The new Flexbar is fully customisable, combining versatility with easy maintenance and a modern new look.

Engineered for ergonomics and style, the high quality solid and glass doors, drawer combinations and central locking options have been designed to meet the demands of fast-paced bar environments. Advanced cooling technology delivers exceptional performance and reliability, developed with the bar user/operator and service engineer in mind.

At the forefront of the update is a sleek new aesthetic design, created to enhance the look of any back bar. High-quality LED lighting improves product visibility, helping bottles stand out to the consumer whilst creating an inviting, premium feel. It transforms refrigeration from solely functional equipment into a key part of the overall bar experience and feel.

Flexbar is built around flexibility and control. With over 140 segment options available, operators can fully customise their setup, whether working with the constraints of a compact footprint or the freedom of designing a larger, statement bar. This allows businesses to optimise storage, improve accessibility, and create bespoke layouts to suit their specific service style.

Downtime costs money in busy bar areas, preventing them from delivering the level of service they strive for. Recognising this as a common challenge, it has been a key consideration in the design of the new Flexbar. Accessibility has been prioritised throughout the design process, helping to minimise disruptions and ensure the bar can run seamlessly without interruptions.

Importantly for bar operators, this reliable refrigeration system protects their stock and ensures drinks are always served at their best, making it a vital part of any successful bar.

ceda Platinum Partner Adande Refrigeration has been awarded Gold Supplier Status following last week’s annual supplier review by Flat Iron, where the company was recognised as one of only 7 suppliers out of a total of 48 to achieve this.

The award is a testament to the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the Adande team throughout the year. Special recognition has been given to Lee Cade, whose commitment and contribution were integral to securing this achievement. Adande also took the opportunity to acknowledge Scott Barker at Intracat for his continued loyalty and unwavering support, as well as extending sincere thanks to Flat Iron for presenting the award.

“We are absolutely thrilled with this recognition, and it means a great deal to the whole team.” — Adande Team

To learn more about Adande drawers, head to adande.co.uk.

Unox has unveiled its latest innovation – the brand new BAKERLUX CLASSIC, a newly evolved range of convection ovens designed specifically for professional bakery, café and food-to-go environments. The BAKERLUX CLASSIC brings together the heritage of Unox’s LINEMISS™ and LINEMICRO™ ranges, now unified into a single, streamlined family.

Designed to respond to the modern day need for high-output, consistent bakery solutions, the BAKERLUX CLASSIC has been developed to deliver greater robustness, ease of use and operational reliability in busy settings such as bakeries, minimarkets, cafés and the convenience sector. Making its debut at HRC 2026, the BAKERLUX CLASSIC is simplicity in oven form, built to do one thing exceptionally well: bake evenly, every time.

In addition to showcasing the BAKERLUX CLASSIC, Unox’s BAKERTOP RETAIL – the ultimate in-store baking oven – was seen for the first time in the UK at HRC 2026, following its launch at Host Milano 2025. Designed to maximise productivity while delivering superior baking performance and effortless operation, this state-of-the-art vertical baking station offers unmatched capacity, combining powerful airflow technology with intuitive controls, automatic washing, and advanced safety features. Engineered for retail environments that demand efficiency and consistency, BAKERTOP RETAIL enables operators to bake more, bake better, and streamline daily operations with total confidence.

Following two years of intensive research, testing and co-designing with major European supermarket chains, the new baking station has been created to address the key challenges facing the retail bakery sector. For retailers, this enables them to improve output, ensure consistent quality, simplify operation and make the most of limited space.

From food-to-go counter to large-scale retail baking operations, Unox continues to push the boundaries of what professional baking equipment can do – putting smarter technology in the hands of operators and making high-quality, consistent results achievable across more settings than ever before.

For more information on the BAKERLUX CLASSIC, BAKERTOP RETAIL or the wider Unox portfolio, please visit: https://www.unox.com/en_gb/.

Loft 56, the vibrant bistro above Milestone Rathfriland’s award winning Food Hall, in Newry operates from nine in the morning until nine at night, seven days a week. With such long hours and high turnover, Head Chef Rick Orr faced a constant challenge in their compact kitchen. As he puts it, “The biggest challenges up here is the kitchen’s quite small… the volume of people coming through was too much, for the size of the kitchen.”

The arrival of the Rational iHexagon transformed everything. Their previous combi oven had served them well, but Rick says, “It’s just like day and night now with the iHexagon.” The team quickly realised it wasn’t just faster, but it also reshaped how the entire kitchen operated. “The amount of stuff we do in it is phenomenal. I can do a lot more work with less chefs.”

Cooking times have been cut in half, and food waste has dropped significantly. Rick explains, “It’s cut down, unbelievable on food waste.” With pre-programed settings, the full menu now runs seamlessly through a single machine. “It just makes life so much easier. it’s just, finger, button, go.”

Energy savings have been equally dramatic. “We’ve stopped using our old oven, we don’t need it at all.” Their pizza oven, costly to run and slow to heat, is no longer required. Throughout the day, pizzas now come straight from the iHexagon.

Even initial scepticism among the team disappeared. “They realise then it’s half the size, twice the power and speed.” The results speak for themselves: calmer service, higher output and their best January in eight years.

Rick sums it up simply, “To me it’s just another chef in the kitchen.”

Operators and chef are invited to attend an iHexagon demonstration held at a location near to you, register at: www.rational-online.com/en_gb/cmp/ihexagon-interest/

Changes have already been made as part of the new Employment Rights Act 2025. It’s important to keep informed so you can remain compliant. Here’s what you can expect over the next year or so:

As a ceda member, you receive access to the Maguire Training eLearning platform. We have created two new modules, Employment Rights Act: Part 1 and Employment Rights Act: Part 2. These modules will give you the information you need to know about this Act, why it affects you and how you can implement changes into your business.

Let’s look at some of the benefits:

• Stay ahead of changing employment law

• Gain clarity and confidence in employment rights 

• Drive fair and consistent workplace practices

• Embed good practice into everyday work
• Implement timely, relevant change if necessary

Get in touch for more information about these new modules, or for a discussion about developing training initiatives for your teams.

To see our training in action, we have a free event coming up on Thursday 14th May, on the topic of Culture by Design, defining and designing a purposeful organisational culture, rather than a culture by default.

Please contact courteneyabbott@maguiretraining.co.uk for an informal chat or call 0333 5777 144.

Parts Town UK’s Training Centre of Excellence are proud to introduce a brand-new offer for their Managed Learning Program.
Book your Managed Learning Program with them and benefit from:

• FREE accommodation during MLP training
• FREE City & Guilds accredited Electrical Safety Course (CCEECC)
• Ongoing mentoring from our training team during the qualification
• Access to 100+ years of industry expertise whenever you need it

Kick-start your future in the commercial catering industry!
Parts Town UK’s Managed Learning Program is designed for engineers who are ready to launch or elevate their career working with gas-powered appliances.
Level up your skills and secure your place today!

For more information please see here.

MKN UK has announced the appointment of Laura Hariani as Public Sector Manager, boosting its existing sales team and further strengthening its on-going commitment to the public sector and healthcare markets.

With extensive in-depth experience across foodservice equipment, national accounts, and public sector engagement, Laura joins MKN UK & Ireland with a strong record of building strategic relationships, securing major contracts, and driving growth across both commercial and public sector environments.

Having been an active member on the Hospital Caterer’s Association Northwest regional council for the last 8 years, Laura intimately understands the specific – and particular – challenges of the public sector across Healthcare and beyond and as such will be able to bring that experience to the team from day one, delivering an immediate focus on supporting MKN UK’s presence with a diverse range of public sector stakeholders, as well as raising awareness of the brand at events across the channel..

Most recently, Laura held the position of Key Account Manager and Public Sector Manager at Maidaid Halcyon, where she managed national accounts and expanded the company’s presence within the public sector. Her portfolio has included major clients a number of major NHS trust contracts, as well as high-profile commercial customers including Center Parcs and The Alchemist.

Prior to this, Laura spent over four years at Jestic Foodservice, progressing rapidly from Regional Sales Manager to Brand Manager and then Key Account Manager. During her time there, she managed national accounts including Pret, Starbucks, Burger King, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Morrisons, while also playing a key role in developing brand portfolios and supporting product innovation.

Commenting on her appointment, Laura Hariani said:

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining MKN UK & Ireland. The public sector presents a huge opportunity to make a real difference, and I’m looking forward to building on my experience and relationships to support customers with MKN’s market leading, innovative, high-quality solutions.”

Wayne Bennett, Regional Vice President, MKN UK & Ireland added:

“Laura brings exceptional energy, experience, and sector knowledge to the business. Her long-standing involvement with the Hospital Caterers Association and her deep understanding of the wider public sector environment and its specific requirements make her the perfect fit for this role. We’re delighted to welcome Laura to the team.”

Laura’s appointment reflects MKN UK’s continued investment in talent and its strategic focus on strengthening partnerships across the public sector.

Valentine & Cuisinequip, the exclusive UK distributors for the VITO range of oil filtration equipment, has announced the launch of the new VITO VM Battery, a cordless version of its trusted frying oil filtration system, designed to deliver greater flexibility and efficiency in professional kitchens.

Building on the proven performance of the existing VITO VM, the new cordless VITO VM offers full mobility through an 18V interchangeable battery system. This innovation allows operators to filter frying oil without being restricted by the accessibility of power supply or power cuts – a major advantage in fast-paced or space-limited kitchen environments.

Each battery charge supports four or more filtration cycles, enabling use across multiple fryers and helping kitchens maintain oil quality with minimal disruption to service.

The system retains all the core benefits that have made VITO a staple in commercial kitchens worldwide. The unit is placed directly into hot oil, where it removes suspended particles and debris automatically, without the need for supervision. After a standard cycle of approximately 4.5 minutes, the filtration process stops automatically, leaving the oil ready for immediate reuse.

In addition, the VITO VM Battery is fully compatible with the VITOconnect system, providing operators with real-time insights into productivity, servicing, HACCP compliance, and system updates via WiFi connectivity.

Constructed from high-quality stainless steel and food-safe materials, theVITO VM is designed for durability, hygiene, and ease of cleaning, with dishwasher-safe components.

“Professional kitchens are under more pressure than ever to be efficient and flexible. The launch of the VITO VM Battery is a direct response to that – giving operators the freedom to manage oil quality wherever it’s needed, when it’s needed.” says Phil Sanderson, UK Sales Director, Valentine & Cuisnequip.

 “It’s not just about mobility; it’s about delivering consistency, reducing waste, and supporting higher standards across the board.” he adds.

The launch of the VITO VM Battery reflects Valentine & Cuisinequip’ ongoing commitment to innovation, helping hospitality operators reduce oil costs, improve food quality, and operate more sustainably, whilst also giving operators greater confidence in their allergen control management.

For more information on the Vito range, please visit www.vitouk.co.uk or call 0118 957 1344.

ceda is renaming its Rising Star Award in remembrance and recognition of an industry individual who was devoted to advancing young people within the sector.

Andrew Fordyce, who passed away last year, was the founder and Chairman of ifse; a long time ceda Member company. Mr Fordyce was a champion of bringing young people into the industry and progressing their careers, specifically in roles relating to sales, design, estimating and projects.

Sally Medina, Creative Director at ifse, is a case in point. She said, “As someone who worked closely with Andrew for nearly nine years, I saw firsthand that his true passion wasn’t just in the projects we built, but in the growth of the team.

“Andrew was so much more than a director to me; he was a natural mentor. Looking back, the biggest lesson he taught me wasn’t actually about design; it was about people. He truly believed that empowering the next generation was a responsibility, not a choice, and he taught us how to lead with genuine passion and integrity.

“I know he would be incredibly proud to have his name associated with the rising stars of our industry.”

Andrew’s widow, Maria Fordyce, commented; “Thank you to ceda for honouring Andrew’s memory in this award. He would be delighted that the award will recognise potential, and champion design skills and innovation.”

The inaugural Andrew Fordyce Rising Star Award will be awarded on Wednesday 17th June 2026 at this year’s ceda Conference, alongside the Nick Archer Technical Rising Star Award.

Nominations are now open. Please contact Adam Mason for more information.

Panasonic UK is delighted to announce the appointment of Lydia Cutcliffe as Business Development Manager to its Professional Kitchen division, further strengthening the team as the business continues to grow its presence in the commercial foodservice sector.

With over 10 years of sales experience, Lydia brings extensive expertise to the role. Over eight of those years have been dedicated to supporting and developing B2B accounts, giving Lydia a strong understanding of the needs of commercial partners and operators.

Throughout her career, Lydia has consistently placed the customer at the heart of her approach, a philosophy that aligns closely with Panasonic Professional Kitchen’s commitment to supporting the evolving needs of the foodservice industry.

For more information, email: commercial.ovens@eu.panasonic.com