We’re delighted to announce two new appointments to the ceda Board.

On the 31st March 2022 both Nick Archer, of Archer Catering Systems Ltd and Michaela Stephens-Smith, of TAG Catering Equipment UK Ltd, were duly ratified in by the ceda Board and are now ceda Board Directors.

ceda Chair, Kirstin Hatherley, is enthusiastic about what the duo can bring to the Board. She said, “The ceda Board should represent a good cross section of our members. It is great to welcome two new members onto the Board that represent large sectors of our membership as well as having many years of knowledge of our industry. I have no doubt that both Michaela and Nick will make excellent contributions and will become valuable members of the team.”

Nick is proud to have been approved by the Board. He’s passionate about the technical training ceda offers and is keen to see this grow during his term. He said, “It was an honour to be asked to join the ceda Board. As the current Vice Chair of the ceda Technical Group it almost feels a natural progression to continue pushing the industry to promote all that is good, plus what we can achieve when we all work together. I especially want to see the continuation of the training platforms that have been put in place, being able to assist in taking these even further is something we all should within the ceda family be very proud of. May I take this opportunity to thank Kirstin and the fellow Board members for this opportunity and congratulate Michaela as the other new Board member. I look forward to working with you all.”

“Having been part of ceda for the last 13 years, I am privileged to have been invited and delighted to join the ceda Board. As the industry recovers from one of the most turbulent times in its history and continues to face supply-chain challenges, we must support and learn from each other to progress the industry and association. I look forward to working with the ceda Board and other ceda members on progressive initiatives and hope to see you at a face-to-face event soon! And congratulations to Nick who joins as a fellow Board member.”

For a second consecutive year, First Choice Group, the UK’s leading supplier of genuine OEM spare parts, accessories and consumables is partnering with leading equipment manufacturer, MKN, to host a regional heat of the prestigious LACA School Chef of the Year 2022 (SCOTY) competition.

The jewel in the crown of the education catering calendar, LACA SCOTY celebrates and recognises the passion and professionalism of school chefs from across the country. Held for more than two decades, the competition is open to all kitchen-based individuals who are involved in the daily preparation of pupils’ meals in schools across the UK.

In a new and exciting twist for 2022, competitors are tasked with creating a grab-and-go savoury snack in addition to a delicious and imaginative main meal, using at least one Quorn product (headline sponsor), in both dishes, and one Bisto (supporting sponsor) product from a list provided in either meal. This is alongside a 50% fruit-based dessert that should reflect school standards, using one Premier Foods product from a list provided.

Taking place on Thursday 19^th May 2022, the West Midlands and East Midlands Regions will use the dedicated First Choice Group facilities. Attended by some of the most prominent school chefs and judged by an expert panel, the competition will be one of the most hotly contested of all the regional heats. The winner from the heat will receive a £100 cash prize and go on to compete at the national final from the 06^th-07^th July 2022 at LACA Main Event, Hilton Birmingham Metropole. The overall National winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize, a commemorative 2022 LACA School Chef of the Year trophy and an invitation to a calendar of catering industry events. The national second and third place winners will receive £500 and £300 respectively.

Using the restaurant and MKN kitchen at First Choice Group’s HQ in Cannock, the budding competitors will have access to the latest professional catering equipment, including the innovative technology found in MKN’s Flexichef and combi-steamer range.

The dedicated setup of First Choice Group’s conference and event facilities are ideal for hosting the LACA SCOTY regional heats, as Martin Dagnall, Head of Training Division at First Choice Training, the specialist training arm of First Choice Group explains:

“Having hosted the North West regional heats in 2021, we’re delighted to be chosen to host the West Midland and East Midlands regional heats for the LACA SCOTY 2022 competition. Those catering for pupils in the education sector are the true unsung heroes of our industry, so being able to do our bit to support them, in partnership with the team from MKN, is fantastic. From our experience in 2021, we know that the creativity and imagination of these chefs, especially given the low cost per head imposed on their menus, is fantastic. Joining forces with our exclusive manufacturer partner, MKN, we will host the regional heats on 19^th May, where our unique conference and event facilities, restaurant and dedicated kitchen will provide the ideal setup to accommodate the competitors and judges alike.”

The First Choice Group HQ has been specifically designed to host everything from small groups to large scale industry events. Facilities include flexible conference and event spaces, break-out rooms, and fully operational kitchens. Located in the midlands, just off the M6 motorway, the site is easily accessible, has amble parking, restaurant facilities, and the latest technology including high-speed WiFi and multimedia connectivity.

The First Choice HQ facilities are available for bespoke hire or for regular scheduled courses, including MKN’s Flexicombi oven training. Having developed a longstanding partnership with MKN, the First Choice HQ has retained an approved status as the National Technical Training Centre, used by the manufacturer’s engineers and technicians from across the country.

To find out more about the LACA SCOTY 2022, please visit www.laca.co.uk/scoty.

To understand more about MKN and the range of equipment solutions in the portfolio, please visit www.mkn.com.

For more information on First Choice Group, please visit www.firstchoice-cs.co.uk or call +44 (0)1543 577 778.

Being a sustainable business is important.

That’s why we’re committed in showing how a leading refrigeration manufacturer is tackling sustainability targets through our latest Greenlogic initiative.

In celebration of Zanolli’s 70th Anniversary, Cater-Bake is proud to announce a 3-year warranty on all Zanolli conveyor ovens.

This warranty upgrade from 2 years to 3 years, comes at a perfect time, as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary later this year and our 25-year partnership with Zanolli. With this offer, Cater-Bake is the only partner of zanolli worldwide to be able to provide this level of coverage on conveyor ovens. This only enhances the commitment to providing the highest quality products and service to our customers.

We are proud to offer this additional layer of protection and support, giving our customers piece of mind and assurance that they are getting the best possible quality from us. Buying a new product can be a big investment, and we want to make sure our customers feel confident in their purchase.

When you buy equipment from us, you’re not just getting a great product–you’re getting a commitment. We have always had a passion to create strong and lasting relationships, both with our partners and our customers. To be able to announce to our customers that we are the only company worldwide to offer them a 3-year warranty on Zanolli conveyor ovens is an honour. What better piece of equipment to be able to offer it on too! They are so versatile with many of our customers using them to make nutritional bars and cake not just Pizzas and bread.

I am extremely proud of our team, our company and what we have achieved over the past 30 years. Thank you Zanolli and thank you to all our incredible network of customers.

Steven Lilley, Sales Director

Conveyor ovens are a staple in many industrial kitchens and tend to have a long lifespan, but with proper care and maintenance, they can last even longer meaning means less downtime and more production for their business. This is why we’re so excited to offer our customers an additional 1-year warranty on new Zanolli conveyor ovens.

The Zanolli conveyor ovens are some of the best on the market, designed with traditional ingenuity and the latest technology making Zanolli a guarantee of 100% Italian excellence both in Italy and across the world. The 3-year warranty, is sure to be a hit with customers and the dealer channel is excited to sell and maintain these ovens, knowing that they’ll be able to keep customers happy for years to come.

Contact us today to learn more about this offer on 0151 548 5818 or email info@cater-bake.co.uk

Existing commercial model – boiling Only – chilled Only

We are excited to give you advance notice about the upcoming launch of the next generation of InstaTap, which can be pre-ordered now, with stock available from June 2022. The new InstaTap has a brand-new sleek design incorporating an antimicrobial SteriTouch® touchpad which kills 99.9% of surface bacteria.

Some other key advancements to the range include:

• In addition to the existing stainless steel version, a matt black finish is now also available
• Boiling safety lock included on our 10 litre capacity taps
• Increased height option now available to allow for an increased choice of vessels
• Range of capacities available, with up to 50 litres for the boiling only tap
• Double and triple font options are available on 40 and 50 litre versions to allow for simultaneous filling of 2 or 3 vessels
• The chilled version contains environmentally friendly R290 gas to meet recommended environmental best-practice guidance

Our current range of InstaTap has now been superseded and all models have a direct replacement, in addition we are pleased to launch new models in the range to provide more choice of colour and capacities. Please find attached a spreadsheet detailing the new range from June 2022, with a column listing the old codes vs the new, where applicable.

Due to unprecedented demand, we have now depleted stock of our current range and production of our new version is underway. We can take pre-orders now and will fulfil as soon as we receive stock (currently planned for June 2022).

Please visit instanta.com/instatap-commercial for more information.

NEW small office model – boiling only

Alongside our upgraded commercial range, we are introducing a new range ideal for small to medium sized offices which will provide filtered boiling water. Boasting the same design and many features of the commercial product, it is an affordable drinking water solution to end the lengthy wait for the kettle to boil. Product codes have also been listed on the spreadsheet attached.

European WaterCare are pleased to announce the promotion of Andrew Slark to the position of Managing Director.

Andrew has been with WaterCare for over 12 years, initially joining as an on-road sales representative before working his way up to the position of Sales Manager and more recently, Group Head of Commercial Strategy.

Steve Slark retires but remains in a consultancy capacity and director for the time being and will continue his work with the BSA and FEA. Steve commented, “I have had the great honour to manage the WaterCare Group for almost eight years through a time of transition and reinvention to position the company to meet and exceed the expectations of our growing customer base.

As I am now planning retirement, I am stepping down as M.D of WaterCare and its other associated companies; and it gives me immense pride to hand over to my son Andrew Slark. Andrew has been at WaterCare for over 12 years and has been designated by the Board as my replacement for the last two years. He has the proven capability and ambition to drive the business forward.”

Andrew adds, “I am delighted and honoured in equal measure to be assuming the role of Managing Director of the WaterCare group of businesses, taking over from my father, Steve Slark.

I have been at WaterCare since 2010, and alongside my experienced team of senior management and dedicated staff, I am looking forward to continuing our positive progression and further enhancing our growing reputation meeting current and future customer demands.

Being a market leader in British made, environmentally friendly and sustainably based filtration solutions and with many new products in the pipeline I believe this is an exciting time for all to be connected with WaterCare and I am looking forward to my new challenge.”

Electrolux Professional is celebrating a double win at the Red Dot Design Awards after two products from its commercial food service portfolio were awarded the prestigious accolade for 2022.

The distinctive ‘Red Dot’ is internationally renowned as one of the most sought-after seals of approval for quality product design, and has been recognising innovation and excellence for over 60 years.

The latest products from the manufacturer which can now bear the design award label are its TrinityPro series of table-top food preparation appliances and LiberoPro hyper-versatile mobile cooking solution.

It is the first time Electrolux Professional has had two products recognised with the accolade in the same year, and they join the manufacturer’s SkyLine Cook&Chill range, green&clean Rack Type dishwasher and the thermaline M2M modular cooking solution in winning a Red Dot Award.

Composed of a vegetable slicer, cutter mixer, and an all-in-one combined cutter-slicer, the TrinityPro offering has been designed to provide optimum results across a range of applications. Capable of slicing, grating, dicing, shredding, chopping, mixing, and emulsifying, it delivers all of this within a small customisable footprint that can be tailored to suit the unique requirements of any kitchen.

Usability is at the heart of the TrinityPro appliances, with 100% dishwasher safe components and an intuitive control panel for operation. It has also been awarded ErgoCert 4-star certification for ergonomic design and ease of use, meaning less fatigue even when slicing hard vegetables thanks to a patented vertical lever pusher.

Building on the popularity of its predecessor, the LiberoPro has been designed to improve cooking efficiency and usability for operators. Crucially, it is a plug and play appliance which ensures it can be used across a range of locations. From operations that offer street food or buffets, through to QSR applications, events and prestige hotels, it offers unparalleled freedom in cooking.

This is thanks to its modular design, which means it can be customised to suit any requirements, with users able to choose from a range of add-ons and appliances such as griddles, shelves and refrigerated drawers. One of the options is the new LiberoPro induction hob range, which can be included as part of a ‘drop in configuration’ to offer speed and flexibility thanks to the unique heating system and smart electronic controls.

Darren Lockley, Head of Region at Electrolux Professional UK & Ireland, commented: “The Red Dot Awards are known the world over as a mark of ground-breaking design and innovation. Electrolux Professional has an impressive track record in the awards, but to see two products recognised at the awards in the same year is a landmark achievement.

“That said, both the TrinityPro and LiberoPro series offer a genuinely game-changing approach to commercial cookery and can deliver tangible ergonomic and environmental benefits to end-users and their operations. The fact they are our fourth and fifth Red Dot winners is a testament to the strength of our R&D process, and our commitment to developing food service solutions that have a positive impact on the world we live in.”

For more information on the TrinityPro and LiberoPro series, please visit: www.electroluxprofessional.com/gb.

Electrolux Professional has recognised the stand-out performance of a number of its foodservice, beverage and laundry distribution partners in its annual Partner Awards.

Returning after a two-year hiatus following the COVID-19 pandemic, the awards celebrate the success of a number of distributors who have delivered exceptional performance throughout 2021.

The 2021 winners are:

·       Partner of the Year (Foodservice) – Broderick Bros

·       Partner of the Year (Beverage) – Massey Catering

·       Partner of the Year (Laundry) – Southern Contracts

·       Growth Award (Foodservice) – Cater2

·       Growth Award (Laundry) – CAS Duncan

Special Awards for Total Sales in Professional Finished Products – Cater-Kwik and Southern Contracts

Appearing for the second year, the awards were extended to include Electrolux Professional’s network of service and support partners, with the winners being:

·       First Time Fix (Foodservice) – Assure Catering

·       First Time Fix (Laundry) – Caledonian

·       Service Fulfilment (Foodservice) – Assure Catering

·       Service Fulfilment (Laundry) – Electron

·       Perfect Service Model – Electrox

The awards also recognised the achievements of internal staff members, with Regional Business Managers Mike Kendall and Mark Rogers from the Channel Sales Team both acknowledged as outstanding contributors for the year.

Darren Lockley, Head of Region for Electrolux Professional UK & Ireland, comments: “It goes without saying that 2021 was an exceptionally challenging year for the commercial foodservice, beverage and laundry industries. Large parts of the economy remained closed for Q1, which combined with the significant closures throughout 2020, meant a huge amount of ingenuity and resilience was required to navigate such a tricky period.

“That said, many of our distribution partners were able to do just that and I am delighted to be able to celebrate their success through our 2021 Partner Awards. Likewise, given the tough operational circumstances many of our service partners found themselves in throughout large parts of last year, particularly when travelling to sites during lockdown, it gives me great pleasure to expand our categories to recognise their endeavours, too.”

He concludes: “I hope I can speak for us all when I say that 2022 provides a real stepping stone for our industry to move forward, but as a business, we would certainly not be able to do so without our partner network. It sits very much at the heart of our operations and I’m excited for the collaboration that is to come.”

For more information, please visit: www.electroluxprofessional.com/gb/.

The Apprenticeship standard, developed by ceda Members, is now on to its third cohort, and the association is keen to see the next group of students be the largest yet!

Officially called the Commercial Catering Equipment Technicians Apprenticeship Standard (No. ST0791), the scheme has already seen two intakes since its launch in February 2020.

ceda, in partnership with ECTA Training are hosting a webinar for any business thinking about apprentice engineers.

The webinar will introduce the content of the standard and run through the delivery, eligibility, funding available etc.

Importantly, there will also be an Employer and current Apprentice on the panel discussing their experience of the programme.

The Webinar will take place at 10.30 am on Wednesday 4th May 2022 and is open to anyone in the industry. You DO NOT have to be a ceda Member company/employee to take part in the Apprenticeship or join the Webinar.

ceda’s Adam Mason said, “The shortage of commercial catering equipment engineers is a huge challenge – you only have to open your LinkedIn feed to see the reality that there are literally hundreds of vacancies. The standard was developed by the Industry, for the Industry and it now needs the Industry to recognise that they have to invest in bringing new people into their businesses and train them appropriately in order to ensure their future growth and sustainability. I look forward to welcoming people on May 4th and outlining in detail, how the process works, what funding is available and why this Apprenticeship standard is the way forward.”

Background

ceda’s Apprenticeship Standard was created by a Trailblazer group of ceda Members who recognised a qualification gap in the market. The Standard was developed to attract and retain the next generation of commercial catering engineers, helping to address a skills shortage the association fear is only likely to increase in the coming years.

Apprenticeships have been proven to increase staff productivity, improve staff retention and loyalty to that business. The Commercial Catering Equipment Technicians Apprenticeship Standard will enable the individuals to achieve nationally recognised formal qualifications, delivered through a highly supported, relevant, industry specific learning programme and equip them with the necessary skills to become excellent employees not just at the end but throughout their journey.

ceda’s Technical Support Manager Peter Kay has worked tirelessly to secure government funding to create this new Standard, working in partnership with ECTA Training, who will be delivering this 27-month programme.

The funding for the apprenticeship is £15,000 which covers the cost of all the training and the End Point Assessment.  Employers who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy (those with an annual payroll of less than £3 million) are entitled to 95% of the total funding and have to pay the balance of 5% (£750).  Employers who do pay the apprenticeship levy will be able to claim the full £15,000 from their levy account.

To make this viable, there needs to be a minimum of 20 new apprentices joining the next cohort.

The Standard will require the apprentices to attend ECTA’s Training Centre in Stockport, Greater Manchester, for one week every couple of months, which will then enable them to enter the concluding three-month End Point Assessment gateway. ceda are currently in talks with training providers in the South, as they look to maximise opportunity and minimise travel for Southern and Central businesses.

If you are interested in learning more about the Commercial Catering Equipment Technicians Apprenticeship Standard, please register for the FREE 1hr Webinar here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DXjIFWoxTyuPRodIswX5Uw