The benefits of using Ramco – for your business and the planet

News

59% of businesses in the UK have disposed of good equipment by sending it to scrap or landfill, wasting organisation’s resources and causing harm to the planet.

Ramco (a ceda Associate Partner) want to change that. They’re experts in helping foodservice, catering and hospitality businesses to sustainably dispose of their unwanted equipment – and helping them benefit financially in the process. It’s a win-win for planet, profit, and people!

Sustainable disposal tailored to your needs

Having worked with many UK Catering Equipment Distributors in the past, we have a comprehensive understanding of the industry and know about the challenges involved. That’s why we offer an all-inclusive service that covers everything from pick up to resale, individually to your business.

We contribute to the circular economy

Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We actively contribute to the circular economy, by avoiding valuable assets going to waste and instead extending their lifespan, minimising environmental impact.

Peace of mind – your asset disposal in expert hands

When you choose Ramco, you can trust that we operate with transparency at every stage of the process. We understand the importance of compliance and ensure that all necessary regulations are met.

We maximise the value of your used equipment

If you’ve got surplus assets sitting idle, the sooner you shift them, the more resale value they’ve got. We’re able to find potential buyers for nearly every piece of equipment we pick up. Then we split the sale price with you – boosting your bottom line.

Do you have surplus catering equipment sitting idle?

Contact us here, and our team of experts will be glad to assist you in maximising the value of your old assets, efficiently and sustainably.


ceda welcomes Tricon Foodservice Consultants as a new Associate Member

News

ceda is delighted to welcome Tricon Foodservice Consultants Limited as the newest Associate member of the association. With over 120 members and 50 partners ceda continues to see an increase in interest from like minded businesses who share their desire to encourage excellence and strive for improved standards in both their own businesses and the wider Industry.

As one of the leading foodservice consultancies in EMEA/Asia, with a team of over 50 staff based in their London and Dubai offices, Tricon will greatly strengthen the ceda community expanding the association’s reach, remit and enhancing the work that they do, further connecting the Industry.

Adam Mason, ceda Director General commented “I’m delighted to welcome Tricon to ceda. Speaking with Mike, it’s very evident that our organisations share a similar outlook on topics like; training, learning, education and development, attracting the future workforce and positively promoting the Industry. I very much look forward to working together.”

Mike Coldicott, Tricon Managing Director commented “Tricon are delighted to be joining the ceda community as an associate member. As a market leading consultant we feel it is hugely important to build strong relationships with the industry’s equipment supply and manufacturing companies. This will ensure there is proactive dialogue in making our industry market relevant with regards to sustainability and ethical supply chain sourcing which is so important to many of our clients, whilst also supporting initiatives to showcase how dynamic and interesting the industry is. Helping to make sure the next generation of talent are aware of the exciting employment opportunities available.”

Mike Coldicott – Managing Director, Tricon


Update from Boss Contract Furniture Ltd

News

ceda Silver Partner, Boss Contract Furniture Ltd, have had a busy August with schools, colleges and universities all requiring their summer refurbishments in place by early September, in readiness for the autumn term.

Some of our late July to early September installs include:

-Birmingham City University, Main Curzon Restaurant – Total Refit

-Downsend Junior School – Dining Areas

-Plumpton College – New Build Offices, Tables and Chairs

-Ionions Rugby Football Club – 250 Chairs

-Seaford Rugby Football Club – Full Refurb

-Gratte Brothers – Head Office Social Spaces

-Wimpy Restaurant in Southsea – New Games Area

-Tides Restaurant in Lymington, Dorset – Full Restaurant

-Worcester County Council – Public Terrace and Dining Area

-Searle’s Holiday Resort – New Restaurant

-Little Gems Fine Dining Pub Group x4 – Indoor and Outdoor Furniture

The installations required a huge mix of furniture styles and features which were all supplied without any issues.

Please remember to ask us for help when you have any opportunity to supply furniture to your clients. You do not need to know anything about furniture as we will do everything for you, from meeting the client, taking the brief, sketching the layout and providing a quote.

We do not supply direct, only via YOU, the distributer…

Please note our new email address below and please let your teams know that furniture is part of your offer, we are very competitive.

Please give us a call and see where it takes us, or email jon@boss-furniture.co.uk.


MKN FlexiChef: Smart Cooking, Smart Cleaning

News

The multi award-winning FlexiChef from ceda Platinum Partner, MKN, assists your customers in meeting their kitchen goals. It heats, cooks and cleans fast, with a host of intelligent features to maximise performance and optimise the complete cooking process in busy kitchens.

Is FlexiChef front of mind for your next project?

  • – Fry, steam, boil, deep fry, high speed cook or sous vide cook at high speed, all in one appliance
  • – Up to two times faster than conventional pressure cooking technology and up to three times faster than conventional cooking equipment
  • – Includes MKN’s MagicPilot operating system, for fast and intuitive operation like a smartphone
  • – Available in five size variants from 50 to 150 litres and the FlexiChef Team, which combines two units into one appliance
  • – Includes SpaceClean® technology, the first and only automatic cleaning system for skillet pans
  • – Suitable for all high-production kitchens including private and public sector

With FlexiChef, your customers can:

  • – Produce consistent food day after day
  • – Combines multiple appliances into one high speed production cooking appliance
  • – Optimise space, maintenance costs and productivity
  • – Deliver production cooking faster and more consistently

Don’t take our word for it, see what FlexiChef users have to say.

“The scope is unlimited. From sous vide, to overnight, to express. I was cooking pasta in three minutes in bulk during trials. Barley usually takes 45 minutes to boil, now it takes minutes.” – Raouf Mansour, Head of Catering, Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

“We need products that can deliver food when it’s needed, at scale. We know the quality of MKN’s equipment and we know it delivers the volume, quality and consistency we need – so it makes sense for us to install it across all kitchens.” – Judith Gregory, Education Catering Business Manager for Cardiff Council and LACA Regional Chair for Wales.

Find out more

Want to learn more about FlexiChef?

Visit www.mkn.com/en/flexichef or call 01329 757890 to get in touch with the MKN team.


Precision Launches It’s All New 670 Refrigerated Counter Series

News

Stylish, Built to Last & Sustainable

ceda Silver Partner, Precision Refrigeration’s latest incarnation of its top selling 670 series refrigerated counter products is the culmination of two years design and testing work by their R&D department, incorporating the latest advances in energy saving technology and valued feedback from customers. The result is not just a sleek new “front of house” modern look, but A grade energy labels for all GN1/1 refrigerated counters… including those with drawer configurations.

These new counters can still be completely built-in, with no need for ventilation gaps at the back, top or side. The condensing unit draws in cool air and expels it entirely through the innovative and stylish “ventless” front grill – even in the hottest kitchens.

They have also been designed to be our most sustainable products yet. With electricity prices at their current high levels, energy efficiency is more important than ever, for both the environment and the bottom line. Reusability is also a key feature. The new design is modular and extremely flexible allowing an operator to repurpose an old freezer counter into a fridge for example. The refrigeration systems can be easily swapped out and new doors, or even drawers, can be added to reuse an old counter rather than buy a new one. Once the product does reach the end of its life, 98% of the materials are recyclable.

Increased insulation, an improved thermal break, better internal airflow technology and the latest energy efficient refrigeration components have all contributed to achieving these enviable energy results. The refrigerant and insulation material used also have zero ODP (Ozone depletion potential) further contributing to the product’s sustainable credentials.

Precision will be showcasing these new products at HOST in Milan from 13-17th October. Hall 2 Stand F35-G36.

Full details of these new products can be found on our website here: https://www.precision-refrigeration.com/counters


How gas safety regulations relate to foodservice operators

News

It’s Gas Safety Week 2023 and whilst the Gas Safe Register tends to focus this on householders and the domestic market, gas safety is just as relevant to commercial kitchen operators whose kitchens, unlike those in a house or flat, will possibly be used by a variety of people for much longer periods of time and therefore it needs checking and maintaining on a regular basis.

So, when it comes to maintenance, what do the regulations actually state?

Section 35, Part F of the Gas Safety Regulations 1998 (Installation and Use) states:

It shall be the duty of every employer or self-employed person to ensure that any gas appliance, installation pipework or flue installed at any place of work under his control is maintained in a safe condition so as to prevent risk of injury to any person.

The regulations do not actually say how they should be maintained or how frequently, however, other documents do provide some clarification…

HSE Catering Information Sheet 11 ‘The Main Health and Safety Law applicable to Catering’ states:

No set inspection of gas systems is specified but it is good practice to have such systems inspected for safety annually.

HSE Catering Information Sheet 12 ‘Maintenance Priorities in Catering’ states:

Appliances need to be routinely serviced to ensure their continued safe operation. This must be done by competent personnel such as appropriately qualified service engineers.

HSE Catering Information Sheet 23 (rev 1) ‘Gas Safety in Catering and Hospitality’ states:

Periods between inspections may vary dependent on the equipment and its use and should follow manufacturers’ recommendations, but as a general rule, annual inspections will be a reasonable minimum frequency.

So, to summarise, gas equipment should be inspected for safety at least once every 12 months and should be serviced by competent personnel in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Most ceda Members can offer both gas safety inspections and also planned preventative maintenance contracts tailored to suit the needs of any kitchen. To find a member near you go to https://ceda.co.uk/ask-a-specialist/.


Retigo UK launch a new Technical Support and WOW Training video

News

Wrexham based combi oven manufacturer and ceda Silver Partner, Retigo UK, have launched a video about their Technical Support and WOW Training which the company organises in cooperation with industry professional Carl Hutchings.

Retigo has been in the UK market for over 14 years and experienced many challenges. Since Retigo UK was established in January 2021, the annual sales turnover has grown 10 times to what it was previously.

Aneta Juroskova, Managing Director of Retigo UK says, “High level of after sales support is key to achieve organic growth, hence as we grew, we focused on training.“

In their latest video, they describe their journey and how they support their customers.

The company organises regular installation training at its UK headquarters in Wrexham. It has also has its own spare parts distribution and dedicated service desk to handle technical enquiries almost immediately.

In January 2023, Retigo UK partnered with industry expert Carl Hutchings. Carl delivers bespoke training programmes backed and regulated by LCL Awards, he trains in all disciplines; electrical, water, gas, refrigeration, microwave and induction. Carl and the Retigo UK team developed the WOW Training programme for engineers of all skill-levels to help them speed up the process, be safe and more efficient when fixing not only combi ovens but also any other kitchen appliances.

Mike Griffiths, Technical Manager at Retigo UK says, “The Wow Training is aimed to all engineers. By providing this advanced technical training with Carl, we actually help our partners to have better engineers and save money for the end user.“


The Perfect Water for ceda Members

Who are Aqua Cure?

Aqua Cure are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of water treatment and purification products for use in domestic, commercial and industrial environments. We offer a wide range of solutions to solve all your water problems, from simple water taste improvement to complex scale control.

What can we offer?

Whatever piece of water related foodservice equipment you’re using, we can provide filtration to improve its performance and longevity. We also supply a range of solutions to help you cool, chill, boil and carbonate water using the latest dispensing technology the market has to offer.

We offer filtration for:

• Combination/Steam Ovens        • Watercoolers
• Water Boilers                                • Ice Machines
• Coffee Machines                          • Warewashing Applications

Ben Smith

Business Development Manager – Catering & Refrigeration

As the divisional lead for Aqua Cure, with a wealth of sector experience Ben acts as the ceda contact lead for all member requirements.

Contact Ben on 01704 516916ben.smith@aquacure.co.uk

Did you know?

• We manufacture over 250k filters from our factory in Burscough, Lancashire and can ‘own brand’, tailored solutions for many foodservice equipment types!

• We also supply bespoke foodservice hoses, cleaning and descaling solutions and equipment installation products. For more information visit www.aquacure.co.uk

• WE RECYCLE! All of our scale removal filtration solutions are recyclable for more information please contact Ben.


New Community Development Manager

News

We are delighted to inform you that we have a new member of the ceda team.

Steve Hemsil, formally of Welbilt, will be starting with us on Monday 11th September. He will be joining us in the role of Community Development Manager, with a remit to grow Members, Partners and enhance our engagement with end-users/operators.

Steve has 25 years of experience working in the catering industry. He originally worked for Zanussi network the Carford Group who were a ceda Member and won a number of ceda Grand Prix Awards so he has been involved with ceda from his first days in the industry.

After a number of years gaining experience with projects for large Key Accounts and small one-off projects, Steve decided to further his knowledge and experience by joining a manufacturer. In 2004 he joined Welbilt (known as Enodis at the time), where he looked after distributors in the South West as well as Local Authority customers.

Steve went on to take up a Key Account role with Welbilt that included looking after Tesco and Subway. For the past five years he has been the Sales Director for UK & Ireland for Welbilt looking after all Key Account and distributor sales functions.

This wealth of experience has gained Steve extensive knowledge of the industry, covering a wide range of sectors and routes to market within the catering equipment industry. He has implemented many strategies to meet the demands of an ever-changing market and has experience of working closely with buying groups and industry organisations and associations as well as distributors and suppliers.

Steve said, “I am delighted to be joining ceda and with my knowledge and experience within the industry I am looking forward to helping develop relationships to help Members achieve and give them a competitive edge. By supporting the ceda community we can continue to bring members together to unite and connect them with organisations and suppliers within the industry.”

Steve is an important part of ceda’s future plans to elevate the work of the Association, its Members and Partners.

Of Steve’s appointment, ceda Director General Adam Mason said, “I’m genuinely happy that Steve is joining us. He’s been a great industry colleague and I look forward to him becoming a great part of the ceda team.

“Steve’s knowledge, experience, capability and standing will all be real assets in developing the ceda community and he will make a real and positive difference for Members, Partners and the wider industry.”

Steve will be attending Commercial Kitchen on 27th and 28th September and is looking forward to catching up with ceda Members and Partners that are also attending. He can be contacted on steve@ceda.co.uk.


Parts Town UK - Brita Water Filters

News

Stock up for planned preventative maintenance this summer!

After a busy few weeks of routine servicing of school and university catering equipment, with sites and engineers making the most of the summer break and equipment downtime.

Parts Town UK is the UK’s leading distributor of OEM spare parts, accessories and consumables. We are proud to work with BRITA Professional a leading manufacturer of water filters and professional water filtration systems.

Add BRITA filters to your essential van stock. Parts Town UK holds the UK’s largest stock of BRITA Professional water filters including BRITA Purity Steam Replacement Cartridges and starter sets, BRITA Purity Quell Cartridges, BRITA Inlet/Outlet Adaptors, BRITA Purity Hose Sets and BRITA Purity Filter Heads. Ensure that you’re not caught out after a high volume of planned service jobs and stock up now with our exclusive BRITA offer.

Get a free head with every BRITA Purity C 500 or 1100 Water Filter. Discover Parts Town UK’s range of BRITA Professional water filters