For a decade, the ceda Rising Star Award has recognised outstanding emerging talent in the catering equipment sector; individuals who have demonstrated exceptional talent, capability and potential in their early careers.

From its inception in 2015, this award has become a symbol of aspiration, inspiration, and the bright future that new generations bring to our industry.

We’ve been chatting to some of the past winners of the Award, reminiscing about the year they won, and their thoughts and feelings and reactions on the night…

“I think the ceda Rising Star Awards are a fantastic initiative, and I’m really pleased to see it still going strong. It was an honour to be part of it, and it’s great to celebrate 10 years of recognising emerging talent in our industry.” said Tyron Stephens-Smith of TAG, winner of the first Rising Star Award in 2015. He’s reminiscent about that time in his career, acknowledging it being a period of transition, not just for him, but also TAG, “Winning the Rising Star Award was a significant milestone in my career. At the time, we were transitioning from smaller projects to delivering large-scale rollouts for some major clients. The recognition on the night and from the wider industry in the weeks and months that followed, was a real confidence boost. It reinforced my appreciation for the collaborative and supportive culture within the sector.”

“The year I won the Rising Star Award was, at the time, the most surreal and exciting time of my career,” says Paul Holder (formally of Court Catering) and 2017’s recipient. “It was still relatively early on in my career, so the idea of being nominated was humbling and intimidating. Walking up to accept the award felt like a recognition of all the hard work and effort I had put in up until that point. The recognition from peers and industry leaders felt like a pivotal moment. It wasn’t just about the award itself, but what it represented; other people in the industry were seeing my potential.”

Joanne Hamilton, a joint winner in 2021, agrees. She said, “Winning the Rising Star Award was an incredibly proud and humbling moment in my career. I remember the year vividly – it was a period of growth, challenges, and hard work. The nomination felt like a meaningful validation of the effort I had been putting into my work, and it motivated me to continue striving for excellence. The response to my win from my employer and colleagues was incredibly encouraging; there was a real sense of shared pride across the team. The recognition boosted my confidence but also reinforced my commitment to contributing meaningfully to the industry.

“Coming from an engineering background, I never expected to be nominated for such a prestigious award, let alone win it!” confesses 2023 winner, Justin Ring. “It was both motivating and a real eye-opener. I’ve always felt that the field service side of our sector often flies under the radar, so being recognised not only for my work but for the contribution of industry changes was massive.”

Billy Dyson, the 2024 winner recalls feeling a mixture of emotions to winning the award. He said, “I felt overwhelmed, excited, and privileged to even be nominated, never mind win. The feeling when your name is called out is always nice but especially in an industry where you follow in your parent’s footsteps. It was such an amazing feeling and one I’ll cherish for a long time. It made me feel like all the hard work I had put into my role was paying off and it certainly boosted my industry-related confidence.”

ABDA’s Amie Rice is the most recent winner, receiving her award in June 2025, and so her memories and feelings are still fresh. “I felt very honoured to be nominated; it was great to know that my hard work was being noticed. On the day I felt so anxious and nervous as I knew that every single person nominated deserved that award. Hearing my name called out was amazing! I felt an instant feeling of relief and pride. Having made so many friends in the industry as well, it felt like a lot of people were celebrating with me so that was also so special. I feel so privileged to work in an industry that celebrates the young people who work in it.”

The 2025 Nick Archer Technical Rising Star was Isabelle Harvey of IFES. She said, “When I first found out I’d been nominated, I remember thinking, “Wow, I must actually be doing something right!” It felt like a turning point; the start of getting more involved and connected within the industry. On the night itself, I was unbelievably proud! I felt so happy knowing I’d achieved something, not only for myself but for IFES as well. I could see how proud my colleagues were too, which made it even more special. What surprised me most was the reaction from suppliers and customers. I had people I didn’t know reaching out to congratulate me!”

All the winners credit the accolade with developing their careers. They are unanimous in the positive impact the Award has had for them both personally and professionally…

Tyron comments, “Since receiving the award, I have progressed to the role of Managing Director. I genuinely believe that the Rising Star Award helped lay the foundation for that journey, by opening doors and providing invaluable industry visibility.”

Paul says his career has gone from strength to strength. “The recognition opened doors that I didn’t even know existed. I started to gain more opportunities for further professional development with the ceda Academy and a short stint on the ceda TSG. It helped elevate my credibility in the industry and gave me more confidence to take on more responsibilities.

“Winning the award gave me a network of incredible mentors and peers whose relationships have been invaluable. The recognition acted as a seal of approval that allowed me to take bigger risks and pursue new challenges, which ultimately led me to starting my own business. Specialising in the service, repair and installation of catering equipment, some of those same mentors are now valued customers!”

“The ceda Rising Star Award played a meaningful role in elevating my professional profile, not only within my organisation but across the wider industry,” says Joanne. “It gave me a platform to connect with peers, leaders, and innovators, many of whom I may not have engaged with otherwise.”

“The award acted as a catalyst, opening doors to new opportunities, whether it was contributing to industry panels, taking on leadership roles, or mentoring emerging talent. More importantly, it instilled a sense of confidence that has stayed with me. Being recognised as a “Rising Star” validated the path I was on and encouraged me to continue pushing boundaries, both personally and professionally. Since then, I have now been promoted to Company Manager and overseeing the full company.”

“Winning the award opened more doors than I knew existed,” admits Justin. “Suddenly I was connecting with people across the industry, building relationships, and learning more than ever. It helped me develop not just as an engineer, but as someone who understands the bigger picture of how our industry works and where it’s going. In short – it accelerated my career development.”

Billy attributes his current role with winning the Rising Star Award, “Since winning the award I have furthered my career by taking on a new role working with a large national account client that’s has massively improved my skill set and continues to do daily. The role wasn’t available to just anyone and I believe my award certainly assisted with my successful appointment of this position.”

Whilst having only gained her accolade in June of this year, Isabelle is already feeling the effects of her win. She said, “Winning the Rising Star Award has given me extra confidence and a “can do” attitude. It’s made me push myself more, and I believe its opened doors for me in the industry. Before, most people didn’t know who I was or where I was from. After the win, it felt like people suddenly knew my name and wanted to talk to me. I remember going to an event a few months later and someone I’d never met came over just to say congratulations. The award has helped me to build a network I wouldn’t have otherwise had. If there’s one main takeaway it’s that winning gave me the push to put myself out there more, and I haven’t looked back since!”

The alumni all have pieces of advice to offer those starting out in the industry, or considering the industry as a career option…

“Fully embrace the pace and variety of this industry,” states Tyron. “It’s a dynamic, ever-evolving space that offers far more than you might expect at first glance. Many of us entered the industry by chance and stayed for a lifetime. There’s real opportunity here for those who are committed and curious.”

“Stay curious, embrace the learning process, and build meaningful relationships,” offers Paul. “The industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving. It’s easy to get caught up in just completing day-to-day tasks but you must take the time to understand the bigger picture and the trends shaping the industry.

“I’d also say take risks. It’s okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. And most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of networking and mentorship. Having a group of trusted friends and colleagues at the end of the phone can make all the difference in how quickly you grow and succeed. I am very grateful to those who I asked for advice in different stages of my career.”

Paul’s words are echoed by Joanne. She also said, “Stay curious, be proactive, and never underestimate the value of building strong relationships. This industry rewards those who are willing to learn, adapt, and go the extra mile. Take every opportunity to ask questions, observe those with experience, and learn not just the technical side of the job, but also how to work collaboratively and communicate effectively. The industry is built on trust, reliability, and a shared commitment to high standards – developing those qualities early on will set you apart.”

“I’ve always been an advocate for this industry,” confesses Justin. “So much so that I’ve even been nudging my own family towards it! I stumbled into this sector when I was 18 and haven’t looked back since. It’s an incredible whirlwind of opportunities, career growth, and great people! Dive in, get your hands dirty, and say “yes” to learning everything you can. You’ll be surprised how far curiosity, and a good attitude can take you.”

Billy’s advice is simple. “Knuckle down, give everything 110% and focus on your goals. Working in this industry is amazing and can really shape your future if you put your heart and soul into it.”

“Don’t let mistakes knock you back,” offers Isabelle. “This is such a complex industry. People who’ve been in it for 20+ years still get things wrong sometimes! It’s all part of the learning curve. Most things can be fixed, and every mistake is a chance to learn. Stay positive, persevere, and keep asking questions; you’ll realise you’re not the only one trying to figure it out! And when you get it right, that feeling makes it all worth it.”

“Take any opportunity you’re offered,” declares Amie. “I attended multiple site visits in my first week which helped me to gain a lot of knowledge very quickly. Attend as many events as possible to network and meet other people. And ask questions. Lean on the experts and don’t worry if you think it’s a silly question – it’s not! The industry feels like one big community. Everyone is so friendly and always happy to help so take advantage of this.”

Adam Mason, ceda Director General, comments, “This has been quite an emotional piece to put together, it’s so nice to pause and reflect on the very real and very positive impacts that the Awards have had on people lives and careers.

“Every year we are blown away by the calibre, passion and energy that the nominees have for this Industry – they are an outstanding credit to themselves and their employers who embrace the opportunity to recognise and platform their young people.”

The Hobart Chef Brigade is helping busy operators, chefs, dealers and consultants experience the powerful and intuitive new Chef’sCombi oven from the comfort of their own workplaces, clocking up the miles from Dundee to Anglesey, and down to Dover in a specially adapted Road Test van, loaded with its latest cooking innovation.

Booking is now open (www.hobartuk.com/roadtest) for sites to have a live demonstration like no other delivered directly to their kitchens and showrooms. Observers can find out how Hobart’s new Chef’sCombi helps chefs to consistently deliver high-quality food, with its innovative design inspired by the everyday requirements of those at the pass, making it quick and easy to operate and maintain.

The high performance Chef’sCombi strips away unnecessary functionality to focus on the things that really matter to chefs, including quality and consistency of cook, speed of operating system and ease of maintenance.

Developed by chefs for chefs, and inspired by the everyday requirements of modern kitchens, the new Chef’sCombi truly has everything you need (and nothing you don’t), now including its very own four-wheeled transportation!

John Stewart, Product Manager, Hobart Cooking UK, comments: “We know finding the time to attend a demonstration can be hard, that’s why we’ve launched our Chef’sCombi Road Test, so we can bring our combi to you! Our chef brigade will perform a bespoke, interactive demo – and the very best thing – there’ll also be some incredible food at the end. I urge chefs, operators, consultants and dealers to book a visit today!”

Find out more and book a Chef’sCombi Road Test at www.hobartuk.com/roadtest.

Unox is thrilled to announce the launch of fleX, a new leasing solution designed specifically to support public sector catering operators in accessing the very latest cooking technology without the need for an initial high-investment purchase.

Available now, fleX provides access to Unox’s latest innovations: the CHEFTOP-X™, MIND.Maps™ PLUS and EVEREO® product ranges through an all-inclusive monthly fee*. The programme allows customers to spread costs over three, four or five years, with installation, scheduled maintenance, warranty, and technical assistance included as standard.

The fleX package offers exceptional value, combining essential services into a single monthly payment. Alongside the equipment, customers receive delivery, installation, a comprehensive parts and labour warranty, and even a detergent starter pack to get going immediately. Optional upgrades, including Digital.ID™ Premium services, are also available.** This full-service approach with built in simplicity is a response to the growing demand for flexible equipment solutions.

At the end of the lease, customers can choose to either return, renew or purchase the unit in just three additional payments, with the entire process streamlined via Unox’s distributor network in partnership with Latitude Leasing, with most applications reviewed and approved within days.

An example fleX package includes:

• Maps™ PLUS 10-tray oven
• Stand and install kit
• XL Pure Filter
• 3 boxes of detergent
• Site survey and installation
• 1 Preventative Maintenance visit per year
• 3-year warranty

To learn more about fleX, please visit www.unox.com

*From just £252.68 per month (example based on 3-year term)

**rates vary depending on the package

Shire Leasing PLC is proud to have been recognised as a double winner at the annual Leasing World Going Further Gold Awards 2025, taking home the titles of Top Vendor Leasing Specialist (for the second year running) and Top Independent Asset Finance Provider.

Both honours celebrate our continued growth, innovation, and people-centred approach to business funding.

A landmark year for growth and independence

From £17m in gross receivables in 2004 to over £240m today, Shire’s journey represents a determined journey of independent growth and strategic advancement. By building long-lasting and mutually trustful relationships with over 200,000 customers, placement of agreements into our Own Book has been able to increase fivefold since 2013, now accounting for over 60% of all arrangements.

Additionally, new funding lines, including a £25m facility from the British Business Investments (a commercial arm of the British Business Bank) earlier in 2025, make Shire well-positioned to support even more UK SMEs in accessing fast, affordable finance. For suppliers and vendor partners, including ceda members, this deeper funding capacity enables more flexible terms and new ways to help businesses affordably invest in equipment with confidence.

Innovation and flexibility in vendor finance

Our repeat win as Top Vendor Leasing Specialist highlights how flexibility remains core to Shire’s partner offering. Service levels are unmatched from the beginning by delivering a tailored approach; from marketing support so finance options are promoted effectively, through to bespoke schemes to suit unique business models.

Innovation through Click2Finance (our award-winning ecommerce payment solution enabling leasing from checkout), enable eligible supplier partners to offer true B2B finance solutions directly from checkout through a large range of leading platforms like Magento and WordPress. Partners can also deliver instant finance decisions through the Shire Online portal, bringing speed and ease to vendor sales.

To future growth

Our independence means we’re not tied to bank ownership or rigid processes. It’s this freedom that enables us to tailor funding to each business we work with, cutting through red tape to make finance more accessible, fast and transparent.

With Shire Leasing, catering equipment suppliers can finance everything from one-off upgrades to full refurbishments and turnkey projects, helping more customers invest and grow.

To offer flexible finance with the industry leader and see how Shire Leasing can support your business in maximising sales:

Visit: Shire Leasing website
Email: sales@shireleasing.co.uk
Call: 01827 689 39

We have received a Silver Award in the ‘Best Member Support’ category at the Association Excellence Awards 2025!

We were shortlisted for raising industry standards via the development of the ceda4 app – a purpose-built, mobile-first app developed to solve a critical industry challenge.

ceda4 delivers fast and reliable access to technical documentation from catering equipment manufacturers. Developed in direct consultation with members, the app consolidates thousands of documents into a centralised, searchable platform – optimised for use on-site by engineers and support teams.

With a clean, intuitive interface and powerful offline functionality, ceda4 has transformed daily workflows for over 670 users within member companies. Its innovative design includes features like personalised libraries, smart filters, and secure member-only access. By dramatically reducing time spent locating documentation, it has delivered measurable operational benefits, including saving 200+ engineer hours monthly.

ceda4 exemplifies creative, impactful member support through digital innovation, and is now an indispensable tool driving higher service and design standards across the UK catering equipment industry.

ceda Director General, Adam Mason comments, “We are thrilled to have won the Silver Award for Best Member Support at the Association Excellence Awards 2025 – congratulations to all of the other brilliant finalists and to NACFB for taking home the Gold.

“ceda4 is a perfect example of collaboration between our Academy, Members and Partners to deliver a solution that continues to drive operational efficiency throughout Members’ businesses.

“My thanks go to Justin Ring, Gratte Brothers Foodservice Solutions, Caterparts and the late Nick Archer, to whose memory we dedicate this Award.

“ceda4 has had a great first 18 months since launch and the further developments that we are planning will take the App to even greater heights.”

As a professional in design, projects and equipment for the foodservice, catering and hospitality industry, when you offer to carry out a service you must be able to provide an adequate degree of skill, with enough knowledge and experience to responsibly advise about the work you undertake.

If you are unable to carry out this service to the standard expected, you can be held liable for any loss or damage to people or property caused as a result of your work. And having a professional indemnity insurance policy can help protect you against any potential claims, including legal defence.

Marsh Commercial has answered some of the common questions businesses are googling about professional indemnity insurance, including who needs PI insurance and what it covers.

What is professional indemnity insurance?

Suppose you’re responsible for causing financial loss to your client because of errors or omissions in the advice or designs you have provided. In that case, your PI insurance policy covers the legal costs and expenses involved in defending a claim and compensation payable.

What does professional indemnity insurance cover?

PI insurance coverage depends entirely on your policy, so you’ll need to ensure it provides adequate cover for the professional services you provide and the risks you may face. For example, this could include:

• Civil liability (such as damages and costs) for breach of duty.
• Legal fees and expenses in defending a claim.
• Helplines to help you manage risks.
• Relevant regulatory body requirements.

Not all PI insurance policies are the same, and Marsh Commercials always advise you work with an experienced PI insurance broker to ensure you have the cover you need.

Do I need professional indemnity insurance?

While you strive to deliver the best service to your clients, occasionally mistakes can happen. PI insurance protects you and your business if your client alleges a financial loss for:

• A breach of a professional duty of care or unintentional breach of contract.
• Unintentional breach of confidentiality and copyright.
• Loss of documents or data.

How much professional indemnity insurance do I need?

Every business is different, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all PI insurance policy. Marsh Commercial always advise working with a broker who has experience of arranging PI.

Often, specified levels of PI insurance cover and limits may be written into client contracts, so your broker may ask you for this information. As a professional and expert in your field, you do your best to limit your liability. However, it’s very difficult to predict if a client will make a claim. In many cases, professionals will opt for higher limits for peace of mind and protection should a claim cost them more than they anticipate.

How much is professional indemnity insurance?

The cost of PI insurance will vary from business to business. The insurer will consider many factors, including:

• The level and type of covers required.
• Number of employees.
• Annual turnover.
• Risks associated with your industry.
• Your activities (some might be higher risk than others).

Because of these variables, there’s no average premium.

What should I look for when choosing a professional indemnity insurance provider?

Many providers offer PI insurance, but it’s important to carefully select a provider that can meet your business needs. Some key considerations to keep in mind when choosing a provider include:

• Can the policy be tailored to suit your business?

Some professions require specific protection or covers. You may avoid paying an additional premium for cover you don’t need if the policy is tailored to your business.

• Does the provider understand your business?

Marsh Commercial recommend working with a broker with expertise and experience in PI insurance. It’s important your insurance broker is familiar with professional services and understands the complexity of the risks involved in your business activities. Working with a PI specialist will help ensure you have the right level of protection in place and that you only paying for the cover you need.

• Is there an option to pay by monthly payments?

Sometimes it’s possible to pay your premium in instalments. This is an excellent option for new or small businesses that are still wary of cashflow or want to spread the premium cost throughout the year to help better manage their cash flow.

• Does the provider have a good reputation?

It’s always advisable to do your research when choosing a PI provider. Using a broker with expertise in PI will help you find a reputable insurance provider, giving you confidence that claims will be dealt with efficiently and paid out if necessary.

• Does the provider offer the cover you need?

PI insurance covers can vary between civil, legal or negligence which makes a difference when it comes to paying out the claim. Policy limits can refer to the amount payable for a single claim or it could be an aggregate amount. Aggregate means that the total amount of financial cover provided is limited to the amount specified in the policy schedule, arising within the specified period of insurance. Some insurers would apply specific exclusions in the wording or as endorsements which are not easily spotted. Using a broker would help assure your policy is right for your business and adequately covers your business activities.

Need expert advice?

Get in touch with our insurance experts. Contact Beth Keeling at Beth.Keeling@marshcommercial.co.uk.

Hupfer has announced a new partnership with Specifi, the leading digital platform for building product specification, to make nearly 400 of its high-quality catering products easily available to design houses, equipment dealers, and consultants. This collaboration marks a significant step in Hupfer’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and transparency in product data.

Marc Sumner, Hupfer UK Sales & Marketing Director adds “Partnering with Specifi allows us to reach a wider audience and provide the detailed technical information professionals need to make informed choices.” With nearly 400 products now catalogued ( and more to add soon ) this partnership reinforces Hupfer’s position as a trusted manufacturer and aligns with Specifi’s mission to simplify the way building product information is accessed and shared.

To find out more about the extensive range of products and solutions available from Hupfer, please contact Marc Sumner – marc@hupferuk.com / 07917 155573.

www.hupfer.com

www.specifiglobal.com

Novameta proudly participated in the HOST 2025 exhibition in Milan – for the eighth consecutive time. As the world’s leading HoReCa event, HOST once again provided the perfect stage to showcase our latest engineering and design achievements.

The Novameta stand, covering 200 square metres, presented a unique and open layout designed to highlight our latest innovations in professional kitchen equipment. As in previous years, the Cooking Islands attracted significant attention from visitors – this time demonstrating how design precision and manufacturing flexibility can perfectly align to meet the needs of modern professional kitchens. Their clean lines, balanced proportions and functional detailing reflected our focus on efficiency, ergonomics, and long-lasting quality.

The main highlight of the exhibition was the Multi Cold – a new generation multifunctional Cooling Counter. Designed for maximum flexibility, it can be built almost in any size or configuration to suit different workflows, from food preparation to beverage service or front-of-house display.

Novameta also presented the A-Class Cooling Counter, an award-winning model recognised with both the IF Design Award and the European Product Design Award (EPDA). Combining top-tier energy efficiency with sleek design and robust performance, it continues to set new standards in professional refrigeration.

In addition, Novameta showcased its expertise in developing bespoke solutions for QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) chains, providing efficient and customised systems designed to meet the fast-paced demands of modern foodservice operations.

A sincere thank you to all our UK partners, consultants and visitors who stopped by the stand – your time, interest and partnership mean a great deal to us.

If you didn’t have a chance to visit the stand at HOST, we’d be delighted to connect.
Contact Region Manager Valdas Stonys at valdas@novameta.lt to learn more about our exhibition highlights or explore our full range of professional kitchen solutions.

Today, Retigo proudly presents its new generation ovens at HOST Milano!

Retigo Evolution brings new technology and innovation, higher quality materials, integrated AI and more.

This year Retigo has undergone major transformation. They have unveiled a new logo and branding, and an ethos that captures the same company values that the founders curated 31 years ago when Retigo was established in a garage in the Czech Republic. The new generation oven showcases the future of the brand with the latest technology whilst still maintaining those original values of reliability and high-quality materials and manufacturing processes.

A proud Czech manufacturer, Retigo has built a strong reputation across the globe, selling to more than 60 countries. Known for their consistently high-quality combi ovens and excellent customer support, Evolution is the next chapter in Retigo’s proud history. Built for chefs by putting their needs front and centre of the design, the Retigo development team created Evolution from real professional kitchen experience making it their most sophisticated yet user-friendly model to date.

Norbert Pelc, Managing Director at Retigo said, “Over the past few years we have been dedicated to the development, production and testing of our new generation combi ovens. These are machines that combine the hallmark of quality with affordability and reliable customer support. They bring more than 30 real-benefit improvements compared to the previous Vision II generation.”

Retigo Sales and Marketing Director, Marcel Vican added, “Thanks to real-benefit innovations as well as rebranding, we will gradually become stronger and more confident. We continue delivering greater value to our customers and strengthening our competitiveness.”

Director of Retigo UK, Aneta Juroskova, is excited about the future of the brand. She said, “This year has been about new innovations, and we’ve been working hard to show who we are and how we work, via a new brand identity and product developments. Evolution has been many years in development, and we’re delighted to now be able to unveil it.

“Our distribution partners had the opportunity to have an exclusive look at the new oven at our Experience Day in London last month. The feedback and comments we have received have been extremely positive, with several commenting, ‘It is the combi oven of the future!’”

She adds, “Above all else, Retigo stands for reliability. We want to ensure a smooth rollout for our customers, with all related documentation and support in the UK in place. We therefore anticipate Evolution ovens will be available for purchase in the UK in the second half of 2026.”

Main benefits of the new line

TrustBuilt construction | Built to endure. Robust frame. Minimum plastic parts. Seamless AISI 316L s/s cooking chamber with 10-year warranty.

TrueSteam direct | Refined heating elements. Two-step water preheating. Built-in heat recuperator. Energy and water savings. Perfect cooking results.

SteamSecure Boiler | TrueSteam. Automatic care. Heat exchanger connected. Unique backup system ensures uninterrupted cooking.

ErgoFit | Ergonomic design. Crosswise-oriented racks. Up to 39 % less physical strain. Safer movement. Healthier backs. Chefs with ease.

FastReact UI | Instant, intuitive interface. Responds without delay. Smoother kitchen flow.

CombiHealth | Real-time oven health status with Health % on the main screen.

DynaAirFlow | Enhanced cooking evenness. Increased capacity. Generous rack spacing.

EcoLogic system | Significantly reduces energy and water consumption up to 10 % compared to the previous generation.

Local sources | 99 % of components come from Europe, with 65 % sourced locally in the Czech Republic.

Waste reduction | Significantly exceed the EPA Energy Star standard requirements. Up to 98 % recyclable stainless steel. Minimal plastic.

You can find other advantages and technical parameters of the new line on the website evolution.retigo.com.

Service Geeni, a ceda Associate Member, is putting artificial intelligence to work for catering equipment maintenance companies with the launch of its new AI Scheduling Agent feature for automated route optimisation.

This latest innovation is designed to help companies reduce wasted travel time, cut operating costs, and keep catering equipment running at peak performance.

Meeting the Challenge of Catering Equipment Service

In commercial kitchens, when equipment breaks down, it’s never at a convenient moment. Equipment maintenance companies are under constant pressure to respond quickly, deliver preventive maintenance, and ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Until now, scheduling engineers has been one of the most challenging parts of service management. With jobs ranging from urgent breakdowns to routine PPM, and engineers spread across wide geographic areas, allocating the right resource at the right time often felt like an uphill battle.

“Our catering customers told us that scheduling was one of the biggest bottlenecks in their operations,” explains Ryan Musselwhite, Chief Product Officer at Service Geeni. “That’s why we developed an AI-powered tool that can handle the complexity automatically.”

How the AI Scheduler Works

The AI Scheduler uses advanced algorithms to analyse multiple data points at once:

• Job urgency and customer SLAs
• Engineer skillsets and certifications
• Van stock and parts availability
• Traffic and travel routes
• Compliance deadlines

Based on this live data, the system automatically builds an optimised schedule, assigning the best engineer for each job and creating the most efficient route plan.

This reduces wasted mileage, improves first-time fix rates, and ensures compliance checks aren’t missed – all while giving customers faster, more reliable service.

Benefits at a Glance

For equipment maintenance companies, the new feature delivers:

• Lower costs: Reduced fuel spend and overtime.
• Increased productivity: Engineers can complete more jobs per day.
• Sustainability gains: Smarter routing means lower emissions.
• Better compliance: Routine maintenance never slips through the cracks.
• Happier customers: Faster response times and improved service reliability.

Supporting the Catering Industry

The launch comes as part of Service Geeni’s ongoing commitment to supporting the catering sector with smarter service management solutions.

Alongside its core FSM (Field Service Management) platform – which includes job management, asset tracking, compliance reporting, and customer portals – the AI Scheduler adds a new level of intelligence designed specifically for service teams managing catering equipment.

“This isn’t just about making life easier for schedulers,” adds Mark Howes, Chief Revenue Officer at Service Geeni. “It’s about giving catering equipment maintenance companies the tools they need to deliver outstanding service, protect their margins, and hit customer SLAs and contract renewals.”

Case Example: Reducing Wasted Miles

One early adopter of the AI Scheduler reported that their engineers were spending 20% less time travelling between jobs within the first three months of using the system. That time savings translated into more completed callouts, lower fuel costs, and a noticeable drop in missed appointments.

Looking Ahead

Service Geeni sees AI and data-driven optimisation as the future of catering service management. With the AI Scheduler and Route Optimisation now available, the company plans to continue developing features that help providers stay competitive in a demanding market.

“The catering sector is evolving rapidly, and technology has a key role to play,” says Francisco Mouzinho, Head of Partnerships at Service Geeni. “We’re excited to bring practical innovations to ceda members that directly improve efficiency.”

Learn More

Service Geeni’s AI Scheduler and Route Optimisation is available now for catering equipment maintenance providers.

Discover how AI can optimise your catering service operations – Book a Demo with Service Geeni.