Tues 18th Nov, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London

1000 Companies to Inspire Britain Report

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Roythornes Solicitors identified in London Stock Exchange Group’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ report

BFFF members Roythornes Solicitors has been identified as one of London Stock Exchange Group’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain. The report is a celebration of the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized businesses across the UK.

To be included in the list, companies needed to show consistent revenue growth over a minimum of three years, significantly outperforming their industry peers.

As well as being a full service regional law firm, Roythornes operates nationally within its specialist sectors advising businesses and their owners on a wide range of issues. The firm has particular strengths in agriculture, food and property, being recognised experts and trusted advisors to many long-standing clients.

Vember Mortlock, Managing Director of Roythornes said

“We’re delighted to have been included in the report as it is recognition of the hard work the team has put into making our business a success.  Of the 1000 businesses only two law firms are listed and to be one of those is a great honour. It demonstrates to potential clients that there are strong, successful and inspirational businesses in the regions that provide a truly national level of excellence and growth.”

Xavier Rolet, Chief Executive, London Stock Exchange Group said:

“Four years on, LSEG’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ report continues to highlight the dynamic, entrepreneurial and ambitious businesses across the country that are boosting UK productivity, driving economic growth and creating jobs. The strength and diversity of these companies is readily apparent with a broad mix of UK regions and sectors represented. These companies are the very heart of an ‘anti-fragile’ economy: more robust; more flexible and less prone to boom and bust. We must ensure we continue doing all we can to support high growth potential businesses like Roythornes.

The Rt Hon Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

“I want to congratulate the 1000 companies from across the UK featured in London Stock Exchange Group’s pioneering 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain report. Championing high growth innovative SMEs is crucial for the continued success of the UK economy and a country that works for everyone. We are committed to ensuring that companies of all sizes can access finance to grow, scale-up and create high quality well-paid jobs across the country.”

A full searchable database of all of the companies along with a downloadable pdf of the publication can be found online at www.1000companies.com

For further information contact Mark Dodds at Roythornes on 01775842596.

markdodds@roythornes.co.uk

AD & Biogas Industry Awards shortlist announced

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

AD & Biogas Industry Awards shortlist announced

The Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association (ADBA) and World Biogas Association (WBA) have announced the shortlist of over 40 companies for the annual AD & Biogas Industry Awards, which this year has expanded to over 20 categories covering both the UK and international biogas markets.

The Awards, which will celebrate the best of the best in innovation and achievement across all sectors of the AD and biogas industries both in the UK and globally, will take place at the Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham on the evening of 5 July 2017. New awards this year include Best UK Sewage Treatment AD Plant and Best International Sewage Treatment AD Plant.

Nominees, sponsors, and other attendees will enjoy networking drinks and a black-tie dinner before the awards are presented to the winners in front of an audience of the top professionals from the UK and global AD industries. The ceremony will take place on the first evening of UK AD & Biogas and World Biogas Expo 2017, the leading global tradeshow for biogas.

ADBA Chief Executive Charlotte Morton said:

“This will be the biggest celebration of the best of the best in AD and biogas globally and a great opportunity to network with the companies who are really making strides in best practice in this sector.

“We have a fantastic range of shortlisted companies, large and small, and with as many as 20 categories this year we’re looking forward to our biggest and best AD & Biogas Industry Awards yet.”

WBA President David Newman said:

“This year the AD & Biogas Industry Awards will have an even stronger global element than previous years, reflecting how those working in biogas around the world can share knowledge and learn from each other.

“The Awards will be the best place to celebrate the pioneers, innovators, and industry leaders of AD and biogas from all four corners of the globe.”

Phil Gerrard, CEO of Privilege Finance, who are Gold Sponsor for the event, said:

“As a company that prides itself on supporting the UK AD industry, Privilege Finance is delighted to be the gold sponsor of this year’s AD & Biogas Industry Awards.

“As we continue to look forward and invest significantly in the sector, we recognise the importance of reflecting on the achievements of those working within the industry, in the UK and wider afield. We’re an industry built on people and we should celebrate those excelling in their roles.”

Those interested in attending the Awards can book a table by e-mailing gayle.brandonkirby@adbioresources.org.

BIRDS EYE LAUNCHES NEW LIMITED EDITION PACKAGING

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

BIRDS EYE LAUNCHES NEW LIMITED EDITION PACKAGING CELEBRATING WINNERS OF THE FISH FINGER SANDWICH AWARDS

Following the culmination of the inaugural Fish Finger Sandwich Awards, Birds Eye has unveiled NEW packaging for Britain’s most-loved teatime treat. Limited-edition packs of Birds Eye fish fingers have been introduced featuring the recipes and images of both the Professional and Public winners of the national sandwich competition, and will be on sale from 22nd May 2017.

The Fish Finger Sandwich Awards saw Birds Eye scour the nation for the UK’s most innovative and attention-grabbing fish finger sandwich creations, and following an exciting final in February, Chris Lanyon of Chapel Café in Port Isaac, Cornwall and Gabrielle Sander from Enfield, North London, were crowned winners of the Professional and Public categories respectively. Both finalists entered their culinary creations spurred-on by a love of the British classic.

Chris Lanyon’s professional triumph was the result of his take on the humble classic – fresh Cornish hake fillet coated in panko breadcrumbs, sandwiched between locally-made multi-seed bread and homemade tartare sauce – a recipe he is proud to have perfected over his years working in the food service industry.

Gabrielle’s winning recipe of fish fingers with mayo, smoked paprika, capers, lime juice, wasabi and rocket in a farmhouse bap, won over the judges with its use of punchy flavours, unusual combination of ingredients and perfectly-cooked fish fingers.

Each sandwich recipe, along with an accompanying image and the winner’s head shot will feature on the back of the limited-edition packs. Chris’ ‘Chapel Classic’ sandwich will appear on the 10 Omega 3 Fish Finger packs, whilst Gabrielle’s fish finger sandwich will feature on packs of 10 Cod Fish Fingers.

Chris Lanyon, of Chapel Cafe, commented: “I’m really looking forward to seeing my recipe on the shelves! It’s such a great achievement to have won the title of the best professional Fish Finger Sandwich and our trophy is taking pride of place in the restaurant. We’re honoured to have one of our favourite British dishes, which we’ve worked hard to perfect over the years, recognised by Birds Eye and all the judges, and am thrilled that I can share it with the nation.”

Country Range Student Chef Challenge 2018 Launches

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Country Range Student Chef Challenge 2018 Launches

One of the most prestigious competitions in the student catering calendar, the Country Range Student Chef Challenge, has officially launched for 2018 with the contest now open for lecturers and students to register for an entry pack.

The Country Range Student Chef Challenge requires teams of three full-time students to plan, cook and present a three-course, three-cover meal that looks sublime, is rich in flavour and most importantly showcases the student’s cooking skills and techniques.

The 2018 challenge is guaranteed to have some international flair and test the student’s knowledge of world flavours as the theme is ‘Around the World in 3 Spices’.

Coral Rose, Managing Director of the Country Range Group, said:

“The Country Range Student Chef Challenge champions the chefs of the future and provides a brilliant platform for students to showcase their skills and talent to key influencers and employers within the foodservice industry. I would urge all chef lecturers to consider entering a team as it is a wonderful opportunity for their students to gain competition experience plus the rewards if you win are fantastic, not only for the students but for the college as a whole.”

Applications, Timings and Deadlines

As the start of term can be an incredibly busy period for students, lecturers and colleges, the challenge is launching in June to provide more time to plan, prepare, test dishes and finalise menus.

Chef lecturers and colleges across the UK are being urged to enter and can register their interest by visiting www.countryrangestudentchef.co.uk to receive an entry pack.

Applications need to be submitted by the 30th November 2017 before the paper judging stage. The teams that make it through the live regional heats will then do battle in the Live Theatre at Hotelympia in London (5-8th March 2018) in front of the country’s leading chefs and operators.

Country Range Student Chef Challenge

Now in its 24th year, the long-running Country Range Student Chef Challenge provides full time hospitality and catering college students with the perfect platform to improve cooking skills, knowledge and technique, while developing real life experience under intense pressure and competition situations.

Run in partnership with the Craft Guild of Chefs, who provide competition-standard judging and detailed feedback to the students, the winning team will also be given the opportunity to work with the Craft Guild’s culinary team at a future event to be confirmed.  Previous winning teams have been given the opportunity to compete at the Culinary Olympics and cook for the country’s leading chefs at the Craft Guild of Chefs Annual Awards.

The 2017 Challenge Winners

The 2017 challenge saw the all-female team of Iona Duncan, Agnieska Dudko and Katarazyna Hospodarewska from Ayrshire College win the coveted crown in a hotly contested final at ScotHot, Scotland’s biggest food, drink and hospitality show. As part of their prize, the talented trio won a unique opportunity to work with the Craft Guild’s culinary team in catering for over a thousand guests at the Craft Guild of Chefs’ Annual Awards 2017.

Annmarie Farr, lecturer of the winning team from Ayrshire College, explained the benefits the challenge offers:

“The Country Range Student Chef Challenge is one of the biggies. It’s a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime experience and the girls will remember it forever. It is the pinnacle of their careers so far and it looks brilliant on the girls’ CVs. Winning has brought fantastic publicity to the college too and has helped us develop a reputation as a top catering college.”

About Country Range

With 25 years of heritage servicing the UK’s innovative foodservice sector, Country Range is the leading independent foodservice brand and now offers over 850 products, all developed exclusively for professional caterers. Covering grocery, chilled, frozen and non-food, Country Range is widely recognised by caterers as a trusted and reliable brand delivering consistent quality and value for money without compromising on taste and flavour. The brand is developed and produced by the Country Range Group and is distributed exclusively by the 13 independent wholesalers that make up the Group.

Website: www.countryrange.co.uk

Twitter/Instagram: @countryrangeuk

 

Fairway Foodservice launches sliced meats and joints range

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Fairway Foodservice launches sliced meats and joints range

Leading buying group Fairway Foodservice has introduced eight new products to its own brand range.

It has added five sliced cooked meats and three joints, with each one going through an extensive benchmarking exercise.

The 3.5kg joints are gammon, Wiltshire ham, and honey roast ham, while the sliced meats range includes gammon, Wiltshire ham, beef topside, pastrami, and chicken roll.

Purchasing director, Steve Jeavons, said: “The demand for new Fairway Foodservice own brand products continues to grow.

“These top quality additions fit well with our members’ customer needs in a category that is experiencing considerable growth.

“They are ideal for pub lunches, salads and buffets, or to use in sandwiches and ciabattas etc.

“We have found a supplier which is absolutely passionate about everything it does, from sourcing products to utilising experienced staff and modern facilities.

“It trains, implements and maintains rigorous checks all the way through the production process to produce a finished product that is consistent in quality and competitively priced.

“It’s no surprise our members are thrilled with the new range.”

The new sliced meats and joints range from Fairway Foodservice is:

  • Sliced gammon (500g)
  • Sliced Wiltshire ham (500g)
  • Sliced beef topside (500g)
  • Sliced pastrami (500g)
  • Sliced chicken roll (500g)
  • Gammon joint (3.5kg)
  • Wiltshire ham joint (3.5kg)
  • Honey roast ham joint (3.5kg)

The additions continue to add quality depth and variety to Fairway’s own brand range, which now includes more than 580 products.

Fairway Foodservice is a buying and marketing organisation, which operates on behalf of 19 wholesalers based in the UK, Ireland and Spain. Founded in 1984 by five frozen food wholesale distribution companies, it has grown from a collective turnover of £7m in 1984 to £650.5m in 2016.

Alongside access to Fairway Foodservice’s extensive range of products, members benefit from collective buying power on a number of lines, significant marketing support and subscription discounts to the Erudus One product specification database.

For more information on Fairway Foodservice, visit www.fairwayfoodservice.com, or follow Fairway Foodservice on Twitter @fairwayfood.

DAWN LAUNCHES SEASONAL DONUT

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

DAWN LAUNCHES SEASONAL DONUT FILLED WITH THE FLAVOURS OF SUMMER

With thoughts of long summer days, picnics and days on the beach, Dawn Foods has launched a summer-season filled ring donut to its range of ready to serve Premium Donuts.

Made with Dawn’s own high quality mix, the new Raspberry & Cream Twist Donut, like the other donuts in the Premium range, features a light fluffy texture, an eye-catchingly rich and appetising topping, then a delicious ‘end to end’ filling to give a satisfying eat.

The Raspberry & Cream Twist Donut is double injected, meaning there’s a mouth-watering intermittent raspberry and cream cheese filling inside the donut ring. The donut is then topped with white icing with red/pink stripes for visual impact. The product is vegetarian and Halal friendly too.

The Raspberry & Cream Twist joins Dawn’s range of Premium Donuts:

  • Seasonal Coconut – this classic ring donut gives a double coconut hit from a sweet coconut filling and a covering of coconut flakes plus a smooth chocolate flavour coating
  • Strawberry Sprinkle – filled with strawberry jam, and coated in strawberry icing and multi coloured sprinkles
  • Chocca-Nut – featuring a hazelnut topping, sprinkled with chopped nuts, and a delicious smooth hazelnut sauce inside
  • Cinn-Apple with crunchy cinnamon sugar and a fruity apple filling
  • Triple-Choc with a creamy chocolate sauce filling and cocoa topping with sprinkles
  • Caramel-Lace – coated in vanilla icing and caramel sauce, with a gooey caramel surprise inside.

The range taps into the growing trend for ‘premiumisaton’ in sweet bakery, with interesting finishes, textures and flavour combinations providing ‘added value’.

Supplied frozen, with a frozen shelf life of 12 months, Dawn’s Premium Donuts are simply ‘thawed and served’ as demand dictates, meaning there is no wastage. The premium quality look and taste of the donuts means bakers and caterers are also able to command a healthy price point for the products.

For more information and recipe ideas go to www.dawnfoods.com or call 01386 760843 or Email info.UK@dawnfoods.com.

DFDS and Rick Bestwick partnership recognised

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

DFDS and Rick Bestwick partnership recognised at Motor Transport Awards

Leading transport provider, DFDS and temperature controlled food service provider, Rick Bestwick Limited, have been shortlisted for the partnership award category in the Motor Transport Awards 2017.

The collaboration was initially started in October 2015, when DFDS Logistics began managing all transport operations and driver employees from Rick Bestwick, part of the Magnavale Group.

Since then, the partnership has exceeded all targets and as a result, has received the prestigious nomination.

Matt O’Dell, director at DFDS, said: “The Motor Transport Awards is an industry recognised event and we’re delighted to be shortlisted for the partnership award with Rick Bestwick.

“The partnership has enabled us to share knowledge, best practice and commercial opportunities and we are confident that our combined expertise gives us a unique position in the market and will pave the way for the future of the supply chain.”

Prior to working with DFDS, Rick Bestwick’s transport services were carried out in-house, today the partnership has carried out more than 58,000 deliveries across the UK, Europe and internationally since the companies joined forces. The support from DFDS has enabled Rick Bestwick to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ that ensures maximum efficiency and customer service as well as lowering prices for all parties.

Kevin Hancock, managing director at Chesterfield-based Rick Bestwick Limited, said: “The MT awards are one of the most recognised events in the industry we work within. The nomination reflects the hard work that has gone into the partnership from all layers within both businesses.”

The Motor Transport Awards showcase the best in the industry, the event takes place on 5th July 2017 at the Grosvenor House, London.

Central Foods proud to announce it’s a ‘no trans fats’ zone

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Central Foods proud to announce it’s a ‘no trans fats’ zone

Frozen food distributor Central Foods has confirmed it’s a ‘trans fats free’ zone.

“This is great news for all of our customers, and for their customers too,” said Central Foods managing director Gordon Lauder.

“The issue of trans fatty acids, or artificial trans fats, has been high on the health agenda in recent years after links to heart disease and strokes. We’ve carried out a very detailed check of more than 400 products that we supply to wholesalers and food service operators, and we are proud that none of the products we supply has trans fatty acids as an ingredient.

“As a leading frozen food distributor, Central Foods prides itself on offering high quality products, working in partnership with the best food manufacturers, and this news illustrates our commitment to excellence.”

The US Food and Drug Administration is banning trans fatty acids from 18th June 2018, and last year, the EU adopted a resolution to start an assessment of the impact trans fatty acids have on public health and to devise policies after an earlier preliminary report by the European Commission suggested that setting a legal limit for industrial trans fats content in foods would be the most effective measure in terms of public health and consumer protection.

New York, which banned trans fatty acids in restaurant food in 2007, has seen a 6% drop in hospital admissions for heart attacks and strokes compared with counties without bans, according to a study by Yale University.

Trans fatty acids, known as hydrogenated fat, can be used for frying or as an ingredient in processed foods, commonly to make them more solid.

In recent years, many manufacturers have voluntarily removed trans fats from their products through reformulation.

Offering a one-stop shop to the foodservice sector, Central Foods sources products from around the world and the UK, supplying more than 400 different lines, ranging from meat, bakery items and canapés through to buffet products, desserts and puddings.

The Northamptonshire-based business is one of the UK’s leading frozen food distributors, supplying more than 220 independent wholesalers, as well as larger national and regional wholesalers. It also supplies to foodservice caterers across the entire foodservice industry, including pubs, hotels, restaurants, staff canteens, schools, hospitals, coffee shops, football grounds and universities.

For more information visit www.centralfoods.co.uk