Maidaid has introduced a new Technical Support Portal that features a redesigned Engineers Service Guide, designed with accessibility, innovation, and practicality at its core, ensuring engineers have the latest tools and resources at their fingertips, enhancing efficiency and support.

Dom Durrant and Chris Haedicke, Technical Service Engineers at Maidaid and part of the team behind the Technical Support Portal and redesigned Engineers Service Guide, explain:
“This latest version is the biggest yet, packed with interactive menus and essential support tools to ensure engineers always have the guidance they need—right at their fingertips. No more outdated manuals or missing pages; this guide is designed to deliver immediate, real-time solutions for use in the field.”

To streamline access, engineers can now obtain the most up-to-date copy via a QR code, guaranteeing they always have the latest version available. Whether they need rapid troubleshooting or an in-depth reference, the new guide makes it easier than ever to find the right information instantly. Engineers can request a unique access code, giving them access to the content.

The Portal also includes parts books, operator videos, links to order parts and how to contact Technical Support.

Wayne Wetton, Technical Manager, added, “this portal represents Maidaid’s ongoing commitment to supporting engineers with the best resources possible, keeping them equipped with the latest insights and tools needed for the job. The future of engineering support is here – efficient, secure, and built to keep engineers supported in the field.”

Access to the portal is here, while the Engineers Service Guide requires a unique code which can be requested from the Maidaid Technical Team via email at technical@maidaid-halcyon.co.uk.

Foster has won the coveted Refrigerator Brand of the Year award at The Caterer’s inaugural Supplier of the Year awards.

The judging panel was made up of owners, operators and chefs from the likes of Deliveroo, Hilton and the Craft Guild of Chefs. They commended Foster on a wide range of business initiatives including their EcoShow Multideck, with revolutionary uplighting and reduced energy consumption, their sustainability goals and their SOS FREE UK next day delivery service which has recently been expanded.

Katy Chilvers, Foster’s Marketing Communications Manager, collected the award on behalf of the team who were up against stiff competition from Williams and Hoshizaki. “Winning Refrigerator Brand of the Year is a wonderful testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at Foster. We work closely with our customers to ensure they can rely on us, and it’s great to be recognised for delivering energy efficient and quality products. We’re immensely proud,” she said.

Check out the full product ranges from The Refrigeration Experts at fosterrefrigerator.com and gamko.com or email sales@foster-gamko.com.

Committed to offering the most educational and technical training courses for service technicians working in the foodservice industry, Parts Town UK have announced a new gas pipework testing area coming soon to their state-of-the-art training facilities.

The new area will enable technicians to extend their technical training qualification to include testing and purging of large pipework. The area has been designed to replicate that of a commercial kitchen, giving technicians the opportunity to work in a similar area to what they would see in foodservice operations.

On the news of the new gas pipework testing area, Parts Town UK’s Training Centre Manager, Scott Barnfield comments, “We are extremely excited to incorporate this new testing installation into our training facilities. Our customers have been requesting a large pipework course for some time and this new area will enable technicians to include this qualification during their standard assessment renewals. With each update we make to our Training Centre, we are another step closer to our Centre of Excellence becoming a one stop shop for all training and assessment needs!”

Parts Town UK’s Training Division provides technical training courses and assessments for engineers and technicians working within the commercial foodservice industry. Training is provided by a team of professional trainers who have many years of experience in the commercial catering equipment industry and their facilities include fully functional professional kitchens together with the very latest in educational technology.

Find out more about Parts Town UK’s training division at www.partstown.co.uk/training/

📅 Date: 6th June
📍 Location: Your Office or On the Road

Join us for the Cup of Tea and Biscuit Event on the 6th of June! We’re encouraging all Members and Partners to host an in-house gathering where staff can come together over a cup of tea or coffee and have an open conversation about mental health and wellbeing.

Whether it’s in the office or a meet-up on the road, this is a chance to connect, check in with colleagues, and raise awareness about the importance of mental health.

🔹 Resources Provided: We’ll supply Members and Partners with materials to display during the event, ensuring everyone knows about the free support available for mental health and wellbeing.

Let’s take a moment to talk, listen, and support each other. ☕🍪

Peter Kay, ceda’s Technical Support Advisor, is retiring at the end of July after two decades with the Association and 63 years in the industry.

Starting at Stotts of Oldham as an order clerk, Peter’s career took him from Stotts to Crypto Peerless and then to his own business, and ultimately to ceda in 2005 as their first Managing Director.

Reflecting on his time in the industry, Peter says; “I have seen lots of changes in our industry during my time, but he one thing that has not changed is the fact that the people are all very friendly.  The single biggest change is the level of knowledge and professionalism within distributors.”

Adam Mason, ceda Director General acknowledges Peter’s invaluable contribution to ceda; “In his time as MD, Peter laid important foundations upon which the Community could grow and flourish. Under his guidance as Technical Support Advisor, ceda has become the industry-leading body for technical documentation, engineers training and technical support. I will miss him as a trusted and knowledgeable colleague and wish him the happiest of retirements.”

Such has ceda’s technical service provision grown, they are looking to recruit a full-time replacement to deliver even more support, solution and value to Members.

View the job description here: ceda.co.uk/job-vacancy/

ceda Chair, Kirstin Hatherley, commented; “Peter’s contribution to ceda has been immense. I’ve really enjoyed working with him on creating and developing the Apprenticeship Standard and that is a major part of the significant legacy that he leaves.

“We will all have the opportunity to toast Peter and wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement at Conference in June.”

Smeg Professional have something exciting on the horizon! Stay ahead of the curve and visit the page below to discover more about their latest innovation.

Plus, Smeg professional are offering those who sign up to the waiting list the chance to receive exclusive information ahead of the launch and alongside the reveal at the 2025 ceda Conference.

CookTek a growing range of quality induction hobs

CookTek Helios range has grown in size since its launch last year with the new ‘Standard’ version adding 18 new models to the range.  These models all have 20 power and temperature settings.  They are available in either 2.5kW, 3.0kW or 3.5kW power ratings and have a combination of power and temperature settings giving full control-ability to the operator. Drop-in and twins also available. Plus the assurance of five years parts and labour warranty covered by ourselves. All enclosed in a modern case.

CookTek food holding buffet induction range.

The CookTek buffet range including the Incogneeto, and SinAqua models.  All these models are set by temperature required, not the power setting.  Which gives accurate level temperatures, holding food at a constant temperature.   The Incogneeto version is our top of the range units that is hidden under the counter, and works through the countertop.  So when service is cleared away, no visible sign of the induction unit.  The SinAqua units are drop in units, available in either square or round, and work really well with our Dolphin chafing dishes.  Not only will they keep food at a constant level temperature of your choosing, they are more economical to run than the chafing fuel cells.  With no need to buy, store or dispose of the tins, plus no naked flames.

CookTek Induction Woks

Our reviews we have had on our Woks, say they were surprised on the performance.  These units are really powerful, and available in different formats, wether the kitchen requires tabletop, drop-in or a wok suite, we can do it.  The suites are built with a knee operated water tap dispensing a small amount of water for rinsing the pan or adding water to the dish.  These units also have enough room under for a refrigerated drawer unit.  Induction woks save on energy, and also cuts heat down in the kitchen.

Retigo UK have launched their new Service Videos series on its new YouTube channel!

Based on feedback at Partners’ Meetings, the Czech oven manufacturer has created a Combi Oven Service & Installation playlist. This series is designed for engineers, technicians and installers who need expert guidance on servicing, maintaining and installing Retigo combi ovens in commercial kitchens. There are also many practical tips and key selling points in these videos.

Viewers will learn about Retigo ovens and how to make their job easier, how to remove and realign the door, how to avoid problems, why their cleaning system and technology is the best, what water treatment they recommend for combi ovens and why, and much more!

Stay ahead with expert advice, real-world demonstrations, and essential service know-how. Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on the latest Retigo Combi Oven servicing tips!

Williams Refrigeration are delighted to announce the launch of their new Jade Counters and Cabinets, which reduce energy consumption while delivering practical benefits.

New Jade Counters

All refrigerated 2, 3 and 4 door counters are best in class and boast an A+ energy grade.  Their lower kWh rating means they are the most energy efficient on the market today.

Jade counters are excellent for kitchens where space is at a premium, offering a reduced width and impressive capacity – significantly more than comparable models on the market.

New CoolSmart capacitive touch controller offers a sleek design with a clear white display, high sensitivity and accuracy.  Easy to wipe clean and IP 55 rated.

Front breathing refrigeration system allows for installation in tight spaces, requiring no ventilation gaps at the back, top or side.

Low noise levels make them an ideal choice for open plan kitchens.

NB:  Models with Raised Pan Holders, Countertop Wells and Biscuit Tops are all available in the new format.

New Jade Cabinets

• Our greenest cabinets yet, offering reduced energy consumption compared to previous models
• New Coolsmart capacitive touch controller offers precise temperature control
• Natural hydrocarbon refrigerant
• Integral ‘easy grab’ door handle

Full details on our Jade range can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/4xy6m2h8

BRITA Professional is excited to announce the return of Grounds of Innovation for its third year – a celebration of the UK’s most innovative and creative independent coffee shops.

BRITA have teamed up with an expert panel of judges, including content creator and award-winning barista Ben Lewis, to find the coffee shops that stand out for their creativity, community impact, and inspiring atmospheres. The top ten winners will be crowned as the Grounds of Innovation 2025, with the first-place winner receiving an exclusive prize worth over £1,000.

From quirky menus to meaningful missions, the Grounds of Innovation campaign highlights the passion and dedication that independent coffee shops bring to their local communities. Winners will gain national press and social media coverage, along with an array of exciting prizes designed to support their continued growth.

Last year’s winners described the experience as a “absolutely amazing” and were thrilled to be recognised by a panel of industry experts. We can’t wait to see who will take the top ten spots this year.

Don’t miss your chance to showcase your creativity and be part of this incredible celebration of innovation in the UK coffee scene.

Enter now via the short application form below for your chance to WIN!

⁣Grounds of Innovation 2025 | BRITA®