As a professional in design, projects and equipment for the foodservice, catering and hospitality industry, when you offer to carry out a service you must be able to provide an adequate degree of skill, with enough knowledge and experience to responsibly advise about the work you undertake.

If you are unable to carry out this service to the standard expected, you can be held liable for any loss or damage to people or property caused as a result of your work. And having a professional indemnity insurance policy can help protect you against any potential claims, including legal defence.

Marsh Commercial has answered some of the common questions businesses are googling about professional indemnity insurance, including who needs PI insurance and what it covers.

What is professional indemnity insurance?

Suppose you’re responsible for causing financial loss to your client because of errors or omissions in the advice or designs you have provided. In that case, your PI insurance policy covers the legal costs and expenses involved in defending a claim and compensation payable.

What does professional indemnity insurance cover?

PI insurance coverage depends entirely on your policy, so you’ll need to ensure it provides adequate cover for the professional services you provide and the risks you may face. For example, this could include:

• Civil liability (such as damages and costs) for breach of duty.
• Legal fees and expenses in defending a claim.
• Helplines to help you manage risks.
• Relevant regulatory body requirements.

Not all PI insurance policies are the same, and Marsh Commercials always advise you work with an experienced PI insurance broker to ensure you have the cover you need.

Do I need professional indemnity insurance?

While you strive to deliver the best service to your clients, occasionally mistakes can happen. PI insurance protects you and your business if your client alleges a financial loss for:

• A breach of a professional duty of care or unintentional breach of contract.
• Unintentional breach of confidentiality and copyright.
• Loss of documents or data.

How much professional indemnity insurance do I need?

Every business is different, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all PI insurance policy. Marsh Commercial always advise working with a broker who has experience of arranging PI.

Often, specified levels of PI insurance cover and limits may be written into client contracts, so your broker may ask you for this information. As a professional and expert in your field, you do your best to limit your liability. However, it’s very difficult to predict if a client will make a claim. In many cases, professionals will opt for higher limits for peace of mind and protection should a claim cost them more than they anticipate.

How much is professional indemnity insurance?

The cost of PI insurance will vary from business to business. The insurer will consider many factors, including:

• The level and type of covers required.
• Number of employees.
• Annual turnover.
• Risks associated with your industry.
• Your activities (some might be higher risk than others).

Because of these variables, there’s no average premium.

What should I look for when choosing a professional indemnity insurance provider?

Many providers offer PI insurance, but it’s important to carefully select a provider that can meet your business needs. Some key considerations to keep in mind when choosing a provider include:

• Can the policy be tailored to suit your business?

Some professions require specific protection or covers. You may avoid paying an additional premium for cover you don’t need if the policy is tailored to your business.

• Does the provider understand your business?

Marsh Commercial recommend working with a broker with expertise and experience in PI insurance. It’s important your insurance broker is familiar with professional services and understands the complexity of the risks involved in your business activities. Working with a PI specialist will help ensure you have the right level of protection in place and that you only paying for the cover you need.

• Is there an option to pay by monthly payments?

Sometimes it’s possible to pay your premium in instalments. This is an excellent option for new or small businesses that are still wary of cashflow or want to spread the premium cost throughout the year to help better manage their cash flow.

• Does the provider have a good reputation?

It’s always advisable to do your research when choosing a PI provider. Using a broker with expertise in PI will help you find a reputable insurance provider, giving you confidence that claims will be dealt with efficiently and paid out if necessary.

• Does the provider offer the cover you need?

PI insurance covers can vary between civil, legal or negligence which makes a difference when it comes to paying out the claim. Policy limits can refer to the amount payable for a single claim or it could be an aggregate amount. Aggregate means that the total amount of financial cover provided is limited to the amount specified in the policy schedule, arising within the specified period of insurance. Some insurers would apply specific exclusions in the wording or as endorsements which are not easily spotted. Using a broker would help assure your policy is right for your business and adequately covers your business activities.

Need expert advice?

Get in touch with our insurance experts. Contact Beth Keeling at Beth.Keeling@marshcommercial.co.uk.

Hupfer has announced a new partnership with Specifi, the leading digital platform for building product specification, to make nearly 400 of its high-quality catering products easily available to design houses, equipment dealers, and consultants. This collaboration marks a significant step in Hupfer’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and transparency in product data.

Marc Sumner, Hupfer UK Sales & Marketing Director adds “Partnering with Specifi allows us to reach a wider audience and provide the detailed technical information professionals need to make informed choices.” With nearly 400 products now catalogued ( and more to add soon ) this partnership reinforces Hupfer’s position as a trusted manufacturer and aligns with Specifi’s mission to simplify the way building product information is accessed and shared.

To find out more about the extensive range of products and solutions available from Hupfer, please contact Marc Sumner – marc@hupferuk.com / 07917 155573.

www.hupfer.com

www.specifiglobal.com

Novameta proudly participated in the HOST 2025 exhibition in Milan – for the eighth consecutive time. As the world’s leading HoReCa event, HOST once again provided the perfect stage to showcase our latest engineering and design achievements.

The Novameta stand, covering 200 square metres, presented a unique and open layout designed to highlight our latest innovations in professional kitchen equipment. As in previous years, the Cooking Islands attracted significant attention from visitors – this time demonstrating how design precision and manufacturing flexibility can perfectly align to meet the needs of modern professional kitchens. Their clean lines, balanced proportions and functional detailing reflected our focus on efficiency, ergonomics, and long-lasting quality.

The main highlight of the exhibition was the Multi Cold – a new generation multifunctional Cooling Counter. Designed for maximum flexibility, it can be built almost in any size or configuration to suit different workflows, from food preparation to beverage service or front-of-house display.

Novameta also presented the A-Class Cooling Counter, an award-winning model recognised with both the IF Design Award and the European Product Design Award (EPDA). Combining top-tier energy efficiency with sleek design and robust performance, it continues to set new standards in professional refrigeration.

In addition, Novameta showcased its expertise in developing bespoke solutions for QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) chains, providing efficient and customised systems designed to meet the fast-paced demands of modern foodservice operations.

A sincere thank you to all our UK partners, consultants and visitors who stopped by the stand – your time, interest and partnership mean a great deal to us.

If you didn’t have a chance to visit the stand at HOST, we’d be delighted to connect.
Contact Region Manager Valdas Stonys at valdas@novameta.lt to learn more about our exhibition highlights or explore our full range of professional kitchen solutions.

Today, Retigo proudly presents its new generation ovens at HOST Milano!

Retigo Evolution brings new technology and innovation, higher quality materials, integrated AI and more.

This year Retigo has undergone major transformation. They have unveiled a new logo and branding, and an ethos that captures the same company values that the founders curated 31 years ago when Retigo was established in a garage in the Czech Republic. The new generation oven showcases the future of the brand with the latest technology whilst still maintaining those original values of reliability and high-quality materials and manufacturing processes.

A proud Czech manufacturer, Retigo has built a strong reputation across the globe, selling to more than 60 countries. Known for their consistently high-quality combi ovens and excellent customer support, Evolution is the next chapter in Retigo’s proud history. Built for chefs by putting their needs front and centre of the design, the Retigo development team created Evolution from real professional kitchen experience making it their most sophisticated yet user-friendly model to date.

Norbert Pelc, Managing Director at Retigo said, “Over the past few years we have been dedicated to the development, production and testing of our new generation combi ovens. These are machines that combine the hallmark of quality with affordability and reliable customer support. They bring more than 30 real-benefit improvements compared to the previous Vision II generation.”

Retigo Sales and Marketing Director, Marcel Vican added, “Thanks to real-benefit innovations as well as rebranding, we will gradually become stronger and more confident. We continue delivering greater value to our customers and strengthening our competitiveness.”

Director of Retigo UK, Aneta Juroskova, is excited about the future of the brand. She said, “This year has been about new innovations, and we’ve been working hard to show who we are and how we work, via a new brand identity and product developments. Evolution has been many years in development, and we’re delighted to now be able to unveil it.

“Our distribution partners had the opportunity to have an exclusive look at the new oven at our Experience Day in London last month. The feedback and comments we have received have been extremely positive, with several commenting, ‘It is the combi oven of the future!’”

She adds, “Above all else, Retigo stands for reliability. We want to ensure a smooth rollout for our customers, with all related documentation and support in the UK in place. We therefore anticipate Evolution ovens will be available for purchase in the UK in the second half of 2026.”

Main benefits of the new line

TrustBuilt construction | Built to endure. Robust frame. Minimum plastic parts. Seamless AISI 316L s/s cooking chamber with 10-year warranty.

TrueSteam direct | Refined heating elements. Two-step water preheating. Built-in heat recuperator. Energy and water savings. Perfect cooking results.

SteamSecure Boiler | TrueSteam. Automatic care. Heat exchanger connected. Unique backup system ensures uninterrupted cooking.

ErgoFit | Ergonomic design. Crosswise-oriented racks. Up to 39 % less physical strain. Safer movement. Healthier backs. Chefs with ease.

FastReact UI | Instant, intuitive interface. Responds without delay. Smoother kitchen flow.

CombiHealth | Real-time oven health status with Health % on the main screen.

DynaAirFlow | Enhanced cooking evenness. Increased capacity. Generous rack spacing.

EcoLogic system | Significantly reduces energy and water consumption up to 10 % compared to the previous generation.

Local sources | 99 % of components come from Europe, with 65 % sourced locally in the Czech Republic.

Waste reduction | Significantly exceed the EPA Energy Star standard requirements. Up to 98 % recyclable stainless steel. Minimal plastic.

You can find other advantages and technical parameters of the new line on the website evolution.retigo.com.

Service Geeni, a ceda Associate Member, is putting artificial intelligence to work for catering equipment maintenance companies with the launch of its new AI Scheduling Agent feature for automated route optimisation.

This latest innovation is designed to help companies reduce wasted travel time, cut operating costs, and keep catering equipment running at peak performance.

Meeting the Challenge of Catering Equipment Service

In commercial kitchens, when equipment breaks down, it’s never at a convenient moment. Equipment maintenance companies are under constant pressure to respond quickly, deliver preventive maintenance, and ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Until now, scheduling engineers has been one of the most challenging parts of service management. With jobs ranging from urgent breakdowns to routine PPM, and engineers spread across wide geographic areas, allocating the right resource at the right time often felt like an uphill battle.

“Our catering customers told us that scheduling was one of the biggest bottlenecks in their operations,” explains Ryan Musselwhite, Chief Product Officer at Service Geeni. “That’s why we developed an AI-powered tool that can handle the complexity automatically.”

How the AI Scheduler Works

The AI Scheduler uses advanced algorithms to analyse multiple data points at once:

• Job urgency and customer SLAs
• Engineer skillsets and certifications
• Van stock and parts availability
• Traffic and travel routes
• Compliance deadlines

Based on this live data, the system automatically builds an optimised schedule, assigning the best engineer for each job and creating the most efficient route plan.

This reduces wasted mileage, improves first-time fix rates, and ensures compliance checks aren’t missed – all while giving customers faster, more reliable service.

Benefits at a Glance

For equipment maintenance companies, the new feature delivers:

• Lower costs: Reduced fuel spend and overtime.
• Increased productivity: Engineers can complete more jobs per day.
• Sustainability gains: Smarter routing means lower emissions.
• Better compliance: Routine maintenance never slips through the cracks.
• Happier customers: Faster response times and improved service reliability.

Supporting the Catering Industry

The launch comes as part of Service Geeni’s ongoing commitment to supporting the catering sector with smarter service management solutions.

Alongside its core FSM (Field Service Management) platform – which includes job management, asset tracking, compliance reporting, and customer portals – the AI Scheduler adds a new level of intelligence designed specifically for service teams managing catering equipment.

“This isn’t just about making life easier for schedulers,” adds Mark Howes, Chief Revenue Officer at Service Geeni. “It’s about giving catering equipment maintenance companies the tools they need to deliver outstanding service, protect their margins, and hit customer SLAs and contract renewals.”

Case Example: Reducing Wasted Miles

One early adopter of the AI Scheduler reported that their engineers were spending 20% less time travelling between jobs within the first three months of using the system. That time savings translated into more completed callouts, lower fuel costs, and a noticeable drop in missed appointments.

Looking Ahead

Service Geeni sees AI and data-driven optimisation as the future of catering service management. With the AI Scheduler and Route Optimisation now available, the company plans to continue developing features that help providers stay competitive in a demanding market.

“The catering sector is evolving rapidly, and technology has a key role to play,” says Francisco Mouzinho, Head of Partnerships at Service Geeni. “We’re excited to bring practical innovations to ceda members that directly improve efficiency.”

Learn More

Service Geeni’s AI Scheduler and Route Optimisation is available now for catering equipment maintenance providers.

Discover how AI can optimise your catering service operations – Book a Demo with Service Geeni.

With UK restaurants under increasing pressure to find operational efficiencies and manage gaps in resource, Hobart’s Two Level Washer provides a practical answer to some of the biggest challenges facing today’s kitchens

A direct result of Hobart’s dedicated Customer-Back Innovation programme, the category-defying Two Level Washer allows operators to power through more ware than ever before in a single cycle. The machine doubles the productivity of a conventional hood-type dishwasher, within the same footprint as a single hood – a key advantage for kitchens where space is at a premium.

With dual wash chambers that can be used independently or simultaneously, the machine offers ultimate flexibility. Heavily soiled pots, pans and cutlery can be handled in the lower compartment, whilst up to three racks of dishes can be washed in the upper level on a separate programme, all with a dedicated hygiene cycle that offers added peace of mind.

The ability to run either one or both chambers gives operators the freedom to manage fluctuations in footfall with ease. During quieter service periods the lower chamber can be switched off to minimise energy consumption. At peak times, both chambers can be enabled to maximise throughput and efficiency.

To find out how the award-winning Two Level Washer can save your kitchen time, space and money, visit www.hobartuk.com/twolevelwasher/

Hobart, redefining innovation to make kitchen life easier.

Regale launches bold new Papaya, 100% recyclable next-generation product – available for Panasonic NE-1878, NE-1864 and NE-1815 (also compatible with the popular, now-discontinued NE-1843 and NE-1853 models).

Regale has unveiled the Microsave Generation 2 (Gen:2) cavity liner, a major step forward in the evolution of its market-leading microwave protection solution.

Made from a more robust 100% recyclable material, Gen:2 supports operators’ sustainability goals while delivering up to a 20% saving compared with the existing range.

Like the original Microsave, Gen:2 protects valuable microwave equipment from grease and food particles which, if left, can cause serious or unrepairable damage. Both models are dishwasher safe, food safe, and offer a quick, hygienic cleaning solution for busy kitchens.

The striking Papaya finish marks Gen:2 as the next stage of development and makes it instantly recognisable in fast-paced kitchens. Papaya also symbolises speed, innovation and progress — qualities that reflect the product’s next-generation design.

The new liner is fully compatible with the Panasonic NE-1878, NE-1864 and NE-1815 inverter microwaves, with plans to extend the range further over the next 12 months.

Iain Phillips, Managing Director of Regale, commented: “As the largest independent commercial microwave specialist in the UK, and the largest reseller of Panasonic catering equipment products in the world, we must adapt and move with the industry, ensuring that our product range also aligns with the evolving demands of modern foodservice operators.

“Operators are currently facing huge pressures, not only with the impact of both the National Living Wage/National Minimum Wage and National Insurance contributions, but also with rising energy bills. At Regale, we fully understand and appreciate these challenges, which is why we have developed Microsave Gen:2 — a more cost-effective option, using a material that is not only durable but 100% recyclable too.”

Both the original transparent Microsave liner and the new Gen:2 will be sold side by side, giving operators flexibility and choice when selecting the right protection for their Panasonic microwaves.

For further information visit www.microsave.co.uk.

Introducing the NE-1815 from Panasonic Professional Kitchen, a new compact inverter microwave built for speed, efficiency, and consistent results in the busiest professional kitchens.

With Inverter Technology, it delivers precise power control for faster, more even, and gentle cooking – helping you save on energy, time and cost without compromising on quality.

Why Choose the NE-1815?

• Energy-saving Inverter Technology – consistent power for even results and reduced energy use
• Lighter & smaller – 12kg lighter than the NE-1843 for easier handling and cleaning
• Powerful 1800W output – perfect for quick single portions in busy sites
• Dual energy feed – even heating from top and bottom
• Easy maintenance – stainless steel body, removable ceiling plate, and air filter
• Stackable design – save valuable workspace

Built for Performance. Designed for Convenience.

Compact yet powerful, the NE-1815 is ideal for fast-paced environments where reliability and consistency matter most.

For more information:
Email: commercial.ovens@eu.panasonic.com
Visit: www.panasonic.co.uk/professionalkitchen

Adande Refrigeration is exhibiting at the brand new Catering Innovation Show later this month, showcasing sustainable kitchen solutions in partnership with Synergy Grill Technology.

Live Cooking Demonstrations & Energy Savings

Visit Stand 64 to see live cooking demonstrations featuring equipment that delivers exceptional performance while dramatically reducing energy costs. The pairing of Adande’s renowned hold-the-cold refrigerated drawers with Synergy’s sizzling grills can save operators up to 50% in energy costs.

Equipment on display includes:

• Synergy ST600 Grill and 900 Griddle
• Adande HCS1/HCHS drawer (A+ energy rated, fridge only)
• Adande VCR1/HCHS (Variable temperature control -22°C to +15°C)

Chef Base Drawers: The Cookline Solution

Adande’s Chef Base drawers are specifically designed to sit beneath heavy cooking equipment like grills, griddles, and combi ovens.

Key features include:

• Heat-shielded top surface supporting heavy equipment
• Bulk storage at point of use (up to 40 kg/ 4 x 1/1 GN pans D100 mm)
• Precise temperature control for meat, fish, and fresh produce
• Streamlined workflow, reducing steps and improving efficiency

About The Catering Innovation Show

Created by the industry, for the industry, The Catering Innovation Show brings together leading brands and pioneering suppliers serving restaurants, hotels, contract catering, healthcare, public sector, stadia, and leisure operators. Jackie Venn and Lyndsay Smith from Adande will be available throughout the day to discuss more about the drawers.

Register to attend the show today: www.cateringinnovationshow.co.uk

In an industry that depends on safe, efficient, and reliable commercial kitchen equipment, we know that having in-house expertise in gas engineering provides a competitive advantage.

Our Level 3 Commercial Catering Equipment Technician Apprenticeship will help you to build this expertise internally, at little to no cost.

What the Apprenticeship Covers

To understand the benefits, it helps to know what the apprenticeship involves.

Key features include:

• Duration: 27-30 months, with about 20% “off-the-job” training at our Stockport training centre in block weeks) and 80% “on-the-job training.
• Qualifications: Apprentices will work toward ACS qualifications in 4 appliance categories/globally relevant commercial catering equipment standards (e.g. solid/open top ranges, deep fat and pressure fryers, etc).
• Outcomes: On successful completion, candidates can apply to join the Gas Safe Register.

Top 5 Benefits for you

1. Cost-Effectiveness & Funding Support

1. • Government funding: The course is ESFA-funded. For staff under 21, this means full funding; for those 21 or older, 95% funding is available.
   • Incentives: You may receive additional incentive payments (e.g. £1,000 for apprentices under 19) if eligibility criteria are met.
   • Reduced recruitment costs: Rather than hiring fully trained technicians (who can command higher salaries), upskilling internal staff spreads cost over time and often at lower total cost.

2.Tailored Skills & Quality Assurance

1. • Skills aligned with your equipment and needs: Because much of the training is on the job, apprentices will learn how to use your own equipment, procedures, standards, and culture. This ensures the skills gained are directly relevant.
   • Standardised certification: With ACS qualification and Gas Safe registration potential, you ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. This reduces risk and increases trust.

3.Retention, Morale & Employee Engagement

1. • Career progression: Offering advanced apprenticeships signals to staff that there is a future for them within your organisation. This boosts morale, loyalty and helps reduce turnover.
   • Motivation & pride: Being able to develop tangible technical skills and becoming certified gives staff a sense of achievement.

4.Operational Reliability & Reduced Downtime

1. • In-house expertise means quicker diagnosis and repair of catering equipment. This reduces downtime, which in a commercial catering environment, can be costly in terms of lost revenue and customer satisfaction.
   • Proactive maintenance: Technicians with deep understanding are more likely to spot issues early, meaning fewer emergency breakdowns.

5.Competitive Advantage & Reputation

1. • Having well‐trained technicians gives you more control over safety, compliance, maintenance schedules. This can become a selling point if you supply to or partner with larger organisations that demand high standards.
   • It can improve your brand’s reputation – safety, professionalism, reliability are key in catering and hospitality.

As a fellow ceda member, we believe that upskilling your existing staff via our Level 3 Commercial Catering Equipment Technician Apprenticeship is a powerful strategic investment.

It delivers regulatory compliance, technical excellence, cost savings, and staff engagement.

While there are some upfront time and resource demands, the long-term returns in reliability, efficiency and quality are substantial.

Our offer to you: 10% off any training course

As well as our Level 3 Commercial Catering Equipment apprenticeship, we’re offering 10% off any of our paid courses in Gas, renewables and electrician training.

Get in touch with us today to discuss more:

Level 3 Commercial Catering Equipment Apprenticeship:
Helen Walker
helen.walker@ectatraining.co.uk

Commercial training:
Carl Sutcliffe
carl.sutcliffe@ectatraining.co.uk