Rational, the global leader in hot food preparation, is excited to invite guests to an exclusive culinary experience at the Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering Show, held from March 17-19, 2025, at ExCeL London.

At Stand H1310, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Rational’s innovative cooking systems, including the state-of-the-art iVario advanced bratt pan and the iCombi Pro combi-steamer. There are exclusive arena shows, where professional chefs, including Simon Rogan MBE Rational Ambassador and Chef/Owner of L’Enclume will be showcasing their culinary expertise. Also for the first time at the HRC stand there will be cooking demonstration for the new innovative iHexagon that combines steam, hot air, and microwave technologies, ideal for operators prioritising both quality and speed.

Exclusive Arena Shows: A Culinary Spectacle:

This year, Rational presents an exciting schedule of Arena Shows, designed to take visitors on an unforgettable culinary journey. With seating for just 16 per session, these exclusive demonstrations offer an up-close look at the precision and power of Rational’s advanced cooking systems, complete with freshly prepared dishes for sampling.

The line-up of talent showcasing their culinary expertise includes:

• Simon Rogan MBE – Rational Ambassador and Chef/Owner of L’Enclume. See and sample dishes from Simon, the award-winning chef and restauranter.
• Rehan Uddin – Rational Ambassador and Chef/Owner of Indi Yang. Asian dishes demonstration.
• Holly Charnock – Rational Ambassador and Head Chef at Woodlands Primary School. Food for the education sector demonstration.
• Rational Corporate Chefs

Visitors are encouraged to reserve their spot for these sought-after shows by registering at: www.rational-online.com/en_gb/lp/hrc-registration/

Interactive Cooking Experience:
Beyond the Arena Shows, the Rational stand features the iVario Experience Island, where the Rational professional chefs provide personalised cooking sessions. Visitors can engage hands-on with the iVario Pro‘s cutting-edge technology, gaining insights into its unmatched versatility and efficiency.

Visitors can also learn about ConnectedCooking, Rational’s digital network solution, that ensures seamless and convenient kitchen management

Join RATIONAL at Stand H1310 to explore a new dimension of cooking and discover how their intelligent systems can transform your kitchen.

Fagor Professional is thrilled to showcase its cutting-edge innovations at ScotHot!

We’re unveiling our all-new warewashing range, designed to deliver efficiency and sustainability for the most demanding kitchens.

Experience the iKORE KOMPACT Combination Oven – the perfect fusion of versatility, precision, and energy efficiency, ensuring top-tier results WHEN SIZE MATTERS.

That’s not all! Fagor is taking kitchen technology to the next level with our connected Kitchen IoT, enabling seamless operation, real-time data, and smarter decision-making on all equipment from one single brand.

Don’t miss the chance to see how we’re transforming the future of professional kitchens at ScotHot, 26th to 27th February, on Stand 510.

Parts Town UK and Lincat are proud to announce their Exclusive Master Distribution Partnership, taking effect this March. Extending their pre-existing partnership, the deal will enhance stock holding and delivery solutions of all Lincat spare parts, accessories and consumables at Parts Town UK’s Midlands based Distribution Centre.

The new partnership is designed to bring significant advantages to Lincat customers and partners. As part of this collaboration, Lincat customers will now benefit from Parts Town UK’s dedicated customer experience teams, as well as innovative digital tools, including WhatsApp and Live Chat services, providing real-time assistance, and streamlining the ordering process. With numerous despatch methods, 7pm order cut-off time, and seamless order management through Parts Town UK’s fully transactional website and app, this partnership ensures that Lincat customers receive unparalleled convenience, and reliable delivery solutions—keeping their operations running smoothly and efficiently.

On the news of the partnership, Lincat’s Managing Director, Ginnie Basra comments, “We are delighted to be able to extend our partnership with the UK’s leading spare parts distributor Parts Town UK. The partnership extension signifies our strong working relationship and will provide our existing Lincat customers with an enhanced after-sales service, and numerous logistical capabilities to receive our parts even quicker.”

Parts Town UK’s Managing Director, Mike Barrett adds, “This is a significant step in our continuous commitment to providing the foodservice industry with an unrivalled portfolio of exclusive OEM spare parts. We are pleased to be able to add the Lincat brand as well as CiBO, FriFri, Britannia and IMC to our exclusive brands and thank Lincat for trusting us to be their exclusive manufacturer distribution partner.”

For more information, you can contact the Lincat Team 01522 875500 and the Parts Town UK Team enquiries@partstown.co.uk 01543 577778.

Following a successful meeting in October 2024, as promised ceda returned to Scotland in January to update its Members on actions from the last meeting.

In October ceda held its first meeting in Scotland in 15 years. The trade organisation recognised the need for dedicated support for its Scottish Members and set about working up a clear agenda for its Members north of the border.

ceda representatives listened to the concerns of its Members and pledged to deliver on a number of initiatives including engineer training and recruitment solutions, and better connecting its Members and Partners.

ceda returned to Scotland on 30th January 2025 for a meeting held at Falkirk Stadium. The meeting saw 19 individuals from 13 Member companies receive updates on future engineer training opportunities that would be delivered in Scotland, including manufacturers training, electrical training and a trainee gas programme, in conjunction with Fife College.

After a networking lunch, members took part in a Connected event with nine ceda Platinum Partners. The event gave Members and Partners the opportunity to network and share knowledge, with positive feedback from both sides.

Kevin Thomson from Prois-UK, a ceda Member in Scotland, said, “It was great to see ceda delivering on their promise to return to Scotland to provide updates on important industry issues and provide opportunities for ceda Members to meet and network with suppliers.”

ceda now has 15 Members in Scotland, up three from its first visit in October, and only a handful just a few years ago. Steve Hemsil, ceda’s Community Development Manager commented, “We’ve really made Scotland, and our presence there, a priority. To see the Scottish Membership growing and creating opportunities befitting to both ceda Members and Partners, is a huge achievement for us. Some great conversations took place, strengthening existing ties along with many new connections being made.

“Moving forward we’re excited to develop engineer training and continue to deliver on our promises to Scottish Members.”

Next on the agenda is an Engineer Training Day which is planned for April in Scotland, details of which will be released soon.

Hoshizaki UK is delighted to announce that they’ve appointed Nick Robinson as their 2025 ice ambassador.

This milestone brand ambassador appointment comes as a ‘tremendous honour’ for bartending entrepreneur Nick, who enthuses:

“It’s a dream come true to be standing as Hoshizaki UK’s brand ambassador for ice having used their machines for 6 years. My passion for the brand and what their machines are capable of doing is born from real, hands-on experience and a genuine passion for the products. I often joke that Hoshizaki is my worst kept secret because I’m always talking about them – But I simply believe that bartenders deserve to know how to elevate the serve of their drinks to a level of customer experience that is normally very difficult to produce in house.

It really is a tremendous honour to be stepping into this role and I am looking forward to working more closely with Hoshizaki in 2025.”

Known across the industry as ‘the mind behind Incognito Cocktail Bars’, Nick Robinson is somewhat of a wizard in the cocktail making world. In 2018, Nick opened his first Incognito Cocktail Bar in Winchester. It was during this time that Nick first discovered Hoshizaki – and like many – Hoshizaki became his ice machine supplier of choice. Since then, Nick has opened a further 3 locations – each of which are home to a series of Hoshizaki ice machines.

Hoshizaki UK’s MD, Simon Frost, shares in Nick’s enthusiasm over his appointment:

“For us, Nick stood out to us as a perfect brand ambassador for Hoshizaki, hence why we are so excited to have him on board. Nick’s skill, experience, and business acumen has allowed him to make great success in the bartending world, and we are grateful to have formed a part of this journey. His knowledge of Hoshizaki ice and equipment is second-to-none which is exactly what you want from a brand ambassador!”

For more information on Hoshizaki, please visit www.hoshizaki.com

For more information on Incognito Cocktail Bars, please visit www.incognitobars.co.uk

Returning for a second year to recognise individuals and businesses who have gone above and beyond to place mental health at the forefront of their organisational values, The Burnt Chef Project announces the return of its hugely successful ‘Hospitality’s Mental Health Heroes Awards’.

The Burnt Chef Project champions mental health support within the industry, reducing the stigma around mental health in the hospitality industry on a global stage.  Since 2019, the not-for-profit organisation has created dedicated support services and fundraisers for the topic that has made good mental health in hospitality a priority.

Now, The Burnt Chef Project is looking for those individuals and businesses who have joined them in prioritising well-being and mental health in their ‘Mental Health Heroes’ 2025 awards. Featuring nine unique categories, encouraging nominations from like-minded people and businesses, the awards look to recognise those who have taken exceptional steps in the past twelve months to champion wellbeing and mental health support in their organisation or the wider industry.

Seven award categories are open for nominations:

• Best Mental Health in the Workplace Strategy
• Most Inspiring Leader
• Most Inspiring Wellbeing Champion/Peer
• Unsung Hero
• Inspirational Story
• Outstanding Impact in Catering Education
• Ambassador of the Year Award 2024

Nominations are open until 21st February 2025, with the shortlist announced at the end of April. Final judging will take place in May by a panel of hospitality experts and those working in the sector of mental health and wellbeing. The winners of each category will then be announced in a fun and exciting evening of celebration in the first week of June 2025. Each finalist will be recognised with an exclusive ‘Mental Health Hero’ badge, as well as a fun-filled awards ceremony that provides the opportunity to share the experience with the wider hospitality community.

Kris Hall, CEO and Founder of The Burnt Chef Project comments:

“As a sector built on people, hospitality thrives when its teams are supported, valued, and empowered. The Mental Health Heroes Awards shine a light on those individuals and businesses who are breaking down stigmas and championing mental health as a core value. It’s an honour to celebrate their dedication and inspire others to follow suit, helping to create a healthier, more sustainable future for our industry.”

To find out more and to nominate an individual or business, please visit www.theburntchefawards.com.

To find out more about the work done by The Burnt Chef Project, please visit www.theburntchefproject.com.

Metcalfe Catering Equipment is delighted to be the new home of Pacojet products in the UK. Pacojet turned to Metcalfe because of our expertise in the food preparation sector and proven track record of providing exceptional after-sales service and support.

We know that in the past it has frequently been necessary to return Pacojet units to get them repaired or serviced, often at considerable expense to the customer. There has also been an issue with the availability of spare parts and the length of time taken to repair machines, something that we know can severely impact the operation of a kitchen.

As part of our partnership with Pacojet we have committed to significantly raising the level of service and support available to dealers and end-users by investing heavily in both spare parts and our service department.

Fully trained Pacojet engineers at our factory, and on the road, will ensure that repairs and servicing are carried out as quickly as possible and with minimal disruption. For added convenience, and wherever possible, we will provide an on-site service and warranty capability, supported by field service engineers in vans fully stocked with Pacojet spares.

We feel very privileged to be the new custodians of the Pacojet brand in the UK and look forward to providing levels of service and support that are in keeping with the brand’s market leading status.

Built for Demanding Kitchens. Guaranteed for 5 Years.

Liebherr’s new Heavy-Duty upright refrigerators and freezers are built to perform in the most demanding commercial kitchens. Designed for durability, efficiency, and hygiene, these appliances ensure reliable performance, day in and day out.

For complete confidence in quality, every Heavy-Duty upright and select counter now comes with a FREE 5-year guarantee.

Engineered for high-performance environments, the heavy-duty range combines advanced features, exceptional durability, and energy efficiency to keep kitchens running smoothly:

• Full 304 Stainless Steel: Inside and out for maximum durability and hygiene.
• Extended Temperature Range: Raw meat and fish safe as standard.
• NoFrost Technology: Prevents ice build-up for maintenance-free operation.
• Energy Efficient: Low energy consumption, including A-rated models to reduce costs.
• Mobility Built-In: Castors as standard for easy movement and cleaning.
• Climate Class 5: Performs reliably in ambient temperatures up to 40°C, ideal for high-performance environments.

See these models in action at The HRC 2025 exhibition on 17-19 March at Excel London, Stand H940.

For more details, contact Will Crighton today.

Will Crighton C.F.S.P.
National Account Manager – Food Service
Liebherr-Great Britain Ltd
+44 (0) 7720 497 075
will.crighton@liebherr.com

On 20^th December 2024 Inox Fabrications acquired Cass Fabrication, a fellow Lancastrian company who specialised in fabrication, counters and bars. All Cass customer accounts will be transferred over to Inox Fabrications with immediate effect.

In an open letter to customers and employees, Lee Preston, MD at Blackburn-based Inox Fabrications said, “Whilst we do not envisage or foresee any problems there will be a period of transition while the transfer of administration is completed, and noted we’re already in the process of amalgamating the Cass team into Inox.”

Commenting on the purchase, Lee said, “It was evident after our initial discussions that Cass would be a strong addition to Inox. I felt the acquisition would bring great opportunity and allow us to grow our offerings across all facets of the business, from Fabrication and Bar Systems to Counters and Kitchen Ventilation.”

This second acquisition rounds off a busy few years for the Inox team. At the beginning of 2022 they acquired The Canopy Company. At the end of the same year they invested in new heavy-duty equipment, replacing an old Co2 laser for a state-of-the-art fibre optic model, as well as upgrading their on-site nitrogen generator and installing a new demand-based air compressor.

In early 2023 Inox began a company-wide digital transformation. 65” screens were installed across the workshop and all staff were given individual tablets, as the company worked towards becoming a “paperless” shopfloor. This was followed by the huge challenge of upgrading their folding machines, again replacing old equipment with new hybrid servo-driven models. By the end of 2023, the majority of all Inox’s core machines and technology had been upgraded.

In April 2024, after 19 years, Inox moved half a mile down the road. “Space had always been an issue for us, and this was compounded when we upgraded our equipment”, said Lee. “As a result, our manufacturing became faster, and our processes more efficient. The ventilation side of the business had also seen continuous year on year growth, and we were quickly running out of physical space, ultimately resulting in us moving to a much bigger and more modern site.

“Today we find ourselves in a very different place to where we were three years ago. We now employ 40 members of staff, with a combined floor space of 33,000 sq ft across two sites. Another goal was to restart apprenticeships to bring in new talent into our workforce. Today 10% of our current staff are on an apprenticeship programme. In addition to this we also have a T Level student from Blackburn College.

“2025 marks our 20^th anniversary. I’m very much looking forward to celebrating our achievements and excited to see what the future holds.”

It’s been well documented that we’re currently grappling with a significant shortage of gas engineers in the UK, a challenge that is expected to intensify through 2025.

This shortage is driven by a combination of an aging workforce, increasing demand for gas-related services, and the evolving landscape of energy transition.

Despite governmental initiatives to phase out fossil fuel boilers, gas engineers remain essential, especially in the commercial catering industry.

The scope of the shortage

Even as we move towards greener energy solutions, the need for qualified professionals to manage existing gas infrastructure and facilitate the transition to alternative heating systems remains high.

Also, the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 involves a significant shift towards renewable energy sources, including the adoption of heat pumps as a low-carbon alternative to gas boilers.

However, this transition is hindered by a shortage of trained installers, with at least 27,000 additional gas engineers needed by 2028 to meet government installation targets.

The shortage of gas engineers presents both challenges and opportunities. For those considering a career in this field, the current landscape offers a promising path with job security and growth potential.

The ongoing demand for gas-related services, coupled with the need for skilled professionals to lead the transition to renewable energy solutions, underscores the critical role gas engineers will play in our future.

Exclusive offer for ceda members

As part of Back 2 Work Group Limited’s Associate membership with ceda, we are offering all members an exclusive 10% off all paid gas courses.

This includes our managed learning programme for new entrants to the Gas industry, and other Gas-related training courses.

As well as this, we also offer a funded Commercial Catering Equipment Technician apprenticeship, which is available for anyone of any age, and is either fully or partially funded by the ESFA (Education & Skills Funding Agency), making it a cost-effective and highly suitable recruitment solution.

At ECTA (part of the The B2W Group), we specialise in providing domestic and commercial gas engineering apprenticeships for employers to utilise as a cost-effective solution to the shortage of gas engineers.

Upcoming Course Dates

Domestic Gas Engineer Apprenticeship – Feb 24th, March 24th & June 23^rd 2025
Commercial Catering Equipment Technician – April 21st, May 12th & July 21^st 2025