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. ☕🍪

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.

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.

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

A twin module Rieber ACS Varithek front cooking station now proudly stands within a new food service counter for a contract caterer.

“It’s a great example of how front cooking can transform a front of house operation. Thank you, Agorra Group, for working with us,” says BGL Rieber B & I and National Account Manager Joe Gunstone.

“The chef said it is a fantastic bit of kit, and he loves that he gets to interact with the customers.

“The site’s contract caterer chose this unit specifically for Theatre Cooking. The modules chosen include a 1/1 griddle and flat hobs. The option of a Rieber Teppanyaki non-stick grill pan (in addition to their regular pans), gives plenty of flexibility for the menu to expand the food offer for customers.

“The restaurant serves between 200-300 staff daily for breakfast and lunch.”

FRONT COOKING

Rieber Varithek ACS front cooking stations now include optional fire suppression and self-ventilation.

Varithek does not require overhead ventilation, and its ability to work inside or out means the caterers can take advantage of any good weather to provide meals in the fresh air or under cover.

BGL Rieber has also added the option of Amerex fire suppression. Varithek meets all fire safety requirements, will not set off any fire alarms, and can operate anywhere with the blessing of the fire officer. From fine dining to fast food, the Amerex KP system has the components to meet your client’s needs.

Varithek ACS takes theatre cooking to a new level of professionalism, making it ideal for private clients, event catering, director’s dining, and use within servery counters or food courts, etc.

The ability to generate extra revenue from a minimal footprint is key to Varithek’s success. Thanks to the range of cooking options, including induction and Ceran hobs, woks, griddles, pasta cookers, and fryers, virtually any menu style can be accommodated.

BGL Rieber chose AMEREX fire suppression to provide fire safety for its ACS units because we believe this provides the best alternative to traditional mechanical fire suppression systems.

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®

Having originally designed Marsh’s staff F&B facilities when they moved into the building in 2004, Tricon were invited back to re-imagine and redevelop the office’s food & beverage offerings for both staff and visitors to give it a more operationally contemporary feel. The aim was to maximise the potential of the spaces available and encourage employees to use the space for informal meetings as well as socialise while enjoying their meals. The project was undertaken in two phases, split between the East and West buildings. Phase one involved the West building, with Tricon designing an employee grab & go shop for staff seeking a quick bite to eat, hospitality pantries and a business lounge for Marsh McLennan to entertain their clients.

Phase two, focusing on the East building, required significant input from Tricon to renovate the existing food and beverage facilities. Tricon designed a ground floor Barista Café to animate their entrance lobby which has proved very popular with staff in the mornings, in addition to redesigning the existing staff servery to create a more open-planned and free-flowing environment with healthy and nutritional food offerings to increase staff wellbeing. Tricon proposed a pre-order system and pickup station in the staff servery to ensure staff that had little time on their hands could still enjoy a bespoke healthy lunch.

The highlight of the Client Centre East building was the level 6 Client Bar, featuring outstanding views over the Tower of London. Tricon designed this space to function as a barista bar during the day and drinks reception bar for evening events, ensuring clients visiting the offices had a range of refreshments available to them.

Tricon worked closely with Catering Equipment Contractor Berkeley Projects during construction and installation of the food and beverage areas, ensuring the designs prepared by our team were truly brought to life.