Question:

I don’t mind admitting that I’m a bit rusty on who is good out there for bespoke cooksuites, especially with induction options. Can anyone add to Athanor, Control Induction and Charvet? Distributor-friendly manufacturers, of course…. !

Replies:

1. MKN
2. We have been working with MKN for some time now. An excellent product range and the Bespoke Suite options have in my opinion unrivalled competition. I have included Wayne Bennett and Rob Purdie’s details below:
   – ben@mknuk.co.uk
   – pur@mknuk.co.uk
3. We tend to use Charvet, Menu Systems & MKN.
   Charvet tend still to be more gas led but are getting better.
   Menus systems for induction come at a price but are good.
   MKN, good solid and reliable still but not as flashy as the Menu System.
   Control induction – we have had experience of them going direct to clients, so be wary.
4. The distributor can speak to DeManincor. He should contact Phil, the UK Business Development Manager. Email: phil@demanincor-uk.com
5. Locher (sister company of Valentine Fryers)
6. Grande Cuisine – Mareno ?
   Exclusive Ranges – Capic ?
   BUT Control Induction all day long – I have found these rarely break down, are easy to work on and the after sales more importantly is 100%!
7. Ceba Solutions Ltd (ceda Member 2023) are distributors for:
   – Athanor Grand Cuisine
   – Charvet
   – Electrolux
   – Bonnet
   – Falcon
   – Baron
   – Mareno
   – Lincat
   All dependant on budget, access, food offer and requirements. Happy to assist where we can.  Kind regards, Geoff Edwards. Email: geoff@cebasolutions.co.uk M: 07483 414158
8. Exclusive Ranges – Menu Systems and Mareno
9. See below list:
   – Baron
   – Olis
   – Ambach
   – Palux
   – MKN

Question:

We have a London based client looking to hire an ice machine on a short – medium term basis. The parts for repair are on an extremely long lead time, but it is still more economical to repair than replace. Their existing machine produces 125kg/24hr so would need to be of similar capacity. Are there any ceda members that offer hire or know of companies that offer such services?

Replies:

1. Jongor Hire London – Tel: 020 3763 5939
2. They could try http://www.rayners.co.uk/
3. Try Jongor, they have an office in London
4. We have worked with a hire company in the past, Allens Hire. Website: Event Catering Equipment Hire London | Allens Hire

Question:

Can anyone recommend a reputable UK based company that either stocks or can manufacture to order the following:

• Large stock pot hobs approx. 800 x 900 x 450mm high with 450mm diameter burners.

Any assistance would be appreciated, thank you.

Replies:

1. Lockhart Catering Supplies or if not maybe try Nisbits.
2. Try: https://www.stockpotsrus.co.uk/

Question:

I am seeking a price & lead time on a Butchers block 1200 x 700 – preferably Canadian maple wood block approx. 175mm high on a steel frame with castors.

Replies:

1. Try: https://www.rowandsons.co.uk/
2. Contact: http://www.sjh-row.co.uk/ 
3. This member should contact Row & Sons who manufacture a range of heavy duty blocks on stands and also make ‘specials’.
   Row & Sons
   Bridge Works
   Stanley Street
   Blackburn
   Lancashire
   BB1 3BW
   Tel: 01206 396688
   Email: info@rowandsons.co.uk

Question:

Does anyone know of any supplier for Countertop Bao Steamer? High quality please.

Replies:

1. ceda Member ‘Brodale Catering Equipment Ltd’ has said ‘We can supply these not sure of lead time though’ Please refer to Brodale Catering Equipment Ltd – ceda
   

    

Question:

I have a client who wants us to import a pizza oven from Italy, this will only be a one off, but I am wondering if anyone has any experience with importing equipment.
The unit is ready to be shipped, we are being asked to pay the remaining balance, which is fine, but we don’t want the unit getting stuck at customs due to a paperwork issue.
I have also been informed we should not pay Vat, this is paid when it enters the country, which again I am not sure is correct.

Please can any other members offer any advice or support.

Replies:

1. Contact Linda Lewis Kitchens – Contact – LLK (llkpizzapros.co.uk)
2. The more important question to ask is, if the equipment complies with UK regs and if it is UKCA marked? If it isn’t we wouldn’t install it.
3. Yes, that is correct, any Vat or duties will be invoiced by the company they are using to get the goods into the country (usually the transport company). Any VAT can then be reclaimed.
4. I would try Linda Lewis Kitchens – all they do is import these from Italy. Ask for Jena or Kyle.
5. We import all the time. We have had to appoint Schenker’s to undertake our Custom’s Clearance and we have a VAT Deferment in place. My stepson-in-law is Italian with a Restaurant which we fitted the kitchen in but he wanted an all singing and dancing front of house Pizza Oven and did a direct Import deal before Brexit.  He had difficulty with the installation, couldn’t get spare parts.  It looked wonderful and had to be replaced after a year. It’s full of difficulties at the present time as a one off but in view of the state of this PO I will get my team to forward the Schenker details to get it cleared.  It takes up to a week to set up.
6. The shipping agents we have used for customs clearance from Denmark is provided by DB Schenker UK (Redhead Freight), details below.
   DB Schenker UK (Redhead Freight)
   Redhead Freight Ltd., Dealburn Road, Low Moor, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD12 0RG
   Customs Department
   Phone+44 (0)2088314597
   Team leader – Michael O’Neill
   dbschenker.com/uk
7. Likely not the most helpful feedback but after having spoken with my sales team they had one “not so good” experience. Their advice would be to establish clear requirements surrounding customs. They went in blind and are still receiving invoices from DSV customs.
8. I am on a course with a nice lady who deals with imports and shipping it might be worth passing on her details.
   https://www.risauk.com/
   Sara Hutchinson – Managing Director
   01784 252444
   Can be found on LinkedIn too
   I am sure she we will be happy to offer some guidance and support them with the shipment end to end.
9. The whole process has changed since Brexit.
   No vat to pay, only duty on goods entering the UK.
   Do you need help with logistics & customs?
   Would need the following to complete;
   Weight, dimensions
   Commercial invoice
   Packing list
   EORI number of exporter ( Italy manufacturers)
   EORI number of importer ( uk customer)
   Very simple process with the correct information.
   Happy to assist!
   Dane
   Dane Waldron Logistics Ltd
   Email: dane@danewaldronlogistics.co.uk

Question:

Can anyone recommend any flooring contractors at all please?

Replies:

1. Richard Woods
   Rapide Flooring.
   Tel: 07481804332
   Email: richard@rapideflooring.com 
2. Daniel Kusella
   Ministry Floors & Walls
   Tel: 07882 325008
   Email: info@ministryfloorsandwalls.com
3. Geoff Edwards
   Ceba Solutions (ceda Member 2023)
   Tel: 07483 414158
   Email: geoff@cebasolutions.co.uk
4. They could try https://acryliconuk.com/
   Depends what flooring they’re after though!
5. HCS based in Leeds. Contact is Colin Nash.
6. Try hcsyorkshire.co.uk 
7. I cannot recommend highly enough floor restorations based in Birmingham.We have used them for several projects and the quality of their work is exceptional. They also install wall cladding which is very helpful on full projects. Email: enquiries@flr.co.uk
   Tel: 0121 443 5503 https://www.flr.co.uk/

Question:

Do you have a contact in 3M or know where one can dispose of an exhausted RO system?

Replies:

1. A ceda Member has suggested that you contact ceda Partner ‘Meiko uk’ Meiko UK – ceda and ask how they dispose of all at their end Commercial dishwashers, bedpan washers, food waste systems – MEIKO (meiko-uk.co.uk)

Question:

Do you have any recommendations for refrigeration courses?

Replies:

1. I don’t have any recommendations other than if this is to up skill someone then they have to attend a full F-Gas / Refrigeration course through a college or accredited training centre.
2. Check out Cool Concerns as they run various courses that we have attended over the years – https://www.coolconcerns.co.uk/training
3. We have always used Pendle Refrigeration for our Engineers and I would highly recommend them.
4. Please contact Lee Howard via lee.h@cks.uk.com at ceda member company ‘CKS (National) Ltd’ who will be able to discuss further with you.
5. I have just put 2 engineers through their FGAS training with: Paul Singh – Managing Director. Email: pslall@outlook.com
   He said that once our engineers completed the FGAS course then he can devise a special course for ice makers, fridges, freezers, water fountains, to suit our explicit requirements.

Question:

Do any ceda members have any recommendations with regards to an asset management software/website to use in catering/refrigeration sectors?

Replies:

1. Our recommendation would be Job Logic.
2. We currently use FSM by company Gabriel, it is well supported and we have recently worked with them on a number of improvements that we wanted. Contact hazel@gabriel.co.uk 
   At my previous company we used Optim by company Servasure it is well supported and continues to be developed. Contact leo.bijzet@servasure.co
   Both do what is being requested, you can also do project management through both, raising the orders for new equipment, data loading all details along with warranty information so once project is complete there is a seamless flow to service provision.*Stock management of equipment and spares*Assets management*Dash boards*Integration to tracking systems*Customer portals available*Engineers portal*Job planning (can be defined to specific skills)*Both work with SageBoth can be on a server in your building or hosted in the cloud, we use the cloud as you can log in from anywhere in the world, we use our server as a second back up for data.
3. Job Logic.
4. Lauren Hunter – email: lauren@loopcycle.io – at Loopcycle. Their system is asset management and quite a lot more, for manufacturers, distributors and end-users. Website: Loopcycle