WaterCare Improves Performance With Latest Softener Launch

WaterCare Improves Performance With Latest Softener Launch

One of WaterCare’s headline strategies for this year involves improving the quality of their products. Their clear aim is to offer their customers exceptional performance and unrivalled reliability by developing existing products in its range and improving them.

In blue, the Autosoft range of cold water softeners achieve softened water for warewashing and laundry giving exceptional washing outcomes and protect equipment from harmful scale and other minerals. Optical sensors control the backwash cycle for a dependable, precise performance and is available in 10, 14, 18 23 & 30 litre capacities.

The cold water softeners now have industry leading Pentair control valves fitted for additional assistance. The 5800 valve represents a great step forward in the Fleck product range. As well as optical sensors, a clear back-lit display and increased regeneration efficiency, the 5800 valve features improved flow, easy servicing and a quick set-up. For use with a cold water supply up to 35°C.

Softened water for warewashing and laundry can be achieved with Watercare’s Autosoft hot water softener. In red, this water softener produces superior washing results and protects equipment from harmful scale and other minerals. Optical sensors regulate the backwash cycle for a trustworthy, clear-cut performance. They are available in 10, 18 & 30 litre capacities and have a timed or meter control valve.

The Autosoft range now combines WaterCare’s decades of experience in manufacturing softeners with time-tested and trusted Pentair components to provide years of customer satisfaction.

For more information, please visit https://www.watercare.co.uk/glasswashing-dishwashing/


Commercial Kitchen Show 2020: Save the Date 

Commercial Kitchen Show 2020: Save the Date

The Commercial Kitchen Show 2020 will take place 3-4 June 2020 at its new home, ExCel London, where it will be bigger, better and more important than ever.

Exhibitors at the 2019 show did business with buyers from:

RESTAURANTS, PUBS, FOOD-TO-GO & MORE…
Casual Dining Group | The Chilli Pickle | Classic Hotels | Costa Coffee | Côte | Deliveroo | Dishoom | Drake & Morgan | EAT. | Ei Group | Five Guys | GAIL’s Bakery | Gourmet Burger Kitchen | Greene King | Hall & Woodhouse | Hand Picked Hotels | Hard Rock International | J D Wetherspoon | JW Lees & Co (Brewers) | K10 Modern Japanese | Las Iguanas, La Tasca & La Vina | Marston’s | Mitchells & Butlers | Peach Pub Company | Pizza Hut (UK) | PizzaExpress | Pizza Pilgrims | Pret A Manger | Prezzo | Punch Taverns | Signature Pub Group |Stonegate Pub Company | Taco Bell | TGI Fridays | The Alchemist | The Restaurant Group | Tortilla | Wagamama | Whitbread | YO! | Fuller’s | And many more.

HEALTH, EDUCATION, LEISURE, CONTRACT CATERERS & MORE…
All England Lawn Tennis Club | Aramark | Amadeus | BaxterStorey | Belmont School | Bishop Grosseteste University | CH&CO Group | Costco | Coventry College | Derbyshire County Council | Educaterers | Empire Cinemas | Flamingo Land Resort | Harrow School | HCA | University of Huddersfield | ISS UK | King’s College London | Merlin Entertainments | NACC | Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust | Parkdean Resorts | SSP | Gather & Gather | Sodexo | St. Catharine’s College | Tonbridge School | Tottenham Hotspur | University of Derby | Warwickshire County Council | And many more.


Welbilt Announces Series of First Choice Masterclasses

Welbilt Announces Series of First Choice Masterclasses

ceda Platinum Partner, Welbilt UK, is delighted to announce that from 2020, it will be adding yet another masterclass location to its growing portfolio, following an exciting agreement with First Choice Group.

This new partnership, which builds upon Welbilt’s master distribution agreement with the leading spare parts provider, will see Welbilt host dedicated equipment masterclasses at First Choice Group’s state-of-the-art training facility in Cannock, as Steve Hemsil – Sales Director – UK & Ireland, Welbilt enthuses:

“By once again working closely with First Choice Group and utilising their purpose-built training facilities, Welbilt UK is now able to offer superior, hands-on product demonstrations to customers, dealers and distributors based in the Midlands. This new agreement gives us nine locations across the UK & Ireland to ensure that dealers and end users have a choice of venues to get a personalised demonstration of our latest equipment in action.”

All Welbilt masterclasses, including those that are being hosted at First Choice Group, are led by members of Welbilt’s expert Culinary Team who will provide demonstrations on Welbilt’s leading brands including Convotherm and Merrychef. These free-of-charge sessions can also be tailored to suit the culinary needs of the customer, so that each attendee gets the most out of the session. Masterclasses on the latest Crem coffee equipment regularly take place in both Guildford and Sheffield, with further locations announced in the near future.

With the inaugural masterclass due to be hosted at First Choice Group in February 2020, Steven McLaren, Commercial Director at First Choice Group, is delighted be supporting Welbilt in this way, reflecting on the importance of working closely with their partner in order to ensure customer and client satisfaction:

“We are delighted that our partner Welbilt has chosen to hold regular masterclasses at First Choice Group’s first-class training facilities.

We encourage Welbilt to use our facilities as if they were their own and to imagine us as an extension of their own business, as ultimately, their continued success leads to our success when supplying their replacement parts, accessories, consumables, chemicals and detergents to their growing aftersales market within the UK”.

With nine masterclass locations across the UK & Ireland, Welbilt provides nationwide accessibility for caterers and dealers to experience the full range of Welbilt equipment in action, sample food produced and have the opportunity to speak with the experienced culinary and sales team who will be able to answer any questions on the equipment demonstrated. To sign up for a free masterclass, please visit https://www.welbilt.uk/Masterclass

For further information on Welbilt, please visit www.welbilt.uk or call 01483 464900.

For further information on First Choice Group, visit www.firstchoice-cs.co.uk or download the ‘First Choice Catering Spares’ app (available on iOS and Android).


Amaze the crowds and energise your staff - BGL Rieber's latest newsletter outlines equipment options for Front Cooking theatre style

Amaze the crowds and energise your staff – BGL Rieber‘s latest newsletter outlines equipment options for Front Cooking theatre style

Food, cooking and how we serve it is changing.

With the advent of celebrity chefs and especially now with the emergence of street food, cooking isn’t confined to the back of the restaurant, but has come centre stage.

With Rieber’s ACS Varithek, your chefs get to be “out front and personal.”

Rieber’s ACS Varithek is a winning combination of clever ventilation extraction with interchangeable cooking hobs – wok, two sizes of griddle, flat Ceran hob, induction hobs, fryer and pasta cooker.

You can read the rest of ceda Silver Partner BGL Rieber’s latest newsletter by clicking here.


MCS Technical Products launches Klima Meat Aging Cabinet by Zernike for ageing meat up to and over 75 days

MCS Technical Products launches Klima Meat Aging Cabinet by Zernike for ageing meat up to and over 75 days

To meet the growing consumer demand for dry aged meat, ceda Platinum Partner, MCS Technical Products, has launched the Klima Meat Aging Cabinet by Zernike. Unlike other cabinets on the market, which can only age two year old meat up to 30 days maximum, the Klima cabinet allows older meat which is three, four or five years old to be aged up to and above 75 days without the addition of salt. This produces tender and moist meat.

Steve Snow, managing director, MCS Technical Products, says:“Meat becomes much more succulent as a result of the process and this can be reflected in a higher retail price. The cabinets are very flexible. You can mature products with different aging times without interrupting the production chain.”

How does it work? Temperature and humidity can be set precisely via the electronic control system, which also manages the internal air circulation. The patented Oxigenklima system makes it possible to create the ideal climate for any kind or age of meat. The humidity generator creates an even distribution of the humidity in each point of the aging chamber. The result is an optimal aging result with a weight loss percentage (around 3-4%)  and a reduction in productive times and costs. The system delivers a measured and planned oxygenation of the meat, which kills micro-organisms and moulds.

The Klima can also be used to produce artisan cheese, game, prosciutto and other charcuterie.

It has special stainless steel bars with hooks to hang the meat on, which makes it easier loading and unloading the products. Each part of the Klima cabinet is removable and dishwasher safe.

Available in three sizes, it has a two year warranty with parts and labour.

MCS Technical Products provides its customers with a comprehensive after care service with engineers throughout the country.

For further information, please visit www.mcstechproducts.co.uk


Mechline presented with FCSI Sustainable Catering Equipment Award

Mechline presented with FCSI Sustainable Catering Equipment Award

Mechline have been presented with the FCSI Sustainable Catering Equipment Award for its newest product HyGenikx, awarded at the annual CESA conference.

Initiated by the FCSI UK & Ireland (Foodservice Consultants) this award is the only annual equipment award to recognise the CESA members’ product that is considered to best achieve the requirements of sustainability in its practical application and use.

CESA (Catering Equipment Suppliers Association) members, of which there are over 200, are invited to submit their entries for this award, which is intended to recognise innovation and excellence in achieving savings of energy, water, CO2 emissions or consumables.

As there are a wide range of products that are eligible, the entry process has been designed to give every member’s product the opportunity to compete and be judged for this prestigious award which is an annual feature of the CESA conference.

The theme of this year’s conference was 2020 Visions, looking to the future of the foodservice equipment industry, and for the first time in its history the Sustainable Catering Equipment accolade was presented to two companies, Mechline and Hobart, after judges failed to separate the two high-quality entries.

Mechline’s new revolutionary air and surface hygiene system, HyGenikx, is proven to eradicate bacteria and viruses throughout the food service and hospitality environment—helping to improve cleanliness and infection control for customers and staff. HyGenikx provides 24-7 hygiene and safety protection and has been proven to extend the life and quality of fresh perishable food, which significantly reduces food waste and cost!

The advanced and compact, wall mounted system, utilises a combination of the most effective air and surface sterilisation technologies available (Dual Waveband UV, Germicidal Irradiation, Photocatalytic Oxidation) to produce Superoxide Ions and Plasma Quattro, which are proven to eradicate harmful bacteria, viruses, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), moulds and fungi, as well as neutralise all odours.

Nick Falco, Product & Technical Manager at Mechline comments: “It was a great honour to accept this award on behalf of Mechline. Our product, HyGenikx, was designed and manufactured using the most effective and refined technologies with the intention to make a real positive difference across the food service environment—for hygiene, food safety and, the big one, reducing food waste! It really is revolutionary, and great that this has been recognised.”

In an independent validation study carried out by ALS Laboratories—the UK’s leading provider of food and drink testing services—the ability of HyGenikx to prolong the shelf-life of perishable food stored in a cold room and improve environmental conditions was tested. The overall results showed that HyGenikx increased the shelf-life of fresh produce on average by 58.1%, or ~7.5 days (with some produce proving to last as much as 150% longer), improved surface hygiene by ~45% and reduced the overall airborne contamination levels by ~76% during the length of the trial (31 days).

The HyGenikx range has models to suit every application, from food preparation areas, cold rooms and front of house, to washrooms, refuse areas and beyond, and joins Mechline’s ever-expanding collection of environmentally friendly, hygienic solutions for the food service industry.

To find out more about the award-winning HyGenikx range please visit:
mechline.com/hygenikx-info


Electrolux Professional and Catering Partnership Join Forces to Launch New North West Showroom

Electrolux Professional and Catering Partnership Join Forces to Launch New North West Showroom

ceda Platinum Partner, Electrolux Professional, is collaborating with Catering Partnership, suppliers and maintenance providers of commercial kitchen equipment in Cumbria, Lancashire, and Yorkshire, to open a new showroom at the latter’s HQ in Staveley.

A launch event will be taking place on 21st and 22nd November, exhibiting the latest foodservice products from Electrolux Professional, including the recently launched SkyLine combi oven and blast chiller range. It will be open to both existing and potential customers, who will be able to get hands on with appliances and receive practical training.

Alex Reed, Head of Sales at Electrolux Professional, comments: “Catering Partnership is a valued partner that we’ve always enjoyed a strong relationship with. Its location gives customers in the north of England a chance to see our equipment up close and personal, and we’re excited to be working together on the opening of this new facility.”

Electrolux Professional’s very own training and development chefs will be at the launch event, giving practical demonstrations on the various pieces of equipment in the showroom. They will also be training Catering Partnership staff to facilitate bespoke demonstrations and segment focused events long-term.

The collaboration will ensure that the best training will be provided to new and existing customers, both at the launch of the showroom and into the future. It highlights Electrolux Professional’s commitment to offering support to its customers, helping them to get the most out of their equipment.

Graham Heath, Managing Director at Catering Partnership, concludes: “Based in the north-west of England, Catering Partnership offers an opportunity for commercial kitchen operators in the surrounding area to see the potential of Electrolux Professional’s range. Anyone interested in attending the launch event on Thursday 21 November or Friday 22 November should register their interest as soon as possible.’”

To attend the opening of the new Catering Partnership showroom, please visit:
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/book/event?eid=9251&


Convotherm go full steam ahead with launch of Mini Condensation Hood Pro

Convotherm go full steam ahead with the launch of their Mini Condensation Hood Pro

The brand-new Convotherm Mini Condensation Hood Pro effectively and efficiently captures steam, both before and after the door of the oven is opened, due to a unique combination of dual fan speeds, intelligent technology and high-quality hardware which work together to automatically capture condensation. This is particularly useful for sites that are looking to place their combi oven front of house as it not only helps prevent cooking smells finding their way around the dining area, but also improves health and safety for staff.

Boasting minimal energy and noise levels, despite its exceptionally efficient operation, the Mini Condensation Hood Pro is controlled directly through the Convotherm Mini Oven’s simple to use easyTouch® operating system and is as kind to the working environment as it is to the pockets of the operator, from a life-cycle cost. Unlike many conventional extractors, Convotherm’s Mini Condensation Hood Pro is exceptionally easy to maintain and clean, with the front grease filter able to easily be removed without the need for tools.

The good news is that as the Mini Condensation Hood Pro can be retrofitted, it is not only for the benefit of new customers who spec it as an option when ordering, but also for those that that already own a Convotherm Mini easyTouch® model, who also want to profit from the benefits of the new Condensation Hood Pro.

Steve Hemsil, Sales Director – UK & Ireland, Welbilt, explains:

“For caterers looking to ensure an optimal front of house environment, whilst at the same time benefiting from the tremendous flexibility of a Convotherm Mini combi, then the brand-new Mini Condensation Hood Pro is the option for them.

By preventing steam from escaping both before and after the door is opened, Convotherm is not only able to eradicate the issue of steam entering the front of house area, but also help operators to maintain a pleasant climate at all times. This is thanks to the inclusion of an intelligently controlled, high- performance, front extractor which automatically extracts vapors even before the door of the oven is opened.”

Just 51.5cm wide and available in two sleek finishes – stainless steel and matte black – Convotherm’s Mini Condensation Hood Pro not only improves the environment by capturing steam, but also makes for an aesthetically pleasing addition to Convotherm countertop models, both front and back of house.

For operators that want to check if their Convotherm Mini model is eligible for a retrofit, then they can contact Welbilt’s sales team on 01483 464901.

For further information on Convotherm’s Mini Condensation Hood Pro or other products in the Welbilt portfolio of brands, please visit www.welbilt.uk or call 01483 464900.


CSCS cards – A Well Intentioned Decision by the Construction Leadership Council Could Cost our Industry Many Thousands of Pounds

CSCS cards – A well intentioned decision by the Construction Leadership Council could cost our industry many thousands of pounds.

Many Catering Equipment Installation engineers and project managers work on construction sites and therefore require a CSCS card.

CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) cards were introduced in 1995 to verify that all workers on construction sites had sufficient knowledge to identify hazards and risks and to work safely. To obtain a card it was necessary to study a CITB produced booklet covering all aspects of Health and Safety on construction sites before satisfactorily completing a multiple-choice questionnaire. The cost of the Health and Safety booklet and test is about £30 and the CSCS card itself is £36.

CSCS identified that there were many trades that were not directly considered to be construction but were construction related in that they were often required as part of the fitting out of a building. These trades were classed as Construction Related Occupations (CRO). The installation of Commercial Catering Equipment was considered to be a CRO and CSCS cards could be obtained for this purpose, however, this is no longer the case.

In 2016, the Construction Leadership Council decided that CSCS cards should in future not only indicate a person’s competence in Health and Safety matters but should also confirm technical competence to do the job they were contracted to do. To confirm this they decreed that to qualify for a CSCS card it was necessary to have a relevant qualification (NVQ level 2 minimum or equivalent). They therefore decided that the existing CRO card scheme would be discontinued and laid out a 2 year transition period as follows:

• Existing CRO cards issued before 1 October 2015 that expired after 30 September 2017 to remain valid until their expiry date
• CRO cards issued from 1 October 2015 to expire on 30 September 2017 and will not be renewable
• CSCS stopped issuing CRO cards from 31 March 2017.

ceda recognise that the decision by the Construction Leadership Council is well intentioned, however, they feel that it is both unnecessary and unwelcome for the catering equipment industry and could cost employers many thousands of pounds in obtaining qualifications that have never been necessary before. They have argued this with both CSCS and Build UK but sadly to no avail.

Many catering equipment installation engineers do not have any formal qualifications as they have never needed them to carry out basic plumbing and electrical work when connecting to services usually brought to within a metre by other trades. These engineers are going to be affected by the changes and will not be able to get a CSCS card without a recognised level 2 NVQ or equivalent qualification.

CSCS had a number of partner schemes which allowed other bodies to issue CSCS cards and one of these was the Joint Industry Board for Plumbing and Mechanical Engineering Services (JIB-PMES) who also had a scheme for Plumbing Related Occupations (PRO) which included the installation of catering equipment and it was possible to get a PRO CSCS card and unlike the CRO cards JIB-PMES continued to issue PRO cards after the 31st March 2017 deadline and will continue to do so until the 29th November 2019 after which it will be necessary to hold a suitable qualification to get a JIB-PMES CSCS card.

Whilst ACS accreditations are not technically classed as a qualification they are accepted by JIB-PMES as such and therefore engineers who have appropriate ACS accreditations and are Gas Safe registered can apply for a CSCS card through JIB-PMES.

Whilst there is an NVQ level 2 Diploma in plumbing certified by City and Guilds which is intended for people with plumbing experience but no formal qualification there is currently no suitable NVQ for the installation of commercial catering equipment.

ceda are working with CITB to develop a new pathway for non-gas catering equipment installation engineers using an existing NVQ for Specialised Installation Occupations (Construction). This has involved the development of a new National Occupational Standard (NOS) covering the technical elements of the occupation. This is only the first stage of the NVQ development process, once the NOS has been created, the NVQ has to be developed by a suitable Awarding body such as City & Guilds, however, this then becomes a commercial decision for the awarding body and they will only develop the qualification if there is sufficient demand from the industry to give them a return on their investment. Even if an awarding body agrees to develop the qualification, we then have to find an Assessment organisation to actually assess the engineer meets the requirements of the NVQ and again this is a commercial decision for them based on numbers.

Currently many NVQ assessments are done through an on-line portal which enables the candidate to upload a portfolio of evidence (job sheets, Risk Assessments, photographs, videos etc.) to prove that they have the knowledge and experience before having an on-site assessment by a suitably qualified person. This does not require any off the job time for an experienced engineer but even so it can cost around £1000. ceda hopes to either negotiate a favourable price with an assessment organization on behalf of its members or to possibly become an authorized assessment organization.

To establish the possible demand for the NVQ, ceda has set up a simple on-line survey to enable companies involved in installation work on construction sites to record the number of engineers who may need the NVQ. To access the survey go to https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7TLSL3N

ceda has advised its members’ project managers to apply for the JIB-PMES Manager’s card which in addition to the CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environmental test, requires either a suitable level 4 NVQ OR two endorsements by current or previous employers/clients to verify that the person has worked in the role of project manager for at least 12 months.


A Bold, Branded and Brilliant New Look For Welbilt UK's Kitchen

A Bold, Branded and Brilliant New Look For Welbilt UK’s Kitchen

ceda Platinum Partner Welbilt UK is excited to unveil a bold, branded and brilliant new fit kitchen lite for their Guildford office.

Championing the Welbilt brand whole-heartedly with striking red and black colors, Welbilt UK’s new fit kitchen lite is home to an array of Welbilt branded appliances including a Convotherm Mini Black, Merrychef e2s, beverage system solutions as well as the newly launched Crem Unity coffee machine. These appliances have been installed so that both Welbilt employees and visitors can take full advantage of Welbilt equipment throughout the working day, whether it’s cooking a quick lunch time meal, making the perfect cup of coffee, or creating a delicious snack. The kitchen also demonstrates the connectivity of the equipment through KitchenConnect.

By allowing employees to operate Welbilt appliances on a day-to-day basis, they will also be able to experience the benefits and capabilities of each individual appliance first-hand, thus allowing employees to gain broader understanding on each unit which will inevitably allow them to discuss and pitch each product even more accurately and passionately, as Steve Hemsil, Sales Director – UK & Ireland, Welbilt, explains:.

“At Welbilt, we often talk about how seeing a product in situ is the best way for an operator or caterer to extol the benefits of one of our products. Reflecting on this claim, we began to wonder: why can’t the same principle apply for our employees? The answer is, it can!

By investing in this this state-of-the-art fit kitchen, we hope employees will gain a stronger infinity to the brand, appreciating the benefits that Welbilt appliances not only bring to customers, but also to them when they cook and create drinks during working hours.”

Welbilt UK’s fit kitchen lite was designed in partnership with Devapo, an innovative company that passionately completes fitting solutions for food establishments.

For further information on Welbilt, please visit www.welbilt.uk or call 01483 464900.

For further information on Devapo, please visit http://devapo.com/