need to check the warranty details etc!
7. In my experience (particularly within office fit-out and refurbishment), the only excessive part is holding the Professional Indemnity for a period of 12 years. £5m is not abnormal as it very much depends on the size of projects. Most employers will accept a temporary increase in PI for the duration of the project so that the specific project is covered. This means the ceda member can pay their insurer a one-off premium to increase the cover.
8. We were recently asked for 10m for 12 years and then after some negotiation, we were asked for 5 years, which I still felt disproportionate to the size of the project, which I am still in ongoing discussions about. This was for a global company and apparently this is standard for all of their projects. It doesn’t appear to be standard across the board and in my personal opinion it is excessive when you look at the cost of the insurance policy over that period in relation to the project.
9. £5m PI isn’t excessive but having to hold it for 12 years is both excessive and highly unusual (I’ve literally never seen it and it makes no commercial sense to have that as a criteria).  Unless it’s a typo, certainly worth challenging.
10. Depends on the value of the overall contract but not excessive
11. We were faced with this for a £500k contract & have examined the necessity of Professional Indemnity on a number of occasions. There is no aspect of the design work which we do which falls into these requirements. In itself the premium is not unaffordable but as your member is aware that has to continue for 12 years. The danger is that if a claim arises for any aspect of the contract, the Main Contractor will make a blanket claim over all the sun-contractors carrying the cover even if not related to spread the risk to themselves. That advice was given to me by a senior insurance professional & we negotiated ourselves out of it & stood our ground. We asked what aspects of our design they needed cover on & no one was able to come up with anything. It was established that we were a specialised supplier. My advice would be to get a copy from your broker of a PI policy, go through it carefully & see if any of it is applicable to your scope of work
12. Yes, this is normal. In fact we hold £10 million which is normal for contracts these days.
13. I’d say in part in depends on the size of the overall contract, what elements have they designed, just kitchens or building as well, and what’s the project value? Our usual level is lower than this and at times we’ve had to argue over levels of PI, currently doing a £440k project where we’ve been asked for £10m PI which is absurd, and we’ve told them so.
14. Can you tell the member that we had to have professional indemnity cover for £2 million, not specified for any length of time, when we were accepted onto a National framework for turnkey projects. There was no upper limit on the value of those projects.
    I hope that helps. The insurance is very expensive!
15. Unfortunately, we used to be able to do this type of contract based on £2m, but in 2019 the norm became £5m.  In fact, we are finding that an increasing number of clients are asking for £10m, which makes the cost of the premiums on £5m look like they are good value! Around 50% of our turnover is D&B, so we automatically renew our PI cover annually.
    If this project is a one off for this ceda member, it will be difficult to justify the cost of 12 years premiums.  In those circumstances we would be looking to raise the price of the contract to cover the difference between £2m and £5m of cover for 12 years.

Question:

Please could you ask the members for recommendation of companies within the M25 area for: Extract ducting safety inspection & degrease.

Replies:

1. We work with a company based in Ashford who will probably be happy to do Southern M25. Their work is excellent and all documented to TR19 standards. Speak to Darren at AOC – Ashford Outdoor Cleaning. Website: http://www.ashfordoc.com/
2. Further to your enquiry regarding Extract Duct Cleaning I include some information on my company and its services.
   Please use my contact details below or visit systemhygienics.co.uk
   System Hygienics is a specialist Nationwide service company with offices on the South coast and in the Midlands. We operate over 40 strategically located engineers using real time IT reporting and data record keeping facilities.
   The company is an examined and accredited member of BESA, is registered with Construction Line, No.45572, and is CHAS, Altius and SafeContractor accredited; it should also be noted that the Company has been awarded a Platinum Standard under the Construction Skills Certificate Scheme. All site operatives and project managers have been accredited with the Engineering Services SKILLcard scheme detailing the training, competencies in Health and Safety, Confined Space, Mobile Platforms, Scaffolding and in some cases Industrial Rope Access Techniques.
   Most of our work is based upon the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which places a duty of care on the building owner/occupier to take such general fire precautions as will ensure, so far as reasonably practical the safety of  the building and safety of the people within it. In addition, the British Standard BS EN15780:2011 provides a Europe wide standard to all new and existing ventilation and air conditioning systems with specific criteria for cleanliness and assessment.
   The services that we currently offer are;
   Air Hygiene Ventilation Ductwork System Cleaning – BESA TR19 standard cleaning using our unique Jetvent compressed air system giving superior cleaning whilst minimising disruption.
   Bathroom Extract Testing and Maintenance – minimising damp and mold in hotel and accommodation bedrooms.
   Kitchen Extract Ventilation System Cleaning – BESA TR19 standard cleaning to minimise risk of fire to meet requirements of Regulatory Reform Order (Fire Safety) 2005 and insurance company compliance, including extract riser cleaning.
   Fire and Smoke Damper Servicing And Testing – BS9999:2008 and Regulatory Reform Order (Fire Safety) 2005 compliance for essential fire safety maintenance. We also offer any remedial works required to your fire dampers to remain compliant.
   Indoor Air Quality Survey And Testing – testing of air ventilation systems, indoor air quality, temperature and humidity including microbiological testing.
   Quality Assurance
   Our Supervisors on an ongoing basis carry out standard Quality Assurance and random inspection by our customer is encouraged and welcomed.  In addition Operations Management may carry out random audits.
   Safety
   System Hygienics is particularly aware of the important safety considerations for both contractor and employer and we have allowed for a safe method of work. Site specific Risk assessment and Method Statements are provided for all jobs on receipt of order and pre contract site visit.
   Clients
   We operate extensively in the Kitchen Extract industry sector with current clients including TGI Fridays, M&B, Carluccios, Giraffe, Heathrow Airport and IKEA. We also operate extensively in the NHS and Private hospital sector, pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, Universities, Stadia, Hospitality, MOD and commercial property amongst others.
   Kind Regards
   Mark
   Mark Poultney
   Managing Director
   Mobile | 07860266788
   Website | http://www.systemhygienics.co.uk 
3. We use Andy Bell of Cleana Kitchens 07375018268 andybell@cleanakitchens.com

Question:

Would it be possible please for you to ask fellow members for any advice on pay for working out of hours weekdays and weekends including bank holidays. If anyone could give me advice on rates. allowances etc it would be very much appreciated.

Replies:

1. Having inherited West of Scotland Union type rates which were a shock to my system, we still have a bit of it about and at the moment pay as follows:Overtime only paid after completion of basic 39 hours.

   Working a normal 8.00 am to 4.30 pm day, the first 4 hours are at time and a half and then double timed.I would recommend that no double time be paid on Weekdays and Saturdays if setting up a system.

   The maximum we will pay for travelling if it falls into overtime is time and a half.

   Saturday morning first four hours at time and a half and then double time (try to avoid it)

   Sunday is on double time apart from travelling.

   Bank Holidays either double time or standard time and a day off in lieu.  Used to be double time plus a day off but that’s unsustainable.

   When I worked in Yorkshire, it was time and a third during the week and Saturdays and not time and a half so depending on where your member is I would look really hard at what is being offered.  It’s okay if you’re pricing the job at overtime but not if it slips into overtime when double time just kills the profit.

   Hope that helps.  We treat our workforce well and look after them but we need them to work when we’re busy and sometimes we negotiate a package for installation.  I’m a great believer in not expecting them to stay somewhere I wouldn’t stay myself, and to cover adequate expenses for proper meals and snacks but no flat rate money in their pockets

Question:

Can any member recommend a transport company capable of warehousing, consolidation and delivery of equipment for kitchen projects? Similar to the service Keith Elkington used to offer to dealers a few years ago.

Replies:

1. ceda Member ‘NWCE Foodservice Equipment’ have said that they can help with this. Contact Ben Odling Tel: 0161 764 8688 Email: ben@nwce.co.uk Website: www.nwce.co.uk
2. ceda Member ‘General Catering’ have said they can help. Please contact Amjad Alikhan – Tel: 01302 340742 – Email: amjad@generalcatering.co.uk Website: www.generalcatering.co.uk
3. ceda Member ‘Scobie Foodservice Limited’ have said Scobie McIntosh has a warehouse near Gatwick with its own logistic company plus engineers and installers. Contact John Ward Email: John.Ward@scobie.uk Tel: 01342 840429
4. ceda Member ‘Archer Catering Systems Ltd’. Contact: Nick Archer to discuss Tel: 0161 737 8307 Email: nick@archercateringsystems.com
5. We have used Archers, who are a ceda Member. Nick Archer 07836 776858
6. These guys offer the service required they work mainly with the catering equipment industry. IAC Delivery Solutions Contact Chris Cox – Tel: 01795 475222
7. There is a company called Harrison Carr based in Leicester – they can also install. Tel:  0116 260 2222. Steve Carr is the contact or Louise. Would highly recommend them.
8. IAC offer this service they are based in Kent.
9. PAD logistics also offer this service and are based near Manchester.
10. Speak to Chris at IAC Delivery Solutions. Email: chris@iacdelivery.co.uk They are spot on! Tel: 01795 475222 or email: info@iacdelivery.co.uk
11. I’m not sure if Certa offer this service, contact is Dan Loria 07714 344626, but suspect they might, if so, would imagine it’s not as eye wateringly expensive as Keith Elkington was.
12. IAC delivery solutions.
13. We use IAC based in Kent and also have a depot in Northampton.
14. I believe Harrison Carr do this. I have worked with them in the past but not for this service – http://harrison-carr.co.uk/
15. We use IAC. Andrew Cox – Project Manager – IAC Delivery Solutions – Tel: 07966 244 003 or 01795 475 222
16. We use and can recommend IAC who provide this service to us.

Question:

Can the membership recommend an exceptional flooring/whiterock company who can work in London and the Home counties? Really reliable and able to work nights and weekends if necessary.

Replies:

1. Igloo services
2. Robex Contracting Ltd – https://www.robexcontracting.co.uk/
3. We use HCS Yorkshire, I know he travels so maybe he is worth a shout. Tel: 0113 868 0065
4. Colin Nash – HCS – Tel: 07766 655816 – I use Colin all the time, he’s brilliant
5. Contact Northern Installers – work as required in your e-mail. Good people. Contact: email-lisapollard@northerninstallers.com
6. We can recommend Alan Bradley of CASI on 07590 411808 or email: Alan@casiltd.com
7. Jemiclad – Email Matt: matt@jemic.co.uk
8. I can recommend Steve at Pro Res in Warrington – Email: kerwin@pro-resin.com Tel: 01942 261155
9. We use a company called floor restorations limited. They are fantastic, cover all flooring and white rock etc.  They are a national company carrying out works on large multimillion pound projects and our little kitchens – https://www.flr.co.uk/
10. Absolute Interiors based in South East
11. For White Rocking we use T1M Ltd based in Stroud. They do all our work and will work with the customer towards access times and will work around them. Tim Tyler – Tel:  07971694605
12. A company we use is called Tudorbuild who carry out Whiterock and flooring installations. Companies details are:
    Duncan Smith
    Tel: 07912 344179
    Email: tudorbuildltd@hotmail.co.uk

Question:

What electronic systems are other ceda members using for the engineer’s documents and invoicing please? And any pros or cons they have found with the systems. We need to swap over from paper to electronic in the near future.

Replies:

1. Bigchange – https://www.bigchange.com/
2. Click 4 mobile engineer
3. We use a company called we work together, they tailor make it to your original paperwork.  Tel: 0207 1297058
4. My suggestions would be Syclops marketed by a company called Advance – https://www.oneadvanced.com/solutions/field-service-management/ Or Optim Service marketed by the Interchange Group http://www.interchangegroup.com/ They are not cheap but will do everything a service / project / install company needs. We have experience of using both.
5. We use clik and have the app version installed on Ipads for the engineer’s worksheets. We don’t actually use it for invoicing, but it can also be used for invoicing and purchase orders.
6. We can recommend BigChange – contact details :- Serge Fagelman Email: serge.fagelman@bigchange.com Tel: 0113 457 1000 Website: www.bigchange.com

Question:

We are looking for a supplier/distributor for the following: Sharp SMD2470AH 24″ Microwave Drawer.

Replies:

1. Try RH HALL – they do domestic sharp ovens
2. This is a domestic appliance
3. Try asking Iain Phillips at Regale Microwaves. Tel: 07772 203 295 Email: phillips@regale.co.uk
4. Try Regal Microwaves
5. Contact John Ward at Corrigans & Scobie McIntosh. Tel: 07918 690 275 Email: John.Ward@scobie.uk

Question:

I am struggling to locate a UK distributor for Fagor. I have tried to make direct contact with the supplier in Spain however, I have had no response to date. Does anyone have any contact details for me please? Thank you

Replies:

1. Airedale – www.airedale-group.co.uk – are now the UK distributers however parts can be obtained from CaterParts and Crystaltech Services (UK) Limited – www.crystaltech.co.uk – service their Warewashing products.
2. Airedale are the sole UK agent for Fagor in UK.
3. Try Valera
4. Airedale sell Fagor however the list prices are available on Caterquotes.
5. I did some subcontract work for a company importing in Fagor dishwashers. Contact Hazel – Tel: 07926101928 Email: Hazelg@gilsonlaundryltd.co.uk
6. The best I can suggest is make direct contact with Fagor in Spain
7. They could try John Stillwell on Tel: 07919220812