The key ingredients for future proofing your hospitality business by ceda partner Brita
The key ingredients for future proofing your hospitality business by ceda partner Brita
The hospitality industry is finally on the road to recovery following the very challenging times caused by the pandemic. Whilst there is some need to rebuild, many are looking at how they can drive growth and protect their business in the long term.
BRITA Professional recently conducted independent research (1) into the changing perceptions of the industry and where investments need to be made as a result. Here we can share the key results and advice from the research.
[1] 3GEM in collaboration with BRITA Professional (March 2021)
Quality equipment
More than half of those surveyed agreed that investing in quality equipment and maintenance schedules is most important to help future proof their business. This is to ensure that all equipment is reliable and protected against costly breakdowns, so that you can focus on delivering consistently delicious food and drinks with the impeccable service that your customers have come to know and love.
Safety first
As a result of the pandemic, it’s no surprise that an extra focus on hygiene and cleaning is also a priority for almost half of hospitality businesses moving forward. Whilst hygiene has always been at the forefront of the hospitality industry, it’s now front of mind for your customers too.
Customer service is key
With this in mind, customer service is also proving to be a continued priority when it comes to future proofing hospitality businesses, with half (50%) planning to adopt innovative customer service technology and a third investing in ‘Internet of Things’ enabled kitchen equipment.
Embrace technology
Technology is not a new development and certainly not in terms of customer service. However, consumers have come to expect certain conveniences when they shop, travel, and handle their finances — such as mobile access, personalisation, loyalty tracking, and no-touch transactions. More and more, they want their dining experiences to feel the same way (2) and so businesses need to embrace this technology in order to stay ahead or even in line with the curve.
(2) Deloitte: Restaurant of the Future – https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/consumer-business/us-consumer-business-restaurant-of-the-future-perspective-final.pdf
Choose the right suppliers who can help your business succeed
Finally, a third of hospitality businesses believe that help from suppliers is essential to achieve greater efficiency across the industry as a whole. Work closely with your suppliers to ensure they understand your needs better and can adapt their services to suit your business. This is becoming increasingly important with the current issues some companies are facing with supply chain and stock availability, which can have a significant impact on your business.
As you can imagine, BRITA Managed Services is passionate about how we, your supplier, can make your life easier. Our tailored packages are offered to relieve some of your pressure and provide services such as ongoing maintenance, advice, monitoring filter usage and carrying out essential filter exchanges in a convenient way that suits you and your business.
For more information about how our bespoke service package can be tailored just for you visit www.brita.co.uk/news-stories/professional/managed-services.
Manufacturers Hobart Service stands firmly behind service delivery promises despite industry supply chain turbulence
Manufacturers Hobart Service stands firmly behind service delivery promises despite industry supply
The Peterborough-based commercial catering equipment service company has stood behind its ongoing service delivery promises to new and existing customers, despite a reported shortage of parts across the industry due to supply chain turbulence.
The global pandemic disrupted multiple supply chain lines across the world. The equipment and parts industry is now experiencing rising commodity prices and supply chain issues, which are causing impractical lead times for parts delivery and impacting businesses during their busiest periods following reopening.
The pressure on supply chains is due to increase further following Boris Johnson’s green light to lift all lockdown restrictions as planned on Monday 19th July.
HOBART Service has commented on the situation by announcing they continue to stand behind their strong position as the manufacturer, Keith Mackie, Managing Director of HOBART Service, stated,
“Despite the difficult environment we’ve all experienced over the past 16 months, we remain focused on continuing to improve our business for the long term – for both our workforce and our customers.
It is now more important than ever for customers to understand and be educated on the value of working with the manufacturer for equipment service and repair – our 94% first-time fix rate improves operator revenue and profitability.
We have over 90% of parts in UK stock, which is why our clients trust us as the manufacturer to look after their equipment and minimise downtime.”
Keith continued to provide an example of the financial impact of equipment downtime:
“For example, a high use Combi oven in a large pub/restaurant easily generates £250 per hour in revenue. Even with a swift response of 6 hours, the downtime cost is £1,500. If the machine is not repaired the first time that downtime can be at least doubled to £3,000. Not only is the immediate revenue lost but there is also potential for customers not to return – damaging to the revenue alongside the brand reputation.”
After almost 16 months of closure, it is paramount especially for hospitality and retail businesses, to remain open for service. A faulty piece of equipment can make operations grind to a halt immediately, which quickly hits the bottom line for all businesses.
HOBART Service has proved itself as a warewashing brand that stands for innovation; value for money and quality, with their latest step recognition of this. Taking pride in providing reliable service to ensure that whatever challenges the day may bring – they are there to support, with the customer at the heart of what they do.
Whilst HOBART Service does look after other brands, the UK-wide technicians are specialists in HOBART equipment and carry the parts, tools, and software required to ensure the maximum chance of a first-time fix and reduce operator downtime and lost revenue.
BOILERPLATE
HOBART Service has the UK’s largest field force specialising in catering equipment maintenance. Our specialist service technicians are trained to support a vast range of makes and models of Hobart and third-party equipment.
HOBART Service directly employs over 100 technicians nationwide, offering a fast response and repair when equipment breaks down, minimising downtime, and covering the UK with over a 94% first-time fix rate in the industry. Quality service, OEM parts and expertly trained, experienced technicians ensure Hobart provides maximum uptime for our valued customers.
FINAL NOTE: If you require more information about this topic please get in touch on 01733 392 244, email at customer.service@hobartuk.com or visit www.hobartuk.com/service/overview/
ceda Partner Welbilt Case Study-The Mere Golf Resort & Spa
ceda Partner Welbilt Case Study-The Mere Golf Resort & Spa
Executive Head Chef, Mark Fletcher oversees three dining spaces at the stunning Mere Golf Resort & Spa in Knutsford, including the two-rosette restaurant, Browns. With a passion for creating delicious and beautifully presented food, Chef Mark also presides over the banqueting function that caters for up to 750 guests.
Running the food offering for such a large and diverse resort is a substantial undertaking and having the right catering equipment makes a significant difference to all aspects of kitchen operations. For Chef Mark, the banqueting process in particular is a specific skillset that requires precise planning, as he explains:
“Our main kitchen services the banqueting, it’s compact, so every centimetre of space has to work hard. Every piece of equipment that I put into that space really has to deliver. Serving the club lounge, spa, room service, Browns restaurant and banqueting for up to 750 guests requires a high level of planning, and the impact on the kitchen if we get it wrong can be considerable. Staffing, and even the volume of pans and trays going over potwash can bring a kitchen to gridlock if it isn’t planned correctly with the right pieces of kit.”
To ensure he has the best set up, Chef Mark often visits other kitchens to observe their operations, and on one such trip, to Grosvenor House, he saw Welbilt’s Convotherm oven in action and was immediately impressed.
“Watching how the brigade operated and what the Convotherm could do was seriously exciting. The quality of product coming out of the ovens was amazing and the volume they could turn around was phenomenal. This was one amazing bit of kit.”
After seeing the Convotherm in action, Chef Mark contacted Paul Patel, Development Chef at Welbilt to arrange a personal demo.
As Paul explains:
“Having known Chef Mark for many years, initially through ‘Skills for Chefs’, we were delighted to get him over to our kitchens to show him exactly what Convotherm could do.” We demonstrated a range of dishes and particularly focused on regen as Chef was keen to utilize the Convotherm for banqueting. The Convotherm 4 Easy Touch 20:20 is an impressive machine and with our consultation and training, as well as our 10 steps to banqueting process, we can help operators to deliver large volumes of plated dishes at a level of quality and consistency that is unparalleled in the industry. As a trained chef, I have a particular interest in banqueting and we often say, cooking is an art, pastry is a science and banqueting is both!”
The consultation process with Welbilt is totally individual to the needs of the chef and their kitchen. Chefs spend a day in Welbilt’s demo kitchen, using the equipment, learning how it works and how it can reduce costs and time whilst still delivering a consistently high standard of food. This really is time well spent and is a crucial part of the Welbilt support model.
The Convotherm 4 Easy Touch is specifically designed for banqueting and can deliver up to 500 meals in just 30 minutes. Product can then be held for up to 20 minutes for speedy service. Since Chef Mark installed two Convotherm ovens at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa, it has revolutionized his banqueting operation by allowing the kitchen to prepare and chill the food the day before. Taking the plates out of the fridge around 45 minutes before service and using the Convotherm to regen, increases speed, yet retains the quality and consistency of the menu, as Chef explains:
“The Convotherm 4 Easy Touch works differently to other brands I’ve used and really does take the hard work out for you. We are always finding new things to use it for. You get great colouration on food and the oven even works out its own humidity, it’s just a very clever, clever bit of engineering! And we have to talk about the door – the disappearing door is just brilliant. It saves space as it slides back along the side of the oven, which helps improve safety in the kitchen as we haven’t got oven doors swinging open and closed. Plus, because of the way it unlocks, it draws the heat out of the back of the oven so it forces you to wait a few seconds before being able to open the door, which means you don’t get that rush of steam in your face. And, it helps to keep the roof canopy cleaner as well. I really am so impressed with the Convotherm 4 Easy Touch, it’s a top-notch piece of equipment, a very worthwhile investment, and the team at Welbilt has been incredibly helpful and supportive, both before and after we bought the Convotherm ovens.”
“I really am so impressed with the Convotherm 4 Easy Touch, it’s a top-notch piece of equipment, a very worthwhile investment.” concludes Mark.
Further information about Convotherm : Convotherm – Advancing Your Ambitions
ceda Members are encouraged to contact their Account Manager for additional information or assistance.
Adande Refrigeration to extend price freeze until 1st September 2021.
Adande Refrigeration to extend price freeze until 1st September 2021.
Adande Refrigeration announces today it will extend its 2020 price freeze by a further 3 months, before increasing prices by 5% effective from 1st September 2021. The price increase will not be reviewed again until January 2023.
Although many equipment manufacturers have increased their prices Adande Refrigeration has worked extremely hard along with its supply chain to be able to deliver a degree of certainty and stability by holding its prices, despite absorbing significant cost increases in raw materials as a result of global shortages caused by COVID-19.
Global Sales Director, Karl Hodgson explains,
“Despite the well-documented difficulties for the UK hospitality sector, I am happy to confirm some good news today. We are holding our prices once more, extending last year’s price freeze until 1st September. We want to ensure operators can buy quality refrigeration, affordably, especially through the summer months when things may still be difficult and UK government support is scheduled to reduce.
We understand how important it is for the hospitality and foodservice sector to recover and get back to solid trading levels and we are willing to do what we can to support this effort. Although we must increase our prices from September by 5%, it is our intention to hold this increase until January 2023 at the earliest. In the meantime, we will continue to offer as much support as possible, giving 5-year UK warranty* on all our units, and offering a finance solution under our EasyBuy scheme.”
ceda Members are encouraged to contact their Adande Refrigeration Account Manager for further assistance.
Hobart Service invests in further support resources for industry reopening demands
Hobart Service invests in further support resources for industry reopening demands
In the week that hospitality businesses in England could reopen for customers indoors, HOBART Service has invested in and released further support content based on the demand trends they’ve seen in the marketplace during the first stage of reopening.
Pubs and Restaurants have been battling through unpredictable UK weather to serve eager returning dining guests outside, and the weather hasn’t been the only challenge for them…
HOBART Service have actively monitored the catering equipment service requests being reported by hospitality businesses during the first stage of outdoor only reopening, and has acted quickly to create a further round of support documentation to help these businesses – taking the lead to go above and beyond to support the industry, as they have over the past 12 months.
The news series of support content comes in the form of video, as 68% of consumers prefer guidance information that is presented in an easy to digest and follow, video format.
Some topics covered include the importance of deep cleaning commercial dishwashers regularly to optimise functionality and kill bacteria, how to restart, clean and troubleshoot common commercial dishwasher problem and reasons why dishes may not be coming out clean.
All support video content can be viewed on their HOBART Service YouTube channel.
In addition, a series of updated FAQs and step-by-step guides have also recently been released to help assist kitchen equipment restarts after long periods of inactivity, based on regular issues that are being reported.
Keith Mackie, Managing Director of Hobart Service:
“Hobart Service tends to be more end-user centric, which is how we have promptly identified an industry demand for video guides content.”
“This new suite of videos is to help operators safety start up their equipment, however is it important to ensure you are health and safety compliant (gas safe, pressure vessel tested etc.). If operators do need assistance, they can give us a call and we will do all we can both technically and commercially to help you get up and running.”
BOILERPLATE
Hobart Service has the UK’s largest field force specialising in catering equipment maintenance. Our specialist service technicians are trained to support a vast range of makes and models of Hobart and third party equipment.
HOBART Service directly employees over 100 technicians nationwide, offering a fast response and repair when equipment breaks down, minimising downtime with one of the highest first time fix rates in the industry.
FINAL NOTE: If you require more information about this topic please get in touch on 01733 392 244, email at customer.service@hobartuk.com or visit www.hobartuk.com/service/overview/
ceda Partner Hobart Service continues to lead the way with competitive price repair offer
ceda Partner Hobart Service continues to lead the way with competitive fixed price repair offer
To support hospitality and retail reopening their businesses for the first time since December 2020 – Hobart Service has announced a competitive fixed price offer with the aim to help support these businesses with their reopening.
The fixed price repairs offer is available to businesses who are not currently benefitting from the advantages and discounts of being in a service contract with the catering equipment service company.
The nationwide team of specialist service technicians confidently make the promise “We will fix your machine or your money back” – backed up by over 80% first time fix rate during 2020.
The company is raising awareness of the offer which is exclusive to businesses with Hobart, Bonnet and Ecomax catering equipment, the fixed price starts from just £279+VAT, which includes call out fee, labour, OEM parts, and a 6-month repair guarantee.
The fixed price offer is another example of how the specialist service maintenance company has consistently gone above and beyond to take the lead in supporting industries during the past 12 months.
Hobart Service has offered open access to their library of operational guides, created a suite of support shut-down and restart documents and have been in dialogue with service contract customers, both new and existing, to help with any challenges or changes to circumstances.
In addition, a series of updated FAQs and step-by-step guides have also recently been released to help assist kitchen equipment restarts after long periods of inactivity, based on regular issues that are being reported.
Keith Mackie, Managing Director of Hobart Service comments:
“As businesses return back to their premises after long lockdowns and periods of machines being unused, we’ve seen an increase in support and repair enquiries from businesses who are not in service maintenance contracts with us”
“We recognise this has been a considerably financially challenging time for all businesses, especially those in hospitality and retail, and want to offer fixed price repairs to help support their reopening”
“Throughout this year Hobart Service has maintained and exceeded our SLA’s for our customers who benefit from our service and maintenance agreements, and we’ve identified a need to extend this support to the industry with this offer.”
BOILERPLATE
Hobart Service has the UK’s largest field force specialising in catering equipment maintenance. Our specialist service technicians are trained to support a vast range of makes and models of Hobart and third party equipment.
Hobart Service directly employees over 100 technicians nationwide, offering a fast response and repair when equipment breaks down, minimising downtime with one of the highest first time fix rates in the industry.
If you require more information about this topic or the fixed price offer – please get in touch with them on 01733 392 244, email at customer.service@hobartuk.com or visit http://campaign.hobartuk.com/fixed-price-repair
*Terms and conditions apply to fixed price offer.
ceda's ignite digital magazine launches to showcase members' and partners' products and services
ceda's ignite digital magazine launches to showcase members' and partners' products and services
Hot on the heels of our connected digital magazine, the latest issue of which you can view here, we are delighted to be launching its sister publication ignite today.
Ignite will allow up to six ceda members per issue to showcase a project of their choosing and by doing so, promote your company and your services to a carefully selected, quantified audience of over 10000 end user operators.
Intentionally launching to coincide with the gradual easing of the UK’s lockdown and the reawakening of many dormant operator-led businesses in April, Ignite is the ideal platform in which ceda members can utilise to increase their company’s presence in the highly competitive, operator-led industries.
Ignite also reinforces a core ceda belief in representing all of our 100+ members equally and every member is encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity. We have created a dedicated microsite packed full of information, a sample magazine and simple submission form, which you can find here.
Ignite also benefits our ceda partners. In every project submitted by a ceda partner, there is an opportunity for them to name the supply partners, without whom these superb projects will never have seen the light of day. You are partners to ceda by definition. We have created the following interactive advertisers guide for any ceda partner to read and take advantage of.
If any ceda member or partner has any questions, please email us on cedaconnect@ceda.com.
We Are Ceda. Connecting Your Industry.
Chris Fay C.F.S.P from BRITA Professional explains why preventative maintenance is key to keeping kitchens running smoothly when the industry reopens.
Time-saving SOS: How to achieve optimum kitchen equipment efficiency.
In this article Chris Fay C.F.S.P from ceda Partner BRITA Professional explains why preventative maintenance is key to keeping kitchens running smoothly when the industry reopens.
In 2020 alone, kitchen professionals dealt with 84 days of equipment breakdowns, that’s almost a quarter of the year! As well as having an impact on efficiency and budgets, this is also a huge source of stress. And, at a time when more than eight in ten (81%) professional kitchen workers admit to feeling stressed at work, it has never been more important to take steps to reduce the pressure.
New research from BRITA Professional reveals that almost two-thirds (61%) of kitchen professionals have to manage equipment breakdowns on at least a fortnightly basis. So, it’s not surprising that almost half (47%) believe having more reliable equipment would make their kitchen more efficient when able to reopen. Although unreliable equipment is a longstanding issue, there are some simple steps that staff can take to minimise the risk of disruption to service when the industry reopens:
- Create cleaning schedules: Almost four in ten (39%) hospitality workers would like more robust cleaning schedules to keep the kitchen running more efficiently. Creating a schedule also ensures that the whole team shares the workload – and it feels like less of a chore when everyone is doing their bit.
- Prevent limescale build-up: A high proportion of breakdowns are related to limescale, so preventative maintenance is vital. Limescale build-up not only causes breakdowns, it also means that machinery requires more energy to reach optimum temperatures. Using the correct water filter and changing it regularly will help machines to run more efficiently – and last for longer, as well as eliminating costly repairs.
- Invest in quality equipment: Always choose machinery that meets your maximum needs so that you have the capability to match demand. It may cost more initially, but it’s a worthwhile investment as it will last for longer, saving money over time.
- Outsource maintenance: BRITA Professional’s research found that 35% of kitchen staff say cleaning equipment sends their stress levels soaring. So, it makes sense that a quarter of professionals would like all maintenance to be outsourced to a third party, giving chefs more time to focus on what they love the most: creating incredible food for customers.
- Focus on sustainability: Three-quarters (75%) of hospitality professionals would like to increase sustainability in 2021, with over a third (36%) saying they would like to achieve this by focusing on equipment and energy efficiency. Preventative maintenance can reduce the amount of machinery sent to landfill, so it’s not only an important way to save time and money, but it also helps to protect the environment.
BRITA Managed Services can help to improve kitchen efficiency by supporting operators with a bespoke preventative maintenance package which suits their business needs. By offering advice, monitoring filter usage and carrying out essential filter exchanges, kitchen professionals can rely on their equipment to have a longer life span and deliver a smooth service when they need it most.
The research results are available in a new BRITA Professional toolkit: At Boiling Point: which offers vital tips on how to ‘filter out’ inefficiency and stress, as well as save time, money and the planet in 2021. Take a look at our At Boiling Point Toolkit here: brita.co.uk/boiling-point
0844 742 4940
Twitter: @BRITAPRO
LinkedIn: BRITA Group
#LifeIsBetterFiltered
*All stats in this article relate to research conducted by BRITA PROFESSIONAL and 3GEM among 500 professional kitchen workers (November 2020)
A fascinating insight into ceda Partner Novameta
A fascinating insight into ceda Partner Novameta.
ceda Partner Novameta, who has also updated their profile on our website, provides a refreshing and fascinating insight into their background and future plans in this engaging article that includes comments from their director Mindaugas Jonuškis.
ceda Partner First Choice Announces The Reopening of its Training Courses
ceda Partner First Choice Announces The Reopening of its Training Courses
We are delighted to announce that from Monday March 1st, following the Government’s latest announcements, First Choice Group Training centre is reopening its doors for technicians’ courses, our OEM manufacturer partners training and demonstrations.
The First Choice Training team are working hard to ensure that we are able to accommodate as many attendees as possible while maintaining enhanced safety standards during the pandemic
To ensure qualifications are up to date upon returning to work, technicians are allowed to book and attend courses & assessments while furloughed and up to 6-months before their ACS Gas accreditation expires.
Martin Dagnall, Head of the First Choice Training Division comments:
“Reopening while ensuring the safety of our team and customers was the number one priority.
First Choice has introduced a number of safety and hygiene measures since the start of the pandemic to ensure that the supply of crucial equipment parts could continue in support of the healthcare sector. We’ve built on top of those measures to enable technicians to come into the building safely for ACS assessments.
Safety screens, hand sanitiser stations and social distancing signage are just some of the measures that are now regular features at First Choice HQ. Additionally, having ample space in our training centre means that we can ensure social distancing is comfortably maintained during ALL assessments and training sessions.”
As the pandemic continues online meetings, conferences and training sessions have become more and more prevalent in our industry.
Martin and the team are in the process of developing bespoke digital solutions that may enable online training seminars in the future; particularly for our Managed Learning Programme for New Gas Engineers (MLP). This is another way in which First Choice seeks to innovate and provide solutions to the current challenges faced by our industry.
First Choice Group Training is the only assessment centre in the UK that is dedicated purely to commercial catering equipment. That familiarity with the assessment equipment means that technicians can complete their assessments far quicker than at a domestic centre. Our range of assessments cover the following classifications:
- CCCN1– Core Commercial Catering Gas Safety
- COMCAT1– Open Burner Equipment
- COMCAT3– Deep Fat & Pressure Fryers
- COMCAT5– Forced Draught Burner Appliances
- CONGLP1– Various LPG Classifications
More information on assessments and booking is available on our ACS Assessments page. Members of the FEA and ceda receive a 20% discount on all bookings.
First Choice Training is also beginning to offer some of our other training courses, and we will be publishing more details on these soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns relating to training and assessment needs, please contact our Training Team who will be happy to help.
Contact Information
Call: 01543 460 385
Email: acs@firstchoice-cs.co.uk
We are delighted to be able to be welcoming customers & suppliers back to the First Choice Training centre. With the safety of All attendees our number priority.
Please subscribe to the First-Choice social media channels for more updates on specific catering courses, future OEM manufacturer and specific industry associations events being held at our Training centre and online.
Stay safe. Together will beat this.
