Oakland International in ‘Top 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain’
Oakland International, was confirmed as being in the ‘Top 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ at the opening of the London Stock Exchange by Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and Bromsgrove MP and, Sajid Javid.
The report lists 1,000 of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium–sized UK enterprises.
Managing Director, Barry Davies, stated:
“Being recognised as an ‘inspiring company’ is a welcome endorsement of the sustained growth that we have experienced as a family business, supported by a great team, fantastic loyal customers and partners.
“Our appearance on the ‘elite 1,000’ list ahead of 3.3 million other UK registered businesses puts us in the top 0.3% of businesses in the UK and its significance should not be underestimated, so thank-you to our team members, past and present, and to our supplier and customer partners who have shared and continue to share in our values.”
NewCold ‘pay-as-you-go’ for Buffaload double-deckers
NewCold, the deep frozen storage and distribution specialist has added a number of temperature controlled double-deck trailers to its fleet which, says the company, will bring further efficiencies to its recently opened cold storage facility in Wakefield.
Provided by the vehicle rental division of Buffaload Logistics, the trailers are operated on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis whereby NewCold pay only when the trailers are in use. An on-board telematics system monitors their whereabouts and automatically sends Buffaload a record of every journey.
“We are always looking for innovative ways to provide bespoke logistics solutions” says Buffaload Sales Director Graham Usher. “In this instance, NewCold need a flexible arrangement whereby any additional load requirements can be met at short notice without the need to add new vehicles or to pay for trailers while they may be parked up between assignments. Our trailer rental arm has the equipment and technology to make this possible.”
The new Wakefield site is fully automated with a storage capacity of 55,000 pallets at a temperature of minus 23 degrees C. The automated loading docks are also fully temperature controlled to eliminate any temperature fluctuations along the supply chain. Additionally, there are 600 pallet locations on a purpose-designed picking floor with fully automated replenishment and mixed pallet discharge. The site operates seven days a week on a continuous 24 hour basis. This enables the automated system to receive and dispatch customers’ stock at any time of the day or night.
“This operation marks the arrival of a new standard in brand consolidation” says NewCold’s Tom Cassells. “Built on a strategically located green field site, on exit 32 of the M62, the new Wakefield facility offers a step up in deep frozen storage and distribution services for food manufacturers, processors and major retailers throughout the UK. Our aim is to build a consolidation platform like no other in the country and with the recourses and deep frozen supply chain experience of NewCold, we are ideally positioned to succeed.”
Furthermore,” adds Tom, “full automation and minimal handling in a controlled temperature environment combine to ensure fast turn round, reduced damage and absolute product integrity. Every aspect of our operation is scrutinised to achieve maximum efficiency, which keeps costs and energy consumption under control. Similarly, owing to their high pallet capacity, these trailers from Buffaload enable us to reduce vehicle miles, which also adds value and contributes to our carbon reduction programme.”
NewCold is building a network of large-scale cold store and distribution sites throughout Europe. In addition to Wakefield in the UK, the company has facilities in key locations in France, Germany and Poland and plans to open 1 to 2 new sites per year with Italy, Spain and North West France next in line.
Secure Refreshingly Healthy Profits with Coolicious Soft Serve Frozen Yogurt
Versatility throughout the day is the key to tapping into the £149million frozen yogurt market*, says Coolicious Frozen Yogurt, a brand of Taste Trends Limited.
With the increasing demand for frozen yogurt out-of-home – a market estimated to grow 12% by 2019 to £167million* and an established trend highlighted by M&C Allegra – the best selling frozen yogurt brand in foodservice is encouraging operators to stand up and take notice of the hardworking menu addition that can be used throughout the day.
Richard Drane, Managing Director of Taste Trends Limited, comments: “More and more consumers are now eating outside traditional meals times and it’s becoming increasingly important for operators to expand their menus to fit the all-day-dining trend. Soft serve frozen yogurt is a quick, easy way for caterers to meet this demand and offers huge versatility – simply team with granola for breakfast menus, top with fruit for a refreshing mid-afternoon snack and add confectionery for an indulgent dessert or a fun addition to a children’s menu.
Our Coolicious Fat Free Soft Serve Frozen Yogurt is suitable for counter service but also for self-serve, meaning customers have the ability to add the toppings they desire while operators satisfy the consumer demand for customisation. The options really are endless!”
Coolicious Fat Free Soft Serve Frozen Yogurt is available in a wide range of smooth and creamy flavours including Chocolate Bliss, Mango Moment and Rocking Raspberry, and is made from fresh yogurt and milk, ensuring a premium product, but one that operators can really profit from.
Richard continues: “Coolicious Fat Free Soft Serve Frozen Yogurt ensures operators – both dine-in establishments and on-the-go concepts – generate refreshingly healthy profits thanks to its 80% profit margin.
Operators can also be rest assured that Coolicious Fat Free Soft Serve Frozen Yogurt will offer consistently high quality in taste and texture thanks to a reliable supply chain through Lakeland Dairies, one of Ireland’s leading dairy co-operatives.”
Coolicious Fat Free Soft Serve Frozen Yogurt is available in eight delicious flavours with a 6 x 2 litre pack size and a shelf life of 18 months at -18˚C.
With over 20 years of experience, Coolicious is the UK’s best-selling frozen yogurt in foodservice and sells more than 17 million portions each year.
*Market data: Horizons FS 2016 – market values relate to all frozen yogurt products and are based on sell out price to consumer
For more information, please call 0845 33 77 017 or visit www.coolicious.com
Fairway members rank among Britain’s most inspirational companies
Two Fairway Foodservice members have been listed among the most inspirational companies in Britain by a leading business report.
Charles Saunders Food Service and Harlech Foodservice have both been named on the London Stock Exchange Group’s 1,000 Companies To Inspire Britain 2016 report.
The list singles out fast-growing SMEs from across Britain that have demonstrated excellence and innovation in their sector.
Bristol-based Charles Saunders Food Service recorded £19.7m in turnover for 2014-15, an increase of £1m on the previous financial year. It employs 126 people and operates from two depots in Bristol, with customers throughout the South West, Dorset and South Wales.
The company has grown over the last eight years, increasing from £6m in turnover and 30 members of staff in 2008.
Harlech Foodservice employs 150 people and had a turnover of £25m in 2015, operating from depots in Criccieth in North-west Wales, Chester and Shrewsbury.
The company has grown steadily by diversifying its offering to customers. It acquired a butchery business in 2012, which alone generates a turnover of £4m a year, and has secured partnerships with specialists in fresh fruit and vegetables, wines and craft ales, and niche produce for high-end hotels and restaurants.
Fairway Foodservice is a buying and marketing organisation operating on behalf of wholesalers based in the UK, Ireland and Spain. It has 17 members and a collective turnover of £556m.
Chris Binge, chief executive of Fairway Foodservice, said: “Harlech Foodservice and Charles Saunders Food Service are two of the most progressive businesses in the organisation, and we feel proud to be associated with them.”
Darren Gaulton
Darren Gaulton, managing director of Charles Saunders Food Service, said: “It was a real surprise to be included in the list. I think a lot of the reason for that is down to our staff.
“We’re keen to promote from within and reward their excellence and achievements, which leads to a low turnover of staff and a really good pool of knowledge and expertise. We have one sales rep who has been with us for 30 years on the same patch, who continues to bring in new business and hit targets, which is extraordinary.
“We bought a competitor, Good Morning Foods and Disposables, in 2012, and put a lot of effort into integrating it with our existing business. We’ve really started to see the fruits of those labours over the last 18 months.
“As with our friends at Harlech, what’s crucial to us is putting the customer first, and doing everything we can to give them what they want.
“We’re delighted that our efforts to grow and improve have been recognised, and we’re committed to continuing to develop the business, starting with plans to move to a new, bigger depot in future.”
Andrew Foskett
Andrew Foskett, joint managing director of Harlech Foodservice, said that staff were also central to the company’s success, alongside diversification.
Andrew said: “Our staff have been absolutely crucial to our growth.. We firmly believe in finding the person with the right skills and attitude, and encouraging them to grow and develop in their respective roles.
“About five years ago, we moved to a bigger depot after outgrowing our previous premises, which had started to inhibit our development. We extended it last year, and we’re looking to other ways of expanding the business in the future.
“I think the other key aspect of our growth has been diversifying what we offer. Customers want to have something weird and wonderful on their menu, which is different to what their competitors can offer.
“We’ve focused on finding the right contacts and partnerships to give them those products, and that’s paid dividends both in new business and increasing sales of our other products.
“The butchery has also been a huge success. You have to get your offering spot-on from the start to build brand loyalty – one mistake and you lose a customer forever. We’ve worked really hard to build up a loyal customer base, which is continuing to grow.”
Chris Binge added: “In their own ways, both companies instilled a belief in their staff that they’re as good, if not better, than anyone else in the industry, and that’s what sets them apart as truly inspirational businesses.
“Both lead by example and have shown a real desire to be the innovative and achieve significant growth, and I congratulate them both on their inclusion in the London Stock Exchange Group’s report.”
The report, which is supported by HSBC, The Telegraph, the Business Growth Fund and Cenkos, says that the food and drink sector is worth £21.5 billion to the UK economy.
Members benefit from access to more than 600 own-label products, collective buying power, marketing support and discounted subscription to the Erudus One product specification database.
Specialist construction contractor, Chalcroft, has announced it will be exhibiting at this year’s Food & Drink Expo, the UK’s largest trade show for the food and drink industry.
Bringing together the latest innovations in the grocery, wholesale, speciality retail, manufacturing and foodservice sectors, the Food & Drink Expo takes place between 18-20 April at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
Chalcroft will be demonstrating its construction expertise in the food and beverage sector, having worked on fit-out, refurbishment and new builds for food factories, packing facilities and cold stores. Visitors to Chalcroft’s stand will be able to take advantage of the construction company’s food and beverage industry experience, with experts on hand to offer advice for your next project and provide Q&A opportunities.
Construction in high-care environments, where the highest food hygiene standards are essential, requires specially-skilled personnel that understand the relevant environmental, health and safety standards. Chalcroft prides itself on working in partnership with clients, where early involvement allows for an enhanced customised building design, providing minimal disruption to operations.
Additionally, the construction specialist’s experienced team can advise on workflow optimisation and a future proof layout, incorporating drainage, environmental considerations, the latest efficient building materials and fire protection. Chalcroft’s presence at the Food & Drink Expo highlights the company’s commitment to the food and beverage sector, where it will be exhibiting across all three days.
Tess Morley, Chalcroft Business Development Director, said: “The Food & Drink Expo is always an important event for Chalcroft and this year is no different. As a construction specialist and one of the
UK’s leading companies in the food and beverage field, the exhibition provides us with an opportunity to meet prospective clients face-to-face and showcase our extensive industry portfolio.”
Visitors to Food & Drink Expo can locate Chalcroft on stand P151.
New Enterprise Flex-E-Rent Website Provides Insight and Advice to Commercial Fleet Operators
In response to growing demand from customers for greater clarity on emerging technology, legislative, mobility and safety issues, Enterprise Flex-E-Rent has launched a brand-new information website for commercial fleet operators.
The increasing number of SMEs requiring commercial transport, in particular, is a growing factor in the requirement for Flex-E-Rent to provide more insight and advice to customers.
Dedicated to the needs of transport managers, www.flexerent.co.uk provides expert guidance on a wide range of issues. These range from how to assess the location of wheelchair access vehicles to compliance tips for driving in wet weather and the role for fleet management on construction sites.
There is also a series of downloadable guides and tools for assessing the scope for rental as part of a business transport and mobility service.
“Customer requirements are changing in a world where transport and mobility are also evolving rapidly. But many of our smaller customers lack the internal expertise to make what can be complex transport decisions,” said Danny Glynn, managing director, Enterprise Flex-E-Rent.
“Our new website isn’t really about Enterprise. It’s designed to be a comprehensive information resource for all our customers, keeping transport professionals and SME operators alike informed with relevant industry information, helpful tips, updates and comments on legislation.”
Enterprise Flex-E-Rent now operates a fleet in excess of 26,000 commercial vehicles, encompassing cars, vans and trucks as well as specialist temperature controlled and accessible vehicles.
Food for thought as seafood supplier announces sales boost for UK division
A global seafood manufacturer has announced over £5.7m of sales, just three years after launching its UK division in the West Midlands.
Star Agro Marine Foods, which supplies sustainable shrimp and an increasing range of white fish, has seen orders increase by £2.3m this year, with its products now sold under private label brands into a number of large UK supermarkets.
This success has been boosted even further by the launch of a van distribution sales arm, which is delivering daily to a host of restaurants, hotels, caterers and independent Asian retailers.
High profile beneficiaries of the new service already include the Bilash in Wolverhampton, Tipu Sultan, Shere Khan and Chung Ying in Birmingham, as well as East and West retail stores.
“The UK is major market for high quality, sustainable shrimp and this is reflected in the significant growth we have seen since 2012 when we started in a small office,” explained Steve Money, Managing Director of Star Agro Marine Foods Ltd.
“Significant investment has been channeled into the development of our shrimp processing factory, farms and hatcheries in India by our parent company, where we can now produce up to 9000 tons per year of sustainable shrimp for our UK and European markets.”
He continued: “This additional capacity has been quickly snapped up and led to us moving to our site in Wolverhampton and leasing cold storage space in Brierley Hill. We’ve also bought three new vans from Approved Vehicle Contracts.
“Our workforce has increased from two to six and I can see this trebling when you consider we are looking to create another five satellite offices to provide complete national coverage.”
Backed by its £30m-strong Indian parent, Star Agro Marine Foods provide full traceability from hatchery to delivery to its customers.
It produces and processes antibiotic free products for its ‘Star Feast’ brand or private label where tailor made packaging and products are developed in line with the requirements of its client base.
Shrimp is available in cooked and raw form, marinade, butterfly, EZ peel, skewer or varieties such as fresh water, black tiger or the increasingly popular Vannamei.
“Customer service is at the heart of everything we do and means we can offer complete flexibility for our customers, shorter lead times and, importantly, access to some of the best tasting, ethically produced shrimp in the world,” added Steve.
“Our reputation is growing and not only in our domestic markets. Thanks to a recent appearance at the Anuga Food Show we have enquiries from customers in Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Holland and Spain.”
Well-known restaurant entrepreneur Mohammed Khan has been brought in to support and offer consultancy on Star Agro Marine Foods’ next stage of its development.
The owner of The Bilash restaurant has been impressed with the company’s rapid growth and is now going to use his contacts to open doors with Asian restaurants and to secure corporate accounts with sporting stadium and leading business venues.
He concluded: “I have been hugely impressed with what has initially been achieved in the UK and there is a lot of demand for its products currently out there.
“2016 looks like it could bring in £7m of sales, but this is just the start. With global investment in the business at an all-time high and a more pro-active approach to marketing, there really is a massive opportunity for us to exploit.”
For further information, please visit www.staragromarine.co.uk or contact 01902 722963
New Casual Dining Range to Help Kitchens Claim Their Slice of a £5bn Market
Moy Park Foodservice is introducing an exclusive new Casual Dining Range – a ten-strong line up of chicken products created to help operators take a slice of the £5bn market for de-formalised dining^.
From unique British Chicken Ballotine and Katsu Curry Chicken Melts to Buttermilk Wings and Smoky BBQ Chicken Shanks, the chef-inspired innovations have been developed and perfected following extensive trend research to help keep operators one step ahead in a burgeoning market.
With the demand for chicken showing little sign of slowing – chicken is eaten on a staggering 6.3 billion occasions a year* – the new range is a win-win for operators looking to profit.
Frannie Santos-Mawdsley, Senior Customer Marketing Manager, European Foodservice, Moy Park explains: “In the dynamic, fast paced world of casual dining there is a consumer expectation for food concepts that offer something new and exciting. Backed by a weight of insight, our new Casual Dining Range offers busy kitchens just that! An innovative, consistent and fresh take on chicken, adding personality and profitability to menus.
“Tapping into key trends such as Americana, street-food and spiciness as well as traditional British favourites with a twist, the range enables busy kitchens to quickly and simply create standout dishes that don’t compromise on taste and quality – the biggest consumer driver of them all!”
Moy Park Foodservice’s Casual Ding Range consist of ten products including: new Chicken Ballotine – succulent British Red Tractor chicken thigh, de-boned, filled with a tasty pork, sage and onion stuffing and wrapped in bacon. A traditional mini roast with a seriously premium twist that taps into the popular carvery market.
Moy Park’s Katsu Chicken Curry Melts, flip the Japanese classic on its head with a hot and sweet katsu curry sauce wrapped in succulent chicken breast and golden fried in breadcrumbs; perfectly fried Buttermilk Chicken Wings are crisp and juicy all at the same time while Moy Park’s authentic Smoky BBQ Chicken Shank takes the hard work out of this classic American dish.
Supplied frozen, the range also includes: delectable Tomato and Mozzarella Chicken Melts, Southern Spiced Chicken Thigh Burger, Nacho Cheese Steak, Garlic & Cracked Black Pepper Koftas, Mexican Koftas, and a Gourmet Herb Crusted Chicken Burger.
Each can be made plate-ready in a number of ways with the absolute minimum of fuss and wastage.
Moy Park Foodservice is trusted by wholesalers, chefs and caterers throughout the UK and Ireland to deliver innovative, high quality frozen chicken products. A specialist in convenient, consistent menu-making solutions, everything the company does is backed by in-depth market insight, chef expertise, and years of foodservice experience, helping it to produce class-leading products that work harder for sites across all channels in hospitality.
Managing Director, Barry Davies, stated:
