We are delighted to announce a new member of the ceda Technical Support Group (TSG).

The TSG is one of the key elements of the organisation. It is made up of knowledgeable people from both ceda Members and Partners who have areas of experience and expertise that enable the group to address virtually any technical issue that may be seen as a problem for Members.

Lee Preston of Inox Fabrications brings expertise on ventilation, as well as a broad knowledge of the sector to the specialist expert group.

Lee is delighted to have joined. He says, “I’m looking forward to the engagement that being a part of ceda’s TSG will bring. Collaboration is something I’ve done for over 25 years across both fabrication and ventilation and is at the core of what ceda offers to its Members already. Being a part of the TSG gives me two opportunities; first to share my knowledge and help Members and second; to learn more about other areas outside my core strengths. I have a comprehensive understanding of Gas Safe including control systems. With my strong mechanical background, I feel I’m well placed in today’s market to help others.

“Our industry is facing a massive challenge with net zero. Ventilation has become a major focus point with demand-based control systems and heat recovery fast turning what was a simple fan control and gas interlock into complex control systems. These are definitely interesting times with technology and innovation moving so fast; it’s something I embrace and enjoy.”

The group has worked hard to produce many useful Guidance and Standard documents which are readily available to ceda Member engineers and teams working at the ‘coal face’ of the industry. TSG Chair, Nick Archer has recorded a number of training videos covering plumbing, electrical and gas requirements for site installation works. The TSG will be helping with the further development of new content to ensure full coverage of the many technical training needs of ceda Members.

Of Lee’s joining and the growing TSG, Nick says, “I’m really pleased that Lee has accepted the invitation from the TSG to join the group. Lee brings a wealth of knowledge from a ventilation perspective, which nicely fills a void we have currently in the TSG. He is well respected within the industry, and I look forward to working with him for the betterment of the industry.”

Legislative changes such as Health & Safety improvements and Best Practice are other areas of focus for the TSG. Currently the group are keeping a close eye on issues such as the use of RCDs and when they should be used in existing, older installations; how to improve power consumption for an increased number of electrical units in a typical install; the increase in the use of induction technology as users switch from gas and the importance of lifecycle cost vs. purchase cost of new equipment.

The group usually holds four meetings each year, with two of them being open, face-to-face meetings where all members are invited. The next TSG meeting is scheduled for 8th November 2023.

Do you share our commitment to making sure operators can get the best results from their kitchen investment? We’re here to help add value to your services.

At MKN we believe we have a responsibility to support chefs in getting the most from their new appliances, and to make them as long-lasting as possible.

That’s why we work closely with our dealer partners to provide training on-site for all MKN customers in the UK, matched to their individual requirements.

Your customers can benefit from:

• – One or more members of the MKN team visiting the customer’s kitchen to help commission the appliances, run through basic operations and highlight key features
• – Support with pre-set cooking programmes, making sure staff have time-saving programmes available at their fingertips
• – Advice on how to look after kit, including automatic cooking programmes and any regular maintenance checks to maintain performance
• – Specific support with menu development and how to use MKN equipment for different cooking processes
• – Discussions and practical support to ensure appliances are used in accordance with the customer’s health and safety guidelines and procedures

Online training and support is also available, including the MKN Digital Centre, a state-of-the-art broadcast studio at our HQ in Germany, with integrated show kitchen. From here we offer world-leading customer support materials including livestreams, cooking shows and webinars, individual training courses and digital seminars.

Want to know more? 

If you’re a dealer looking to benefit from enhanced training on MKN appliances, simply call 01329 757890 to discuss your next project with the MKN team.

Working in the hotel sector? ceda Platinum Partner, MKN, has the products and the sector experience to support your next hotel project.

We offer a complete range of energy efficient cooking solutions including:

Don’t take our word for it. See our products in action.

MKN products are playing a key role in delivering the high-quality food offer at The Bell Hotel in Saxmundham, Suffolk.

• – Major refurbishment of Grade II listed building by Beales Hotels, new kitchen was designed and installed by Gratte Brothers
• – Includes four-zone induction hob, electric griddle plate and electric twin-basket fryer from the MKN Counter SL series of appliances
• – The fully integrated, modular appliances offer greater cooking control and quick heat up times, easier cleaning and enhanced kitchen flow
• – PLUS: Counter SL supports the switch away from fossil fuels in all-electric kitchen

Ashley Beale, General Manager at The Bell Hotel, “The induction hobs offer almost instant boiling water and everything is rapid in terms of getting up to heat. The griddle is super and the fryer is quick to heat up too. It’s all very simple for chefs to operate and it’s making their lives easier.”

Get in touch

Call us on 01329 757890 to see what can do for our next hotel project.

Long are the days where a standard cube of ice meets the mark, especially in the bartending world where ice has the power to make a drink authentic, spectacular, and superior in quality… but only when using the right ice. But with such a wide variety of ice to choose from, it can be hard to know where to being, and what type of ice is right.

In this ice match-making blog, ceda Silver Partner, Hoshizaki, talk us through the different ice types on offer, and what venues/drinks they are best suited for.

Cubed ice

Best for: Premium cocktails and long drinks

Premium spirits and ingredients simply ask to be paired with nothing less than ice cube perfection. Hoshizaki cubes are extremely compact, dry, tasteless, consistently identical and slowly melting, allowing just the right amount of dilution – a combination of everything a bartender requires when it comes to aesthetics, taste and functionality of ice.

View the Hoshizaki cuber range

Flaked ice

Best for: Mojitos and ice buckets

The light texture of flaked ice has a quick cooling effect, creating an environment of uniform temperatures making it especially ideal for food displays. The shape of this ice is also perfect for champagne buckets as the bottle can be slotted into the ice, which can freely move around it.

Free of impurities and preventing freezer burn, Hoshizaki flakers are designed to prevent bacterial contamination too.

View the Hoshizaki flaker range

Nugget ice

Best for: Cocktails and blended beverages

Nugget ice is often used to prepare cocktails, blended beverages and soft drinks because of the more malleable shape, quickness of cooling and dilution rate that these dry, individual ice nuggets offer.

View the Hoshizaki nugget range

Crescent edge ice

Best for: Nightclubs, large bars and stadiums

The unique shape of crescent edge ice allows for splash-free serving, making it a must for fast-selling establishments. Bartenders can even use this versatile ice for bottle display as the shape allows for easy slotting –  especially with Hoshizaki crescent edge ice which does not cluster whilst still being free of impurities.

View the Hoshizaki crescent edge range

Special ice (i.e.. Big ball, heart, big cube)

Best for: High-end bars, hotels and mixologists.

Eye-catching ice is a must for bars and hotels that want to create showstopping cocktails. Within Hoshizaki’s special ice maker range, you can find our signature ball ice, big cube, long cube, heart, star and cylinder.

These ice types are tailored for mixologists and cocktail bars that like to differentiate themselves and add to the full cocktail experience without eliminating the purpose of properly cooling the drink with minimal dilution.

View the Hoshizaki special ice maker range

The latest news from ceda Silver Partner, Liebherr…

Liebherr New Sales Manager – Food Service

Introducing Liebherr’s new National Sales Manager for Food Service! With CFSP accreditation, Will brings expertise to meet your refrigeration needs. Reach out to Will at will.crighton@liebherr.com for top-notch solutions. Your satisfaction, our commitment.

New Counter Fridges

Presenting Liebherr’s all-new range of counter fridges and freezers, available in both remote and plug-in models. With an impressive selection of 27 possible combinations, offering diverse drawer sizes and insulated doors, including optional worktop and splash protection, these units redefine functionality.

Designed for convenience, they boast exceptional ease of cleaning, ensuring a seamless maintenance experience. Whether you seek a plug-in solution or a remote appliance, our counter fridges and freezers effortlessly blend into any kitchen setup.

Why choose them:

✓ Freshness down to the last corner

✓ Hygienic through and through

✓ Very versatile

✓ Extremely user friendly

✓ Ultra-efficient

Liebherr at HOST 2023 in Milan

Join us at HOST 2023, from 13th to 17th October at Fiera Milano. Discover the latest Horeca & food service solutions from @Liebherr Appliances. Let’s innovate together!

Rational, a ceda Platinum Partner and market leader in hot food preparation catering equipment are delighted to announce the winner of their Lifetime Achievement Award competition. The competition celebrates Rational‘s 50th anniversary, where the search was on for the oldest Rational combi-steamer in use in the UK and Ireland.

“We are very excited to be the winners of the competition. After many year’s of using Rational combi-steamers, we are looking forward to expanding our catering operation with the new intelligent iCombi Pro.” says Lorna McCarthy, Officer for Facilities at Cwm Taff Morgannwg University Health Board.

Lorna entered the Rational competition with the winning oldest Rational combi-steamer, a very impressive 32 year old Combi-Dämpfer model, manufactured in February 1991.The vintage appliance, is in daily use for the hospital catering needs, alongside an additional two Rational combi-steamers, coming in slightly ‘younger’ at 30 and 22 years old.

On visiting Lorna to deliver the exciting news, Alan Higginson, Regional Sales Manager at Rational UK, commented “I was blown away by the pristine condition of the winning cooking system, it’s in full working order despite delivering consistently high quality hospital meals for over 30 years.”

Arrangements are now in place for the installation of their new iCombi Pro 6/1-1 model, adding to the hospital‘s collection of Rational cooking systems.

The competition, celebrating Rational’s 50th anniversary proved very popular, the top ten entries alone totalled an amazing 287 years of the combi-steamers working life; demonstrating the longevity of Rational appliances. This reflects Rational’s commitment to quality assurance, where 4 different Rational employees will check each cooking system before it is sent to the customer, thus ensuring that they receive a high-quality and perfectly functioning unit on delivery.

SPL is excited to announce they have joined ceda as an Associate Partner and wanted to introduce themselves and the services they can offer to the ceda community.

SPL specialise in supporting partners who operate in commercial catering equipment and can offer the following services: –

• – Bespoke Multi Person Deliveries
• – Consolidation and organisation of project work/one off deliveries at our Doncaster warehouse
• – Delivery/Unpack and position of items to support your install teams.
• – Dedicated deliveries with specific days/times
• – Removal of redundant items/kitchen clearance with fully licenced waste removal
• – Operating 3.5T and 7.5T vehicles with solid sides and tail lift
• – Stair walker/climber services available, specialist trolleys for lifting over counters, jack and roll systems for movement of large items not on castors.
• – National account support
• – Fully digital paperwork with photo evidence as well as written POD’s

At SPL we thrive on being able to provide a solution to the logistical challenges that customers in the commercial catering equipment world face. We know the challenges posed by large, cumbersome items that have a high value and need to be treated in a certain way.

We currently assist both Catering Equipment Manufacturers and Distributors with their non-standard delivery needs. For example, deliveries where your client needs a unit lifting over a counter, taking upstairs, removal of old, out of hours delivery or even just a dedicated delivery that will 100% be there on a specific time or a specific day.

We also offer consolidation at our warehouse, so any full installations you do where you need items that come from multiple sources bringing together as one and delivering to site as one, we can solve this issue for you. We can even offer position and unpack following your instructions allowing your engineers on site to focus on the technical side of the install rather than just ‘humping and lumping’.

Essentially anything that is a real problem and most other delivery providers wouldn’t touch, we can handle it all for you, on your behalf keeping your client happy and leaving you to focus on selling equipment.

We look forward to working with you in the coming months and meeting you face-to-face at upcoming events.

This summer Electrolux Professional (a ceda Silver Partner) have two amazing promotions to share with you.

When end users purchase any of our selected induction cooking tops they will receive a complimentary base. They can benefit from perfect control, plus more than 50% reduction in energy versus a gas range.

Complimentary base is valid with the following products, from the 1^st June to 31^st August 2023:

• – 371020
• – 371021
• – 391277
• – 391278

As a direct incentive to our Authorised Partner sales teams, we have LOVE2SHOP vouchers up for grabs. Sell one of our dishwashers below and receive a voucher worth up to £50!

This offer is valid with the sale of one of the products below, from the 1^st June to 31^st August 2023:

• – 400206
• – 502707
• – 502710
• – 505103
• – 505105

If you have any questions please contact your Business Development Manager.

As a part of the ongoing growth of our Learning, Education and Development provision, we are launching a series of Leadership Programmes to support the development of the industry’s managers, senior managers, executives and directors.

Available to both current and future leaders from ceda Member and Partner companies, the first Programme’s focus is on Agile Leadership.

ceda Director General, Adam Mason explains;

“We continue to work to develop training, education and learning programmes that have real purpose and fill industry skills gaps. Leadership is an important area of focus, across the supply-chain, to ensure that Members and Partners are best positioned to understand and embrace the challenges and opportunities of doing business in 2023 and the future.”

A document that takes you through the purpose, content and outcomes of the Programme has been emailed to ceda Member and Partner companies.

The dates for delivery are:

• – Section 1: 20th and 21st September
• – Section 2: 18th and 19th October

The first cohort is limited to 12 people and future Programme dates will be announced in due course.

If you have any questions relating to the Agile Leadership Programme, please contact Adam Mason via adam@ceda.co.uk

The ceda Rising Star Award is a highlight of the ceda Conference.

Any member of a ceda Member’s staff with less than five years’ experience in their current role can be nominated by their employer for the Award.

The objective is to recognise and reward an individual’s outstanding achievement and contribution to the development of a ceda Member company.

The awards are independently judged and from the entries received, they shortlisted five young people who have made a significant impact on a Members’ business.

Justin Ring, Team Leader at Gratte Brothers Catering Equipment Limited, was the eventual winner and was crowned at the ceda Grand Prix Awards and Gala Dinner on Thursday 8th June.

We took some time to meet each of those shortlisted and find out their thoughts on the ceda Conference and the Future of the Industry…

N.B. Rosie Neary, Project Administrator / Office Manager at Catering Design Group was originally shortlisted for the 2023 ceda Rising Star Award. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Rosie was unable to attend the ceda Conference and her interview with the judges and so she has automatically been put on to the shortlist for the 2024 Award.