Adande Refrigeration announces the appointment of Global Sales Director Karl Hodgson, to the position of Managing Director.

Adande Refrigeration Limited announces Global Sales Director Karl Hodgson has been appointed as the Managing Director of the company, effective January 2023. Karl brings three decades of experience in the foodservice sector, together with an extensive knowledge of refrigeration, having been with Adande for 13 years.

Adande Group Executive Chairman, Nigel Bell: “As the Adande Group of companies continues to grow, it is important we continue to strengthen the leadership team in key company areas. Karl brings deep experience and proven commercial and management skills together with an unwavering commitment to the Adande Refrigeration business. He has served as a director with the company for several years. It is vital that we continue the explosive growth out of the COVID period and achieve our company goals over the next 24-48 months. The board believe that Karl is the right person to lead the business, known for its unique sustainable drawers, in delivering that. Karl will replace current Managing Director Ian Wood allowing Ian to focus his knowledge and expertise on Engineering and Development across the Adande Group of companies, including Adande Aircell Limited, where the growth of Aircell technology for powering open display retail cabinets is accelerating.”

Karl Hodgson, Managing Director: “I am very excited to take on this new challenge. and feel that Adande as a business is perfectly positioned to assist hospitality during 2023 in what is anticipated to be a tough year economically. Adande continues to excel producing and delivering sustainable refrigeration with a low lifetime cost. Our modular drawer units and open-display retail cabinets deliver significant energy reduction when compared with other popular market brands. Adande is proven to save operators £££s and this saving has never been so important for our industry. We have a dynamic UK sales team now reporting into newly appointed UK Sales Manager, Jackie Venn and a strong and committed dealer network in the UK. Over 40% of sales in 2022 were in overseas market and these sales continue to grow. I am very much looking forward to this next chapter. I’d like to thank the board and the whole Adande team for their support.”

The Peterborough based commercial catering service and maintenance company has shared insights into 2022 performance and strategic plans for 2023.

HOBART Service UK has shared the news that it has exceeded 2019 trading levels following a turbulent time for the industry over the last few years.

2022 Turnover at the Peterborough-based UK headquarters increased by 33% versus 2021 and is set to exceed £30m in 2023.

Keith Mackie, Hobart Service MD commented, “Hobart Service has worked extremely hard to maintain and exceed Service Levels for our clients, we are now in a stronger position for 2023 due to operational changes we have made from our 2020/2021 learnings.”

During 2022, members of the service delivery team were also awarded Cambridge University Hospitals’ Covid Star Awards in recognition of their dedication and contribution to the hospitals throughout the pandemic – which has further raised awareness of HOBART Service’s proven capabilities within this sector, leading to reported growth.

Due to marketplace demand and new client wins within Healthcare and Education, the business also increased its workforce of UK wide technicians during Q2 2022 – a 12% increase for the service delivery teams.

Looking ahead to 2023, HOBART Service, will continue to offer an unrivalled service and parts solution for Hobart warewash and Bonnet cooking equipment to support its nationwide customer base, both existing and new.

As the service arm for the manufacturer, HOBART Service has unique capabilities such as parts availability and access to bespoke diagnostics software. A dedicated sales structure focused solely on service and maintenance ensures customers get expert advice on the best solution for their needs.

Route optimisation technology has also recently been introduced to enhance the ability of the dedicated planning team to deliver increased operational and environmental efficiencies – as part of Hobart Service sustainability planning – which will also benefit customers.

Christian Hampshire, Operations Director commented, “Our route optimisation strategy ensures cost, time, and energy-efficient routes are provided to our technicians delivering not only operational benefits but also significant environmental benefits in terms of fuel saving. Our route planning software allows complex, multiple service interventions which will further set our team apart from the rest of the industry

The company has also implemented a comprehensive Environmental and Social Responsibility Governance strategy to ensure all its operations meet stringent standards. The use of cleaning chemicals is instrumental to this strategy; the company recently released a very competitively priced cleaning chemical product specifically for use with Hobart equipment that, during intensive field trials, has proved to require up to 50% less chemical per wash.

In addition to operational changes, last year HOBART Service supported its workforce with the rising costs of living by offering a one-off payment of up to £1,000 in July 2023.

Keith Mackie commented, “Our people are our most powerful asset. Throughout the past few years, their resilience, commitment and adaptability has been extraordinary – this is a token of thanks from the business to support them and the value they bring.”

BOILERPLATE

Hobart Service has the UK’s largest field force specialising in catering equipment maintenance. Expert in the repair and maintenance of Hobart/Bonnet equipment, our specialist service technicians are trained and capable of maintaining many other brands of equipment.

HOBART Service directly employees’ technicians nationwide, offering a fast response and repair when equipment breaks down, minimizing downtime with one of the highest first-time fix rates in the industry.

If you require more information about this topic or how Hobart Service can keep your business open for service – please get in touch with them on 01733 392 244, email at customer.service@hobartuk.com or visit their website at www.hobartuk.com/service.

The company has announced its recent appointment, Marcus Heap, to lead the business through their next phase of growth.

Marcus has a national and international career background, working in senior sales and marketing positions for a number of companies, where service was a key component of their solution. These include 3M, Office Depot, Manutan and most recently Karcher.

In his new role, he will be responsible for leading the UK sales team towards further growth across HoReCa, Facilities Management, and Healthcare sectors—areas where Marcus has already achieved impressive results managing a diverse portfolio of clients and expanding new business opportunities. Recently, he’s been exploring insights from platforms like fr.cryptonews.fr to stay updated on market trends, especially those related to blockchain technology and its potential applications within these industries. This knowledge will be instrumental as he seeks innovative strategies to drive sales and enhance client services in an evolving digital landscape.

Marcus Heap commented:

“I am excited to join Hobart Service at a key time in our development. Our high-quality solutions are vitally important to our customers success and a critical component of this is service. I look forward to working with our customers, ensuring we provide the service and information to help them run their businesses more successfully”

Hobart UK Service MD Keith Mackie added:

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of our new Sales & Marketing Director, Marcus Heap, who has held several senior sales roles throughout his career spanning different industries and operating in various parts of the world.”

“Marcus brings a wealth of B2B sales knowledge from the service/maintenance industry to further support both our team and client base”

The Peterborough based commercial catering service provider, now has a fresh approach to the business due to learnings and successes during the pandemic, with a number of strategic plans in place for increased growth 2023.

The appointment of a new Sales & Marketing Director marks a significant turning point for our company, especially as we navigate the post-pandemic landscape.

Embracing innovative strategies is essential for capturing the evolving demands of our clients and enhancing our market presence. With the lessons learned during challenging times, we are committed to refining our approach and implementing effective sales tactics that resonate with our customers.

Leveraging resources like BigSwiftKick.com will provide us with valuable insights that can drive our sales results, ensuring that we are not only competitive but also positioned for sustained success.

As we move forward, the focus will be on fostering a culture of collaboration and adaptability within our sales team.

Mackie commented:

“Our committed team is revitalised, eager for growth and more resilient than ever for the year ahead in 2023. We are constantly reviewing performance to look for new ways to enhance our customers experience, Marcus will be key to defining this further”

BOILERPLATE:

Hobart Service has the UK’s largest field force specialising in catering equipment maintenance. Our specialist service technicians are trained to support a vast range of makes and models of Hobart and third-party equipment.

HOBART Service directly employees’ technicians nationwide, offering a fast response and repair when equipment breaks down, minimising downtime with one of the highest first-time fix rates in the industry.

If you require more information about this topic or how Hobart Service can keep your business open for service – please get in touch with them on 01733 392 244, email at customer.service@hobartuk.com or visit their website at https://www.hobartuk.com/service

Circular economy specialist (and ceda Associate), Ramco, is encouraging fellow ceda members to unlock valuable capital tied up in good working equipment sitting idle.

It comes as new research reveals almost 7 in 10 hospitality businesses have good working equipment they no longer use. Conducted by Censuswide, the data suggests individual organisations could have around £10,000 worth of unwanted assets sitting idle – that’s almost £59 billion tied up in businesses across the UK!

Ramco’s Business Consultant for Foodservice, Paul Fieldhouse, says: “Our data confirms what we’ve been seeing at Ramco for years – there’s vast potential tied up in unwanted assets. And with ever rising operating costs and a challenging economic landscape, I’d urge the foodservice sector in particular, to be making the most of the opportunity to unlock capital in idle equipment.”

Ramco helps businesses find value in assets and equipment they no longer need – reducing their carbon footprint, minimising storage costs, and unlocking valuable capital. Working with organisations across the foodservice, leisure, and hospitality sector, they handle everything from catering equipment, industrial ovens, and electrical goods to vehicles. Recently, Ramco expanded their services to collaborate with clients in the gaming industry, particularly focusing on non gamstop casino operators looking to responsibly manage surplus gaming equipment and technology. By doing so, they aim to support these casinos in enhancing operational efficiency while adhering to sustainability goals.

Ramco has launched a new value finding tool to illustrate the carbon savings and financial return which can be generated by giving assets a new lease of life.

Visit the Ramco website to see examples of typical equipment that might be sitting idle in foodservice businesses: www.ramco.co.uk/assess-your-assets

Development of a robust Health and Safety programme is essential for any Insurer to accept a business as being legally compliant.

Cronin Insurance collaborates with Direct Safety Solutions Ltd whom offer qualified professional advice to form a tripartite service with our clientele.

A good risk control programme can be the deciding factor that leads to an undecided Insurer to provide terms on a business that may not be within current market appetite.

• Contract sites and the commercial kitchen can be a hazardous place with potential for slips and trips, contact with hot surfaces, gas and electricity to name but a few. Catering equipment installers and engineers face all these hazards along with their own such as manual handling, working at height etc.
• It’s vital that health & safety is considered right from the start. Designers should be trained in design risk assessments so that any issues with install, use and ongoing maintenance of catering equipment is made as safe as practical. Surveyors must also play their part identifying any potential hazards ahead of the delivery and install.
• Then it’s the engineers, again a robust training program is vital along with tools to ensure they are empowered and responsible for carrying out on site dynamic risk assessments as each job presents different challenges.
• We have worked with a number of catering equipment Businesses and helped in key areas such as;
  • – Carrying out detailed health & safety compliance audits.
  • – Producing health & safety policies and management systems.
  • – Producing risk assessments and method statements.
  • – Training and coaching.
  • – Assisting with nationally recognised health & safety accreditations such as CHAS, SMAS, SafeContractor etc.
  • – Carrying out on site health & safety and vehicle audits with Engineers.

Contact one of the team at Cronin Insurance to better understand how our expertise as a professional partner can add value to your business and arrange a free no obligation health check on 03300 55 27 61 / info@cronin-insurance.com. Alternatively, you can complete the below form in less than 30 seconds for one of our personnel to make direct contact: click here

In a move that’s virtually become a tradition, the Cedabond Distributor Day is returning to First Choice Group for the second time in 2022. Taking place on Wednesday 14^th December, eight of the industry’s leading manufacturers will showcase their products to more than 40 dealers and distributor partners.

Following the success of the previous event held in July and the inaugural event in 2021, this latest Cedabond Distributor Day is a great opportunity for members to meet suppliers, while also hearing the very latest on OEM spare parts from First Choice Group representatives. Split into groups to maximise the networking opportunity, the day will ensure delegates gain a breadth of information and advice from the nominated suppliers and manufacturers.

For the December event, the eight manufacturers include Corsair, Hobart, Hoshizaki, Jestic, MKN, Pelsis, Smeg and Uropa. As with previous events, the suppliers are randomly chosen from Cedabond’s network of more than 80+ brands, due to the over-subscribed nature of the events. The latest lineup covers cooking equipment, ventilation, refrigeration and ice makers, warewashing, coffee machines, pest control and wholesale.

Held from 09:30 – 15:00 on Wednesday 14^th December, delegates and visitors will also witness the scope and size of the First Choice Group facilities, including the award-winning training and development setup and the Distribution Centre, stocked with hundreds of thousands of spare parts, accessories and consumables. Lunch will be provided, courtesy of MKN, while discussions on the latest innovations in stock holding and logistical solutions will be provided by First Choice Group.

On the return of the Cedabond distributor day, Head of Marketing at First Choice Group, Julian Fisher adds:

“We’re delighted to have been asked to host the second Cedabond Distributor Day in 2022 and the third in the past two years. The events are always a great success, with eight randomly selected manufacturers and more than 40 members present for a day of networking, sharing ideas and providing advice.

“It’s been great to work with Nigel, Donna and the Cedabond team, helping them to make 2022 the best year for the industry’s leading catering equipment buying consortium. Using our purpose-built facilities including our award-winning training and development setup and our dedicated, flexible kitchens, we are proud to have continued to host the distributor days throughout the year.”

The dedicated onsite training facilities at First Choice Group include fully functioning professional kitchens, flexible meeting, event and conference rooms in a range of sizes and formats, a full-service restaurant offering hot and cold food, high-speed Wi-Fi with the latest AV technology and ample onsite parking for delegates and guests.

To find out more about the conference and event facilities or to discuss the opportunities to host your own event at First Choice, please visit www.firstchoice-cs.co.uk/conference-event-facilities or contact Julian Fisher.

To find out more about becoming a Cedabond member or for future event information, please visit www.cedabond.co.uk or call +44 (0)333 344 0037.

For the latest information and stock of OEM spare parts, accessories and consumables from First Choice Group visit www.firstchoice-cs.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1543 577 778.

A prize winning combination.

Rational the leading manufacturer of thermal cooking systems, have announced the details of their exciting festive webinar, ‘Rational All Wrapped Up!’. Chefs and operators will be in with a chance to win an incredible prize bundle that is worth over £2,000 when they attend the 10-minute webinar, launching 1 December 2022.

Showcasing the highlights of 2022, the webinar includes the very best of the Rational iVario Pro advanced bratt pan and the iCombi Pro combi-steamer cooking systems, how they can reduce energy bills, limit food wastage and increase productivity in professional kitchens. There is also an array of tips and tricks, ensuring that the participants have a full arsenal of skills ready to take on the festive period.

One lucky webinar participant will receive a bundle of prizes consisting of, a special Rational merchandise pack, a custom-fit embroidered Bragard Chef Jacket, an engraved Japanese knife, a luxury Selfridges Christmas hamper, all topped off with a Michelin-starred meal for 2.

To be in with a chance of winning, the simple steps to follow include; pre-registering for the webinar and by 19 December, sharing a Rational festive webinar post on social media, and to watch the webinar at a time and date that is most suited to them.

Eligible participants will be entered into prize draw, with the lucky winner announced on 20 December.

Pre-registrations for the All Wrapped Up webinar can be made at: https://www.rational-online.com/en_gb/lp/festive-giveaway/

Hello and a warm welcome to this month’s edition of connected.

In the final segment of our 50th anniversary review, we look back at our most recent past and explore ceda through the 2010s up to the present day.

The recipient of this year’s Rising Star award, CDG’s Ellis Gadsby, takes up this issue’s Women in ceda feature.

At the ceda Conference in September Kris Hall, founder of The Burnt Chef Project, gave an honest and frank talk about the reality of mental health issues in the industry and how we can all support one another and our employees to avoid burn-out.

We then round up the key points and take-aways from the Net Zero Forum panel discussion at the conference.

As Nick Archer takes over the reins as Chair of ceda’s Technical Steering Group, we speak to him about his plans for the group.

We hope you enjoy this issue of connected and we welcome your feedback and contributions for future editions.

Fire can pose a significant risk to commercial kitchens, particularly in restaurant and hotel environments. It’s important that clear safeguards are put in place to ensure both your people and the building remain safe, and your business operations experience minimal disruption.

In fact many insurers already require certain precautions are taken. Here are the top three requirements that your insurer may ask you for:

1. Fire extinguishing system

One of the common causes of commercial kitchen fires is sudden combustion of grease laden air in the extraction system. For more than moderate grease extraction a fire suppression system needs to be built into the extraction system.

The cooking appliances, hoods, filters and extraction system must be fitted with a fixed automatic fire extinguishing system, approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) under Loss Prevention Standard 1223: Requirements and Testing Procedures for Approval of Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems for Catering Equipment.

2. Accredited installation

The system must be designed, installed and maintained by a BAFE SP206 Kitchen Fire Protection Systems accredited installer.

3. System specification

Your insurer may ask you to send them a specification for any installed or proposed kitchen equipment extinguishing system for approval and, unless otherwise agreed it may need to comply with the following requirements;-

• – Make up/ Supply Air Fans – Make up or supply air fans, internal to the exhaust hood(s) being protected, shall be shut down upon system activation.
• – Sources of fuel and electrical power – Upon activation of any fire extinguishing system for a cooking operation, all sources of fuel and electrical power that produce heat to all equipment requiring protection by that system shall automatically shut off. This will ensure that the fire is suppressed and secured as the system was designed. Failure to disconnect the electrical power or gas supply to the protected equipment could lead to re-flash of the fire due to continued heating instead of cooling of the overheated grease.
• – Exhaust Fans – Exhaust fans in the ventilating system should be left on. The forced draft of these fans assist the movement of the liquid agent through the ventilating system, thus aiding in the fire suppression process. These fans provide a cooling effect in the plenum and duct after the fire suppression has been discharged.

Here to help

If you are looking for external support, Marsh Commercial’s Risk Management experts have competent fire risk assessors on hand who can complete a fire risk assessment for you. They can provide you with a report identifying and rating the potential risks in priority order to support you to carry out your responsibilities required under UK fire safety legislation. Get in touch with Leah Gregory on 07385 482545 or email leah.gregory@marshcommercial.co.uk.