Stock up for planned preventative maintenance this summer!

After a busy few weeks of routine servicing of school and university catering equipment, with sites and engineers making the most of the summer break and equipment downtime.

Parts Town UK is the UK’s leading distributor of OEM spare parts, accessories and consumables. We are proud to work with BRITA Professional a leading manufacturer of water filters and professional water filtration systems.

Add BRITA filters to your essential van stock. Parts Town UK holds the UK’s largest stock of BRITA Professional water filters including BRITA Purity Steam Replacement Cartridges and starter sets, BRITA Purity Quell Cartridges, BRITA Inlet/Outlet Adaptors, BRITA Purity Hose Sets and BRITA Purity Filter Heads. Ensure that you’re not caught out after a high volume of planned service jobs and stock up now with our exclusive BRITA offer.

Get a free head with every BRITA Purity C 500 or 1100 Water Filter. Discover Parts Town UK’s range of BRITA Professional water filters

First Choice Training has completed its first entry-level undercounter dishwasher training programme in association with HOBART Service. Eight engineers undertook the first one-day course, which has been designed to deliver practical, tailored training for commercial catering engineers.

Taking place at First Choice Training’s dedicated facilities in Cannock, a setup that includes fully functional kitchens and state-of-the-art technology and equipment, the inaugural course was the first in what will be an ongoing schedule of approved HOBART Service courses.

Ensuring the first event ran smoothly, key management members from HOBART Service were on hand to assist and answer any questions. Introducing the latest group of commercial catering engineers to the manufacturer’s leading undercounter dishwasher equipment, students had the opportunity to learn in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

Following the inaugural course, a commercial catering engineer who attended the course explains:

“The entry-level HOBART Service training programme was a professional and informative course. As a group, we learnt many aspects of servicing and maintaining HOBART dishwashing equipment, skills that will help me when I’m out in the field. The course instructor presented in an interesting and engaging manner and the content was easy to understand.”

On completing the entry-level course, the trainee engineers receive a certification card, while also being added to the HOBART register – a publicly accessible database, demonstrating an individual’s accreditation. The certification is valid for a period of two years from the date of the course.

With HOBART Service becoming the latest manufacturer to confirm its OEM status with First Choice, Martin Dagnall, Head of Training at First Choice Training comments:

“It’s been great to add Hobart Service to our OEM-specific manufacturer courses and work in conjunction with Mark and the training candidates to further enhance First Choice training portfolio.”

For HOBART Service, the importance of having a trustworthy and reliable training partner is evident, with Mark Whitmarsh, Technical Operations Manager at HOBART Service adding:

“We are delighted with the successful launch and initial outcome from the training at First Choice Group – the feedback we received from the engineers has been fantastic and we are already looking forward to the next course date!”

Course Overview:

Duration: 1 day

Location: First Choice, Cannock

Overview: There are over 25,000 HOBART undercounter dishwashers in operation across the UK. Manufacturer Entry Level Training on these machines will enable dealers and catering equipment service providers to improve customer service, First Time Fix and prolong the life of your customers’ assets. Upon completion, certified engineers will receive a HOBART Entry Level Training certification card which will be valid for 2 years.

Key Learnings: Training will cover HOBART undercounter dishwashers: installation, commissioning, common wear and tear parts, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair.

To view course dates and book online please visit https://www.firstchoice-cs.co.uk/training/hobart-dishwasher-technical-training-program/ or contact Martin Dagnall –  martin.dagnall@firstchoice-cs.co.uk.

BOILERPLATE:

HOBART Service has the UK’s largest field force specialising in catering equipment maintenance. Expert in the repair and maintenance of HOBART/Bonnet equipment, the specialist service technicians are trained and capable of maintaining many other brands of equipment.

HOBART Service directly employs 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 or how HOBART Service can keep your business open for service – please get in touch with the team on 01733 392 244, email at customer.service@hobartuk.com or visit their website at https://www.hobartuk.com/service.

The latest industry celebration of innovative catering equipment, and opportunity to network with peers is back, as First Choice Group once again hosts the Cedabond Distributor Day at its Cannock site on Tuesday 20^th June.

With representatives from ten of the leading suppliers to the UK foodservice channel exhibiting, there will be an opportunity to identify the latest technical developments, as well as discussing trends and customer challenges across a full day from 9.30am to 4pm.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to meet with the Cedabond team, the UK’s leading buying and marketing consortium for the catering equipment industry. With members including more than 140 leading equipment distributors and with 80+ supplier agreements in place –  including First Choice Group – Cedabond delivers insight, advice and expertise – as well as best in class commercial support – to members, suppliers and operators alike.

The suppliers exhibiting at this session include, Falcon, Foster, Marlowe Fire & Security, MCS Technical Products, Mechline, Metcalfe, Monarch Water, Parry, Thunder Group and Wrapex. Delegates will have access to First Choice Group’s training and event facilities whilst lunch will be provided on-site by the team from MKN, so every delegate is sure so leave satisfied.

Steven McLaren, Head of Partnerships at First Choice Group comments:

“We’re delighted to once again welcome delegates, exhibitors and guests to our industry-leading conference and event space in Cannock. Every Cedabond Distributor Day to date has built on the previous event and we’re expecting June’s gathering to continue this trend. It’s the perfect opportunity to discuss and debate the hot topics of the industry and we’re confident that some productive and helpful conversations will be held.

“We’re particularly pleased to host the event at our First Choice event space, as the facilities, location and flexibility make it easier to maximise attendance numbers. Get the date booked into your calendar today, and we look forward to welcoming you to First Choice Group on 20^th June.”

The dedicated onsite training facilities at First Choice Group include fully functioning professional kitchens, flexible meeting, event and conference rooms in a range of sizes and formats, a full-service restaurant offering hot and cold food, high-speed Wi-Fi with the latest AV technology and ample onsite parking for delegates and guests.

To find out more about the conference and event facilities or to discuss the opportunities to host your own event at First Choice, please visit www.firstchoice-cs.co.uk/conference-event-facilities or contact Julian Fisher, Head of Marketing, First Choice Group.

To find out more about becoming a Cedabond member or for future event information, please visit www.cedabond.co.uk or call +44 (0)333 344 0037.

For the latest information and stock of genuine OEM spare parts, accessories and consumables from First Choice Group visit www.firstchoice-fs.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1543 577 778.

First Choice Group is proud to have been accredited by Peterborough-based commercial catering service and maintenance company to provide Entry Level Training for HOBART undercounter warewashing equipment.

The new technical training partnership will see both First Choice Group and HOBART Service UK strengthen their offering to the commercial catering marketplace – to ensure that as many machines as possible are maintained by technicians who have been trained by an Approved Training Partner.

HOBART is one of the leading suppliers of undercounter dishwashers in the UK. Manufacturer-approved training on these machines will enable dealers and catering equipment service providers to improve customer service, first time fix and prolong the life of an operator’s assets.

Recognising that First Choice Group has specialist training facilities providing technical training courses and assessments for dealerships, engineers and technicians working within the commercial foodservice industry, HOBART Service agreed to accredit First Choice as an Approved Hobart Service Training Partner.

The training offered at First Choice includes a dedicated onsite training facility including fully functional professional kitchens, specific commercial catering trainers and the latest in educational technology and equipment to ensure that the training team can provide effective and engaging training.

Hobart Service has completed “Train the Trainer” training to the Technical Team at First Choice, enabling First Choice to deliver authorised training on undercounter dishwashers.

Approved HOBART Training is intended to improve delegate knowledge on specified HOBART equipment, enabling them to identify issues quicker and ultimately improve machine uptime. Training will cover installation, commissioning, common wear and tear OEM parts, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair for certain HOBART undercounter dishwashers.

The training will give a comprehensive insight into the most common wear and tear OEM parts required for undercounter dishwashers. This knowledge will allow delegates to plan van stocks & PPMs more effectively, helping improve First Time Fix levels, maximising uptime and reducing the requirement for return visits.

Managing Director of HOBART Service UK, Keith Mackie adds:

“We continually look ahead to develop our products and service, this training collaboration with First Choice Group is a perfect way to take our product support to the next level. It allows us to provide an opportunity for our dealers and engineer partners to gain high-quality training – sharing our best practice, which ultimately benefits our customers.”

Keith added the training provided will not replace Hobart Service as the pre-eminent maintenance provider:

“It is essential we actively protect the HOBART brand. Once the entry-level training is underway, customers will have three options for the maintenance of their HOBART equipment, ranging from service providers with zero training, to the entry-level training, or the expert, factory-trained manufacturer technicians.”

Managing Director of First Choice Group, Michael Barrett adds:

“First Choice Group is delighted to expand our training offering with HOBART Service, HOBART equipment features in commercial kitchens in many sectors. The new, accredited training will benefit service providers and end users nationwide.”

The first training course is provisionally scheduled for Wednesday 24th May 2023.

First Choice, Part of Parts Town Unlimited is the UK’s leading supplier of in stock ready to ship OEM parts, accessories and cleaners, allowing technicians and service engineers to cut down times as well as increase first time fix rates. Visit our website for the full range of Hobart dishwasher parts and Hobart original cleaners.

BOILERPLATE:

Hobart Service has the UK’s largest field force specialising in catering equipment maintenance. Expert in the repair and maintenance of Hobart/Bonnet equipment, our specialist service technicians are trained and capable of maintaining many other brands of equipment.

HOBART Service directly employees’ technicians nationwide, offering a fast response and repair when equipment breaks down, minimizing downtime with one of the highest first-time fix rates in the industry.

If you require more information about this topic or how Hobart Service can keep your business open for service – please get in touch with them on 01733 392 244, email at customer.service@hobartuk.com or visit their website at https://www.hobartuk.com/service.

ceda Partners, First Choice Group and CCS, two of the UK’s most prominent spare parts, accessories and consumables brands have announced their joint charity of the year for 2023. Supporting the vital work done to rid the world of hunger, the duo has chosen to support Action Against Hunger.

Action Against Hunger operates in 51 countries worldwide, reaching more than 26.3 million people and responding to 55 emergencies in 21 countries in 2022. Tacking life-threatening hunger, a predictable, preventable and treatable problem affecting communities across the globe, Action Against Hunger is leading the research needed to create a world free from hunger. Forever.

Nominated as the charity of the year for both First Choice Group and CCS, Action Against Hunger will benefit from a full calendar of fundraising events, challenges, discussions and promotions throughout 2023. Representing a value pillar of both companies, ‘community’ signifies how both First Choice Group and CCS collaborate with charity partners to support good causes, such as that of Action Against Hunger.

The first fundraising event of the year is Pancake Day on the 21^st February. Partnering with the culinary team from cooking equipment manufacturer, Rational, the First Choice HQ and the CCS head office teams will host a fun-filled day of cooking to raise money for Action Against Hunger.

On the partnership for Pancake Day 2023, Darren Hollis, Sales Director – Midlands at Rational UK comments:

“Partnering with First Choice and CCS on Pancake Day to raise money and support the work done by Action Against Hunger is something we’re delighted to be part of. Hunger is something that can be prevented, and communities should have access to clean water. The work done by Action Against Hunger is vital to support the wellbeing and livelihoods of millions of people around the world and that’s why we’re proud to be able to play a part in fundraising. A big thanks to our First Choice Group and CCS partners for launching the initiative and inviting us to be part of it.” 

In addition to Pancake Day, First Choice Group and CCS will be holding fundraising events to celebrate key events including Halloween and Christmas Jumper Day. Plans are also being formed for group challenges and ways to raise funds at industry events, exhibitions and conferences. On choosing the charity of the year, Julian Fisher, Head of Marketing at First Choice Group and CCS adds:

“Each year our fantastic community team nominate a charity of the year, which we support with fundraising and awareness campaigns. For 2023, I’m pleased to announce that we will be supporting the vital work of Action Against Hunger. Spearheading the fight against global hunger, the unique charity pioneers ground-breaking research, using science, innovation and practical experience to support communities around the world. The charity also reacts to natural and manmade disasters to support those suffering from hunger and malnutrition. Over the course of the next 12 months, we will host regular events and challenges to help fundraise and support the cause. I’m delighted to announce that our first fundraising event will be in conjunction with our partner, Rational, whose culinary team will cook delicious pancakes to sell to our staff and visitors on Tuesday 21^st February.”

Rational enjoys exclusive opportunities to participate in events and demonstrations throughout the year, including charity fundraisers such as Pancake Day 2023.

To support Action Against Hunger and help First Choice Group and CCS reach their fundraising target, please visit the JustGiving page using the following link: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/first-choice-and-ccs.

To find out more about Action Against Hunger, please visit www.actionagainsthunger.org.uk.

For more information on the range of genuine OEM spare parts, accessories, and consumables available from First Choice Group visit www.firstchoice-cs.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1543 577 778. To find out more about CCS please visit www.ccspares.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1706 621 55.