Since technical director Andy Threlfall’s return to the business in 2025, Pentland have been on a mission to re-enforce and expand its existing product lines to reflect the more energy conscious market and further additions to the UK energy and technology list (ETL) reflects their commitment to responsible innovation.

Andy said “For over thirty years, Blizzard has supported the foodservice industry with reliable refrigeration, grounded in sustainable sourcing, and designed for repairability and efficiency. Recognition on the UK Energy Technology List reflects our commitment to responsible innovation, ensuring we deliver dependable equipment our customers trust across applications and demanding commercial environments.”

Blizzard has added the UCR140WH, BAR1SS, BAR2 and LOWBAR2 to the list of models already added in previous months and looks to continue its push with applicable models in the months to come.

When you specify a Williams Coldroom, you’re not just purchasing the equipment, you’re getting a dedicated project manager who oversees the entire project from the initial site survey through to completion and aftercare.

Dedicated Project Managers

From the moment an order is placed, a dedicated Project Manager is assigned to manage the entire installation.

They handle the site survey, produce detailed approval drawings and site-specific risk and method statements, and manage the installation process through to testing and commissioning. Having a single point of contact simplifies communication and reduces project delays.

Williams’ project management teams offer full national coverage, with geographically based teams able to support installations locally.

Built Around Your Requirements

No two installations are the same. Whether the priority is a fully bespoke design, maximum energy efficiency or working within a tight budget, our project managers will deliver the right solution.

From restricted site access, limited kitchen space, the need for an external coldroom or selecting the most practical door configuration, they identify potential challenges early and help to avoid costly changes later in the project.

Prioritising Food and Staff Safety 

Every decision made throughout the project keeps food safety and staff protection a high priority.

Reliable refrigeration systems ensure food is stored in the highest, safest conditions while safety features such as a personnel trapped alarm give operators complete peace of mind, knowing that help is only ever a button press away should the unexpected happen.

Read more about Williams’ coldroom project management service.

Novameta, a manufacturer of custom stainless steel equipment for professional kitchens, has won one of the world’s leading design distinctions, the Red Dot Award, for its next-generation A-class cooling counter.

According to Tadas Danusas, CEO of Novameta, the award is an important recognition not only for the company’s team, but also for the growing international visibility of the company’s engineering solutions.

“This is already the third major international recognition for this product, confirming that our cooling counter stands out not only for its aesthetics, but also for its functionality, energy efficiency, ergonomics, and its ability to meet the evolving needs of modern professional kitchens. The Red Dot Award once again proves that the solutions we develop can successfully compete with the strongest international manufacturers,” says Danusas.

The new design of the cooling counter was launched at the beginning of 2025 and has already become one of the company’s fastest-growing product developments. In 2025, sales of this product increased by 16%.

“The cooling counter was developed as a next-generation solution for professional kitchens, where not only technical quality matters, but also efficiency in real working environments. The product offers up to 25% more refrigerated storage space than many comparable alternatives on the market, helping operators make better use of their workspace. This is particularly relevant in professional kitchens, where every centimetre matters,” says Danusas.

The product features A energy efficiency class, consumes up to 45% less electricity than the previous version, uses the natural refrigerant R290, and has been designed for easy maintenance and intensive day-to-day use.

“These engineering solutions and the added value they create for customers are driving growing demand. In 2025, sales of this product increased by 16%, and this year we expect even stronger results. This once again confirms that the professional kitchen market increasingly values higher-value solutions,” adds Danusas.

UNOX leads sector-wide support for ambitious 6 Nations+ Plus endurance event across Scotland

The UK and Ireland commercial catering and foodservice equipment industry is uniting behind the 6 Nations+ Plus Challenge 2026, an ambitious charity endurance event in aid of Maggie’s Centres that is now closing in on £20,000 raised, with a £25,000 target firmly in sight.

Taking place on Friday 5 June 2026, the challenge will see participants take on three demanding stages across Scotland in a single day: The Kelpies Experience, a canoe crossing on Loch Lomond, and the summit trek to The Cobbler in the Arrochar Alps.

Under the banner:

6 Nations+ Plus. One Challenge. No Excuses.

the event has attracted support from across the commercial catering and foodservice equipment sector, with manufacturers, distributors, consultants, service companies and trade bodies all backing the initiative.

Founding sponsor UNOX UK is joined by stage sponsors Smeg Professional, Blue Seal UK and Hupfer UK.

Supporting sponsors and partners include Falcon Foodservice Equipment, Keith Elkington Transport Limited, Jestic Foodservice Solutions, West Cove Catering Repairs, Fresh Maintenance Limited, Kit4Kitchens, Pentland Wholesale and Equipro-Fire & EPAS Limited, alongside industry organisations including ceda, FEA, FCSI UK & Ireland and Cedabond.

Steve McGarvie, Managing Director of UNOX UK, said:

“UNOX UK is proud to be the major and founding sponsor of the 6 Nations+ Plus Challenge. This is a brilliant example of what our industry can do when it comes together for a cause that matters. Maggie’s Centres do outstanding work supporting people and families affected by cancer, and we’re proud to support the team behind this challenge.”

The event is being organised by the 6 Nations+ Plus Community Association, chaired by James Connolly of Celltherm Coldrooms, alongside Treasurer Greg Archer MBE, Managing Director of Contiquip, and Secretary Duncan Hepburn of Hepburn Design Associates.

Among those taking part are industry professionals directly affected by cancer, including participants fundraising in memory of loved ones, alongside singer-songwriter and cancer survivor Roisin McCarney, a passionate supporter of Maggie’s Centres.

James Connolly, Chair of the 6 Nations+ Plus Community Association, said:

“This started as a mad idea between industry friends and has grown into something far bigger. The response from across the sector has been incredible. Competitors, suppliers, consultants and customers are all standing side by side behind Maggie’s Centres, and that says a lot about our industry.”

The challenge was recently featured on the Kitchen Curiosity podcast hosted by foodservice consultant Radford Chancellor, helping bring the story to a wider industry audience.

Maggie’s provides free practical, emotional and psychological support to people with cancer, as well as their families and friends, through a network of 25 centres located alongside NHS hospitals across the UK.

The organisers are continuing to welcome sponsors, supporters and donations from across the industry.

Donations can be made via:
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/6nationspluschallenge

More information:
www.6nationspluschallenge.co.uk
www.6nationspluskelpiesexperience.co.uk

Our latest G3 Counter updates have been designed to deliver the best performance, reliability, and long-term durability for operators, while maintaining the highest quality expected from Foster products. Energy reductions, cost savings and reduction in maintenance issues are all benefits of these latest product developments.

Key enhancements include an improved drawer slide system for smoother, more reliable operation, alongside redesigned internal liner components that have ensured overall build consistency and product quality reducing downtime due to maintenance issues.

The updated thermal break construction improves the counter’s integrity and thermal efficiency. For operators, this means enhanced day-to-day usability, better product protection in terms of storage temperature, and a reduction in maintenance concerns – resulting in cost savings!  In addition, the introduction of bio-based PVC materials supports a lower overall product carbon footprint, helping customers make more sustainable equipment choices without compromising on performance and reliability.

Manufacturing processes have also been streamlined to maintain assembly accuracy and consistency, ensuring customers continue to receive reliable, high-quality refrigeration built for demanding commercial kitchens where quality and reliability are the key ingredients.

True Refrigeration has announced the launch of its new low-height retail merchandisers, introducing versatile display solutions designed specifically for modern retail and grab-and-go environments.

The new GDM-33CPT and GDM-41CPT models have been developed to help operators maximise product visibility while maintaining an open and accessible store layout. Their lower profile design improves sightlines across retail spaces, making them particularly suited for convenience stores, forecourts, cafés, food-to-go outlets, and checkout areas where visibility and customer interaction are key.

Built with energy efficiency and long-term reliability in mind, both models utilise environmentally friendly R290 refrigerant alongside True’s robust construction and high-performance refrigeration system to support demanding retail operations.The cabinets are engineered to deliver consistent temperature performance while helping operators reduce energy consumption and operating costs.

The units also provide flexibility in product presentation, making them ideal for displaying chilled drinks, snacks, fresh food, and impulse purchase items in high-traffic retail environments.

As with all True products supplied across Europe, the UK, and Ireland, the new merchandisers are backed by True Refrigeration’s industry-leading 7-Year Parts & Labour Warranty, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to quality, reliability, and customer confidence.

Learn more about the new GDM-33CPT and GDM-41CPT. 

British catering and hospitality equipment manufacturer, Mechline Developments, is encouraging operators to ‘sweat the small stuff’ when it comes to slashing energy costs. The company’s messaging on this subject is being fuelled by new calculations which reveal that their CaterTTract+ glue board fly killer model is 5 times more efficient than a competitor model*.

This level of efficiency makes Mechline’s CaterTTract+ models one of the cheapest to run on the market, coming in at just £12.58 per year*. This is largely achieved thanks to the use of advanced LED lamps which use 50% less energy and last twice as long as a typical UV lamp.

Mechline’s Market Development Director, Gary Thacker, shares his perspective on how these savings can make a big impact, quickly:

“When it comes to methods for energy-saving, operators tend to first focus on heavy appliances. Granted, swapping out a combi or grill for a more efficient model can have a tremendous impact on ongoing energy usage ongoing, but it is sometimes unrealistic or financially unattainable for an operator to make such a sizeable investment off-the-cuff. With a fly killer however, it’s far more affordable to swap-out, but still has significant impact on running costs, especially when you consider that most kitchens will require multiple units for different areas have this be in a food prep area, dining room or the main area of the kitchen.”

Mechline’s electric grid CaterZap+ models also represent leading standards for energy efficiency in the category with a 42% saving against competitor models.

To further support operators that want to reap these energy saving benefits, Mechline is currently running a limited-time promotional offer that gives customers 60% off the list price when they buy 4 or more CaterTTract+ models. Likewise, operators can receive 50% off CaterZap+ models when 4 or more are purchase.

To redeem this offer, simply visit www.mechline.com , add the products to your basket and enter the code FLYKILLERS26 at the checkout stage. T&C’s apply.

To find out more on Mechline Developments range of Fly Killers, or their current promotion,  www.mechline.com/offer-terms/

Savings are based on a 9 hour day, 7 day week, £0.24 cost per kwh against a comparable glueboard model available to the market. To gain access to the spreadsheet of calculations, please email marketing@mechline.com

We have appointed three new Board Members, in advance of the launch of our latest development plan at Conference next month.

ceda Chair, Paul Neville, commenting on these new appointments explained, “We have an exciting development plan for the next five years that will be launched at Conference and at its heart is the coming together of diverse expertise, knowledge and ideas from all areas of the supply-chain in order to best face the challenges and embrace the opportunities that exist. I’m really happy with the appointments and these are the first three of a number of additions that we will see in the near future.”

Alice Kilner, Group Sustainability Manager of Gratte Brothers Group and Rebecca Vincent, Commercial Director of Foster-Gamko become co-opted Board members and Ben Keal, Director of Sylvester Keal, becomes a Director of the association.

Alice Kilner commented, “I’m delighted to be joining the ceda Board and contributing to an organisation that plays such an important role in shaping our sector. I’m keen to help demystify sustainability and promote a really positive, solutions-focused narrative-supporting businesses to see it as an opportunity for innovation and growth.”

Rebecca Vincent said, “I’m delighted to join the ceda Board as a co‑opted member, and to contribute to a broader, end‑to‑end industry perspective. As a manufacturer, I’m passionate about ensuring both member and manufacturer voices contribute meaningfully to the direction of the sector.  It is our responsibility to support progress in areas such as sustainability and helping members stay ahead of evolving legislation. I see real potential to strengthen innovation and collaboration across the supply chain, helping to raise standards and deliver long‑term value for both the industry and its customers.

A personal priority for me is the recognition, development and progression of young people and early‑career professionals – the future leaders of our industry. I believe there is a real opportunity to champion emerging talent.  Alongside that, I’m keen to support inclusive cultures that prioritise wellbeing and help people thrive”

And Ben Keal added, “The catering equipment industry is in a better place than it’s ever been when it comes to bringing younger people through, being invited to join the ceda Board is something I’m incredibly proud of. ceda has been a huge support to me throughout my career and I’m looking forward to giving something back.

That means building proper routes in technical training that’s credible and accessible, combined with real leadership development so that the people we bring through don’t just become good engineers, designers or coordinators, they become the future managers and directors this industry needs. We have a chance to make this a career people actively choose, not just fall into. That’s what I want to work towards.

Beyond that, I’m looking forward to sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve built across the industry to help ceda continue to grow and support its members.”

ceda Director General, Adam Mason, confirmed, “Having worked closely with Alice, Rebecca and Ben on different projects over the last few years, I know how passionate they are about seeing positive change in the Industry. The development of young people, sustainability and closer engagement with the supply-chain are all critical factors to address and all three will bring unique opinion, experience and energy to what we are trying to achieve.”

True Refrigeration has announced the extension of its standard warranty from 5 to 7 years across Europe, the UK and Ireland, reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment to quality, reliability, and customer confidence.

The new 7-year warranty covers parts, labour, and compressors across all products supplied in the region, making True the only company in Europe, the UK and Ireland currently offering this level of warranty support.

For more than 80 years, True Refrigeration has built its reputation on manufacturing durable, high-performance refrigeration equipment designed to operate in demanding foodservice, retail, hospitality, and healthcare environments. The extended warranty reflects the confidence the company places in the longevity and performance of its products.

The company’s refrigeration solutions are trusted across multiple sectors, from fast-paced food preparation environments and hospitality operations to high-volume retail settings where reliable temperature performance and product presentation are essential.

To learn more about True Refrigeration, its product ranges, and the new 7-Year Warranty, please visit truerefrigeration.co.uk

Adande Refrigeration has been awarded Company of the Year at the Craft Guild of Chefs Annual General Meeting Honours and Awards and it’s a recognition that carries real weight in the culinary world.

For those unfamiliar, the Craft Guild of Chefs is the largest and most respected chef association in the UK, representing culinary professionals at every level.

The Company of the Year award is presented to business partners who have demonstrated significant support and meaningful involvement with the Craft Guild over the past year. Adande’s relationship with the organisation runs deeper than most, beyond the Craft Guild-approved logo now regularly spotted on Adande units in professional kitchens across the country; the partnership extends to full product-approved status and sponsorship of the membership card for new Craft Guild members. A tangible and ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of culinary talent entering the profession.

The nomination was put forward by Andrew Green, who championed Adande’s refrigerated drawers for their outstanding performance and sustainability credentials; qualities that resonate strongly with today’s forward-thinking kitchen operators.

To be nominated by someone who believes in the product and is recognised by an organisation that commands such respect across the culinary industry makes this a particularly meaningful moment for the Adande team.