TAG Team Defend Cyclone24 Title & Beat Lap Record
TAG Team Defend Cyclone24 Title & Beat Lap Record
A team from TAG Catering Equipment UK Ltd have beaten the Welsh record and defended their 2018 title by winning the non-stop 24-hour track cycling challenge Cyclone24.
Cyclone24 is the UK’s original velodrome cycle challenge that pitches teams against each other over 24 hours in a relay format. The TAG Team won the 2018 Newport event and once again took the track this year from 20th to 21st October at The Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales.
Starting at midday on Sunday the team of six lead by Project & Creative Director, Tyron Stephens-Smith rode 3884 laps, equivalent to 971,000 metres or 603 miles. The total distance ridden is further than London to Inverness.
This also beats the Welsh velodrome record of 3836 laps previously broken by TAG in 2018. The team also posted the fast lap time of 14.624 seconds.
“2018 was a real challenge and one of the hardest things I’ve done both mentally and
physically” commented Tyron.
“To return for 2019, take the win, beat the lap record and post the fastest lap time is beyond anything we could have imagined. But it was tougher in every way than 2018!”
The TAG Team took on the challenge in 2019 intending to raise £1,250 for the Velindre
Cancer Centre in Wales. Velindre is Wales’ premier cancer centre providing treatment, care and support to patients and their families.
“Velindre have been great in treating someone close to the team and we are delighted to
have so far raised over £2,000. Thank you to everyone who has donated, it has made the
challenge worthwhile” concluded Tyron.
If you’d like to donate to the challenge please visit the TAG team’s GoFundMe page at
https://www.gofundme.com/f/y5x5ay-24-hour-bike-race
Question
Question:
I have a customer who has a smashed door glass in a Hobart combi that parts are now obsolete. The customer does not have the budget to replace the combi so has asked me to try and find a second-hand replacement door for a Hobart – CSD2012E – 81832919
Can you ask the membership if anyone has one for spares or scrap? Thank you.
Replies:
- Try Caterquip – Tel: 01733 777777
- A member has said they have posted on the engineer’s forum for you.
- Could Ramco help? View: https://ramco.uk/
- My first thought would be to contact Hobart themselves; we deal with them quite a lot and they are always very accommodating. John.stewart@hobartuk.com may be able to help.
- I don’t have one but there is a company in Bridgend called M&M catering and they do a lot of hire and also buy in second hand machines they may have something.
Question
Question:
Where in the UK can I purchase Spark Arresting Grease Filters from please?
Replies:
- Try CK Direct – Tel: 01733 230378
- If they mean kitchen extract baffle filters, LTS make them. Email MD Bob Leigh robert@leightec.com
- Longar or Veritech. Although they are not certified as spark arrestor, none of them are.
- Ian Levin is a very good guy on anything ventilation.
- Yes we do spark arrester filter if you could let me know the size of their existing filters I can get a quote and lead time prepared – Robert Leigh of LeighTec. Email: robert@leightec.com. Tel: 01405 752401. Mobile: 07951 743708. Website: www.leightec.com
- Die Pat can supply them; however, they are a special-order item and they do not keep them on the shelf. Contact helen.brady@die-pat.co.uk stating what size and quantity you require, and they can put a request in with their purchasing team to advise on prices and lead times.
- Contact Longar Industries for their Data sheet for the Spark Arrester baffle filter.
Tel: 01264 332993 Website: www.longar.co.uk Email: rachel@longar.co.uk
Rational has once again won the "Smart Label" award, which was announced at Host in Milan
Rational has once again won the “Smart Label” award, which was announced at Host in Milan
A great joy for ceda Platinum Partner Rational, the world market and technology leader in the field of hot food preparation, at the international hospitality trade fair Host in Milan: one of the innovations to be exhibited at Host in October this year is the VarioCookingCenter, which has won the “Smart Label” award.
Functionality, technology, environmental sustainability as well as ethical and social implications – these are the features assessed by Fiera Milano and POLI.design in order to give recognition to the most innovative products and companies with the Smart Label award. Both the small combi-steamer, the SelfCookingCenter XS, and the company’s networking solution ConnectedCooking have in the past received the award.
“For us at Rational, innovation means offering the people working in commercial kitchens the best appliance for cooking. In our developments, we always take into account the energy balance of the units – so it is no coincidence that environmental sustainability is the issue we want to focus on at this year’s Host,” says Enrico Ferri, CEO of Rational Italia.
130 million meals are prepared with Rational units every day. The company, which is specialised in large and commercial kitchens, currently holds over 600 patents and a market share of more than 50% for multifunctional appliances. Its customers include restaurants, hotels, canteens, hospitals, schools as well as fast food chains, supermarkets, confectioners and butchers.
“Our extensive cooking research has also produced the VarioCookingCenter, a multifunctional cooking appliance for boiling, frying and deep-frying – all in one unit. This allows you to reduce your space requirement in the kitchen by up to 30%, and also save up to 40% in electricity,” says Ferri, describing the award-winning product. This is made possible by the mesh-like structure of the patented VariBoost heating system, which transfers the heat to the food through the thin pan base quickly and consistenly. On the command of the built-in cooking intelligence, the system immediately withdraws the heat to prevent sticking and overcooking. Even delicate products such as rice pudding, béchamel sauce or risotto succeed every time with the VarioCookingCenter.
“Together, the SelfCookingCenter and the VarioCookingCenter make a well-coordinated team. Because they have the same user interface, users will find it intuitive to operate and the multifunctionality ensures that virtually almost every application in the professional kitchen is covered,” says Ferri.
Instanta Introduces New Products As Part Of Range Changes
Instanta Introduces New Products As Part Of Range Changes
Boiling and chilled beverage equipment manufacturer and ceda Silver Partner Instanta has made some changes to its popular range of boilers, ensuring customers have the right products available to meet their needs.
As well as making some range modifications to bring products in line with market demands, Instanta has added two new products. The first, a new SureFlow 19 litre 6kW filtered counter-top boiler (CTS19F/6), means customers can now benefit from an increased capacity for higher volume use as well as a faster heat-up time. This new product joins the current 10 and 17 litre models. In addition, these three filtered counter-top products, along with our CTS10 product, have been reengineered to have the same footprint, with a reduced width of just 244mm.
The other new product is a five litre slimline under counter boiler, UCB5, and at just 135mm wide, is ideal for compact areas while still being able to provide a high volume of water. The new UCB5 is available with either the standard or high tap for filling tall jugs or cafetieres.
Modifications to existing UCB7 and UCB12 models will see them change from 7 and 12 litre models to 10 and 15 litre models, becoming UCB10 and UCB15.
Dave Wilson, operations director at Instanta, comments: “We believe it’s important to regularly review our product range to make sure it’s meeting the needs of the catering market, which evolves and changes as with any sector.
“We hope these changes are beneficial to customers and always welcome feedback from customers and suppliers to help future development.”
The new products can be found online here or call 01704 501114.
Hoshizaki See Through Launch Of Unique Glass Door Refrigerator - the Gram Eco Plus KG140
Hoshizaki See Through Launch Of Unique Glass Door Refrigerator – the Gram Eco Plus KG140
Boasting the same award-winning credentials as 5th generation ECO Plus models, yet with a transparent new twist, the innovative Gram ECO Plus KG140 accomplishes what the market once deemed to be an impossible task: a glass door storage refrigerator that boasts excellent efficiencies. In fact, so efficient is the ECO Plus KG140 that it has even been listed in the topten.eu’s famous energy efficiency ranking thanks to a Climate Class 5 classification and a remarkably low energy consumption of just 965 kWh/year.
Speaking of this groundbreaking achievement Simon Frost, Director of Hoshizaki UK & Ireland enthuses:
“Hoshizaki is thrilled to once again be leading the way with market-leading product launches such as our latest edition, the ECO Plus KG140.
Having spent significant time developing and testing the ECO Plus KG140, Hoshizaki is delighted to be launching this revolutionary product to the UK market and to be providing operators with a unit that brings together everything that is required from a durable, functional and aesthetic storage refrigerator.”
Unlike conventional storage refrigerators, the ECO Plus KG140 provides caterers with a clear view of the contents of their fridge without the need to open the cabinet door. This not only reduces the amount of times the refrigerator door is opened throughout prep and service, but also encourages productivity at the same time as it enhances the aesthetic of the commercial kitchen.
Complete with vast storage capacity, efficient air circulation, low noise consumption and a multitude of hygiene-led features, this double door refrigerator truly ticks all the boxes, particularly for large restaurants and bakeries.
For more information on the ECO Plus range, or for more information on Hoshizaki, please
see www.hoshizaki-europe.com or call 01322 616 900.
Maidaid Halcyon Celebrates Its 45th Anniversary
Maidaid Halcyon Celebrates Its 45th Anniversary
Maidaid Halcyon is celebrating 45 years as a prominent catering equipment
supplier.
The company was first formed as Maidaid Ltd back in 1974, by founders who identified the need for under counter cabinet glasswashers for use in the UK hospitality industry. This was a time when the majority of pubs only hand washed using a countertop rotating brush and dried each glass by hand.
After three hard years of trying to sell the concept, the breakthrough eventually occurred with a major pub group. Where single orders from pub tenants or owners turned into regular order stream, resulting in dramatic growth for the company.
Maidaid machines are still the product of choice for this pub group, now being supplied by one of their loyal distributors.
As the company grew it merged its Halcyon and Maidaid brands enabling the company to offer the unrivaled range it continues to present today.
Once the company decided to focus on warewashing it felt the time was right to introduce larger rack and flight machines into its regular range. Maidaid Halcyon are one of the few warewashing suppliers that consider a rack machine a stock item.
The success of this approach has resulted in the company keeping stock of basic models which have recently been reengineered for improved energy efficiency, serviceability and end-user interface.
Now, the business is recognised as one of the UK’s leading suppliers of glasswashers, dishwashers, utensil/potwashers, racks & flight machines and icemakers.
Maidaid Halcyon also provide a range of ancillary products including water softeners and water treatment devices as well as best quality specialist detergents.
The company is delighted that its efforts in providing a first-class service have received industry-wide recognition, winning awards from CEDA, Catering Insight and ENSE in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
The Maidaid Halcyon range can now be considered one of the most comprehensive from any warewashing equipment supplier.
During its 45 year history, Maidaid Halcyon have achieved an almost unbeatable reputation within the distributor catering industry, citing its employees as a major contribution.
Sales Director, Julian Lambert, from Maidaid Halcyon, said: “We will continue to work hard to add further customer satisfaction. Maidaid’s employees are our company’s greatest asset and therefore every effort is made to further develop their product knowledge and appreciation of the company structure and the key role they all play in the delivery of a service they can be proud of.”
To find out more about Maidaid Halcyon’s range, visit www.maidaid.co.uk, email sales@maidaid-halcyon.co.uk or call 0345 130 8070.
Specifi News Update October 2019
Specifi News Update October 2019
Specifi are delighted to announce the appointment of Nic Banner to Vice President of Sales for the UK and Ireland. Nic will be working alongside Stuart Campbell until the end of November to ensure a smooth transition for our consultants, manufacturers and dealer markets.
Nic can be contacted on 0044 (0) 7976 628 429 or n.banner@specifiglobal.com
In addition to Nic’s appointment, we are also recruiting a UK based Technical Support Engineer to ensure that the introduction of Specifi for our new clients will prove a seamless transition from their current specification software and at the same time having a locally based support for our existing users.
Host Milan 2019 has been and gone and we are delighted to announce that we have signed up many new manufacturers to Specifi Share, making it even easier for dealers and consultants to specify their products.
The launch of Specifi Design Express at Host Milan has proved a great success. Specifi Design Express introduces new product libraries, automated numbering, custom project scheduling, 3D display and direct synchronization to a quote.
Specifi’s Solutions to Help You Save Time and Make Money
Design Starter Pack: Do more. Pay less with Specifi Design Express. Contains essential features from industry leader Specifi Design at an entry-level price.
For design pros: Design a commercial kitchen in half the time with Specifi Design – A plugin that integrates with AutoCAD® or Revit®. Includes manufacturer libraries & equipment customisation.
For Dealers: Upgrade to the industry’s most flexible, customisable and powerful quotation program – Specifi Quote.
For Everybody: Access manufacturer product symbols and price lists – for free. Specifi Share has what you need. Now.
For Manufacturers: Your product symbols and price lists created and future-proofed. Specifi Studio creates content for leading manufacturers.
New Chair and Vice Chair Appointed to ceda Academy
New Chair and Vice Chair Appointed to ceda Academy
ceda are pleased to announce two new appointments to the Academy. Mike Shea, of the commercial catering design company Vision Commercial Kitchens has been chosen as Chair, whilst Macauley Knight, of Archer Catering Systems, who offer catering equipment support, has been selected as Vice Chair.
It is hoped that their appointments will inspire more young people to choose the catering industry for their career path.
Mike Shea commented, “It’s an honour to have been considered, let alone to be appointed, as the ceda Academy Chairman. I’m excited about the future and look forward to working alongside Macauley and the rest of the Academy to finalise our objectives and goals for the next twelve months and of course our journey to achieving them. We are very grateful to Adam, Fiona and the wider ceda network for all the support and hospitality we have received so far.”
Macauley Knight was similarly enthusiastic, saying, “I’m very grateful and excited to be selected as the Vice Chair of the ceda Academy. I am looking forward to working alongside Mike and driving us, ‘the younger generation’, forward in the catering industry.”
Jack Sharkey, Managing Director at Vision Commercial Kitchens, who supported Mike’s appointment, stated, “The ceda Academy has been a great initiative; it engages with the next generation and the future of our industry.
“I am really pleased for both Mike and Macauley, as taking on the roles of Chair and Vice Chair will not only help to develop them individually and personally, but I have no doubt they will also help to develop and shape our industry in the future.”
Nick Archer, Director of Archer Catering Systems, reflected on Macauley’s journey within the catering industry: “Macauley came to work for us on the service side of the business; we quickly realised that he had some potential to be able to work on projects and attend site meetings.
“Since he has undertaken this role he has gone from strength to strength. He is well regarded by our own in-house engineers and has also built himself a good reputation with our client base for being organised and conscientious about how he goes about his work.”
He continued, “I am sure Macauley will take this role in his stride working alongside Mike and will prove himself a very capable Vice Chairman of the Academy.
“I would also like to add to wish Mike good luck in his role. It is important that we get some younger people into our industry and I am sure with Mike and Mac at the forefront of the Academy this will be a great way forward.”
Sprint Group Appoint New HR Manager
Sprint Group Appoint New HR Manager
Sprint Group have appointed Kate Lloyd-Davies as their new HR Manager, supporting the Group’s focus on continual improvement and the people within their expanding team.
Kate is an experienced and commercially focused chartered Human Resources (HR) generalist joining Sprint to ensure the growth of the team is in line with the business’ strategic plans for the future.
Previously, Kate was employed within a variety of industries including unified communications, publishing and media, retail, FMCG and engineering although Sprint Group is the first family owned and run commercial catering organisation she’s worked for.
Kate said: “I joined Sprint Group as HR Manager last month and jumped straight into putting the finishing touches together for the 25th anniversary celebrations which took place on Saturday and were a great success.
I’m now looking forward to working with Ross, Luke and the rest of the Board of Directors to grow the company by focusing on its people, which are Sprint Group’s greatest assets.”
Sprint’s Managing Director, Tom Bartley-Smith agreed: “We’re delighted to welcome Kate to the Sprint family. Her appointment forms part of our strategy of continuous improvement and we’re confident that she will make a meaningful difference to the whole business.”
If you’d like to chat with Sprint Group, please call the team on 01386 555922 or email sales@sprint-group.co.uk for more information about how they can design and fit the perfect kitchen or bar for you and your business.