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/
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 Approved Partner Hobart Service Division's Support "Making a Big Difference" in UK Hospitals.
ceda Approved Partner Hobart Service Division's Support "Making a Big Difference" in UK Hospitals.
Hobart Service are continuing to go above and beyond to support our NHS, and the ongoing hardwork and dedication from the Service team has not gone unnoticed.
Amid a third lockdown and at a time where UK hospitals are busier than ever, the nationwide team of specialist catering equipment technicians is continuing to operate nationally.
Hundreds of hospitals throughout the UK rely on Hobart’s expert service division for both repairs and planned maintenance of their kitchen equipment.
Hospital kitchen equipment plays a vital part in both the overall operation of a hospital and the essential care given to patients. Any repairs are time-critical; our dedicated technicians are working harder than ever to exceed SLAs.
The dedication of our staff hasn’t gone unnoticed. We have received many letters and words of thanks over the past 10 months, including the praise from Paula Vennells CBE, Chair at Imperial College Healthcare:
“I wanted to take this opportunity to write personally to thank you and your team for your support during the COVID-19 crisis… The country has thanked the NHS for the amazing work of our frontline colleagues but we know that without the help, advice, long hours and support from our external partners, our response would not have been as effective as it was.”
The letter went on to personally thank our service teams here at Hobart UK. The Imperial Estates team showed their gratitude to the:
“… support provided to continue maintaining the service of critical equipment and for attending site for call out repairs in difficult circumstances. Your company made a big difference to the way the Trust was able to respond.”
Keith Mackie, Managing Director of Hobart Service comments:
“Throughout this year Hobart Service has maintained and exceeded our SLA’s for the Healthcare industry. Despite extremely challenging circumstances, we have continually demonstrated our commitment to maintaining national coverage to all customers requiring our services. We have remained committed to maintaining a nationwide service, with a focus on hospitals, care homes and education.”
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.
ceda Members are encouraged to contact their Account Manager for further information.
ceda Partners First Choice, Hobart and BRITA Endorse World Quality Day
ceda Partners First Choice, Hobart and BRITA Endorse World Quality Day
Thursday 12th November is the fifth annual World Quality Day and this year, the theme focuses on creating customer value. This is a timely reminder of the importance of truly understanding customers’ needs. At First Choice – working in partnership with BRITA Professional and Hobart Service – we’re committed to working together to meet those needs, not least when it comes to providing good value in the upkeep and maintenance of catering equipment.
Inevitably, 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased stress and challenges to our industry with many more worried than ever about the implications of equipment failure. A recent survey by BRITA Professional of professional kitchen workers found 81% have altered their equipment cleaning and inspection regime post-lockdown. One third are also more cautious about costs due to the pandemic and are looking to maintain and mend equipment where possible,
On World Quality Day, we believe prevention of breakdown has never been more important. This approach will save our customers time, money and ensure operational efficiency as well as having an impact on equipment sustainability.
To celebrate World Quality Day, here are our top three tips on how to maintain the quality of your catering equipment.
1) Always use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts
Catering equipment is the lifeblood of any commercial food service operation, so maximising its uptime is crucial to running a profitable business. As such, it’s essential to look beyond price when caring for your equipment and ensure you put quality first by using genuine parts. The result will be equipment that continues to operate optimally, safeguarding your investment and the people who operate it.
OEM parts also mean you can guarantee high-quality materials and functionality. Such parts keep equipment running exactly as the manufacturer intended, reducing the chances of a failure right in the middle of a busy food service.
2) Preventative Maintenance is Crucial
It’s essential to carry out preventative maintenance such as descaling, deep cleaning and changing water filters on time as this will undoubtedly help improve the performance and lifespan of equipment. The good news is that recent research has found 20% of professional kitchen outlets have recently introduced preventative maintenance, such as a water filter, to prevent limescale build up and damage. It’s essential though that more of us adopt this approach as without it, catering equipment can operate at an ever-decreasing rate of efficiency.
Even with the highest quality equipment it is completely normal for certain parts to degrade with use. Leaving them unchecked could lead to reduced efficiency, higher running costs and, in the worst case, large and costly, avoidable repairs.
As Steve Buckmaster, BRITA Professional Sales Director explains:
“By implementing measures such as preventative maintenance, financial pressures could be eased. For example, on equipment that uses water, one of the most effective ways to prevent premature breakdowns is by using the correct water filter and exchanging it on time. This can help eliminate damage and inefficiency over time caused by the build-up of limescale.”
3) Protect your Warranty
When you buy quality equipment it comes with a manufacturer’s warranty that will help to safeguard you against breakdown but you need to do your part too. First up, ensure that you only use OEM parts as non-OEM parts may invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty meaning the appliance may no longer be covered for future claims. It also means you may not be able to claim back the cost of the part under the warranty as non-OEM parts aren’t covered by the manufacturer.
Preventative maintenance and servicing is also an important piece of the puzzle to ensure you are protecting your warranty and keeping your equipment in the optimum condition possible.
Ultimately Using First Choice Group for your parts and accessories is an extension of the manufacturer’s service and you have access to quality parts from the likes of Hobart and BRITA Professional. This by extension will help to validate claims and reassure you that the supply chain has the manufacturer’s approval.
Customers are at the heart of everything
Embracing quality remains more important than ever as we look to support businesses in light of the pandemic. First Choice, Hobart Service and BRITA Professional all hold the ISO 9001 certification which demonstrates the standards that organisations must have in place within their quality management system.
As an industry we continue to innovate with technology embracing auto replenishment schemes which use APIs so parts can be automatically re-ordered. On World Quality Day 2020 our customers remain at the heart of everything we do as we strive to support you to maintain quality equipment no matter what.
For more information on our OEM spares supply for BRITA Professional and Hobart visit:
ceda Platinum Partner Hobart Service confirms it will maintain and exceed full national service support during lockdown phase two.
ceda Platinum Partner Hobart Service confirms it will maintain and exceed full national service support during lockdown phase two.
The Peterborough-based specialist service maintenance division has previously proven its capability and managed operations successfully during the first lockdown period.
Today it was announced the team will again maintain full national coverage during the next 4 weeks following the announcements made over the weekend of a second lockdown in England.
The decision for the company to maintain full national coverage was made in conjunction and with the full backing of Hobart Service’s parent company, ITW.
Alongside a nationwide team of service technicians who will continue to be on call for catering equipment repairs and planned maintenance checks, Hobart Service also confirmed their parts supply chain is secure with £6m in stock. Planning capabilities are in place and customer service support staff are available to take call and support customers with any issues.
At the start of the first lockdown in March 2020, the business created a dual business support unit to help customers through any changes to their circumstances caused by Covid-19.
This support unit was a demonstration of commitment to maintain UK coverage to all customers requiring our services throughout lockdown. It comprised a UK-wide team of service technicians and sales professionals and enabled key services to have full access to commercial catering equipment, maintenance and spares.
The sectors that will be a priority for the business during the second lockdown are healthcare; defence establishments and the food supply chain customers.
Keith Mackie, Hobart Service MD commented:
“We have exceeded expectations during the first phase of lockdown and showcased our commitment to customers and sectors that have needed us the most. We are more committed than ever to exceeding our SLAs and we are confident our operations in place to achieve this, the team have received many messages of thanks and recognition for their previous support. Our lessons from earlier in the year put us in a good position for the next few weeks and the future.”
