DAERA GUIDANCE ON THE NORTHERN IRELAND RETAIL MOVEMENT SCHEME (NIRMS) & NI PLANT HEALTH LABEL (NIPHL) SCHEME

On 29th September BFFF attended a webinar hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS) and the Plant Health Label (NIPHL) Scheme.

The slides from the webinar are now available on the DAERA website. We would strongly encourage you to review them as they may offer the detail on many of the areas you have been questioning including:

  • A step-by-step guide of the journey through NIRMS
  • How to register on NIRMS
  • An explanation of the Common Health Entry Document Operator Portal (CHOP) and how to register.
  • Signing up for TRACESNT
  • Sealing of consignments
  • General certificates and packing lists, including a list of essentials.
  • Pre-notification
  • Official checks
  • Groupage – including 3 different scenarios.
  • Compliance

The slides also cover the NI Plant Health Label (NIPHL) Scheme and provide lots of links to further useful information.

THE COST OF LIVING V THE COST OF LIFE

The cost of life is circa £1500 pounds and each one of those £’s you will hope you have wasted. The cost of living, is a crunch which is hitting us all, one will pass, the other is frequently fatal.

It is never the right time to think of death in the workplace, however it happens, so the right time is always, now.

We talk of course of AEDs and Cardiac Arrest.

Defib Plus and the BFFF have been partnered for a while now, the BFFF continuously underwriting its commitment to ensuring its members are fully aware and provided for in H&S. This is highlighted here, by focusing on a unique Preservation of Life event in the workplace, Cardiac Arrest, which for 9 out of 10 is fatal, without intervention. Defib Plus, provides you the best advice and equipment at subsidised pricing, often more cost efficient than any other UK provider. But our joint venture in this preservation of life, goes beyond cost of equipment.

The principal concern for corporate ownership of AEDs, is that of liability and litigation. DFPL mitigates that risk at every level and is the principal reason for our two organisations joining forces.

The primary obligation that must be met in ownership of defibrillators, is under PUWER, but with that comes the requirement for a member of staff to make the efficacy checks and record their findings for company record. Unsupported by your equipment supplier, this may be deemed a risk for both the individual concerned and the company. In our experience, there can be many mistakes made in this process. Defib Plus undertakes those vital compliances for you, as per manufacturers guidelines and as per time stipulations. On the equipment passing inspection, we certificate that device as checked and approved for use. Best practice in your Duty of Care – demonstrated, by your equipment supplier.

Beyond undertaking your above statutory compliance we also;

  • Replace all AEDs maintained & purchased through Defib Plus at their warranty end – free of charge
  • Should a legal entity believe they have a case against any of our clients, for any reason, we have in place – ‘full right of recourse to manufacturer’ to protect you.
  • We supply free consumables, batteries and electrodes x 2 during warranty period
  • We fulfil all statutory Duty of Care obligations for those staff deploying a unit in a resuscitation attempt.
  • There’s more, please contact us for details.

The capital cost of this equipment and its subsequent maintenance is 100% tax deductible, please seek you tax advisors advice.

Outsource your compliance, outsource your risk. Defib Plus is unique in the UK in the extent of its support coverage.

The ownership of AEDs is well recognised as the responsible and gold standard approach to a corporate H&S policy, without them, is to be lacking. Indeed there is now a train of thought, highlighted by the Resuscitation Council UK, that there may be repercussions for not having AEDs, should a case be brought (in the event of death) and the belief prevail that there was no ‘reasonable barrier to ownership’. This is naturally more prevalent for major retailers and other high footfall business than others, but it serves as an indicator. The perceived hurdles to ownership, must be broken down, by being addressed and this is our ethos. If your corporate opinion is that you wish to provide this equipment, but require peace of mind in ownership, please see www.defib-plus.co.uk

If at a time, when sadly we see the worst ambulance response times in living memory, you feel responsible for your staff and visitors, let’s talk responsible care, with responsible ownership. We welcome the chance to assist you.

Tel :- 0333 3355667

Buy the time to save a life.

NORTHERN IRELAND RETAIL MOVEMENT SCHEME NOW LIVE!

The Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS) came into force from Sunday 1 October 2023, replacing STAMNI from this point.

Eligible businesses wishing to take advantage of the simplified process for moving prepacked retail goods from GB to NI can find further information, including how to register here – Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme: how the scheme will work – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you face any challenges in registering for the scheme, please do not hesitate to get in touch with APHA and they will be happy to support you.

  • Email; NIRetailMovementEnquiries@apha.gov.uk
  • Phone; 03000 200 301

Please see the following link to the Eventbrite page that provides a list of upcoming training/information sessions regarding various aspects of the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme and Northern Ireland Plant Health Label Scheme. Defra: Information and Training Sessions Events | Eventbrite

Daera also held a very informative webinar on 29th September on the NI Retail Movement Scheme and NI Plant Health Label Scheme. The slides from that webinar can be accessed here.

MOVEMENT ASSISTANCE SCHEME UPDATE

The Movement Assistance Scheme (MAS), which was due to close in December 2023, has now been extended until 30 June 2025. The Scheme provides support to traders moving agri-food commodities and live animals from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and offers a remuneration scheme to cover traders’ certification costs, where they continue to apply.

The Movement Assistance Scheme was developed in late 2020 to support traders moving agri-food commodities and live animals from GB to NI, who faced new requirements from 1 January 2021 under the Northern Ireland Protocol.

What is changing? 

  • MAS has been extended until 30 June 2025. This aligns with the full implementation of the Windsor Framework
  • MAS will continue to accept claims for reimbursement / waiving of qualifying costs incurred on movement of goods up to 30 June 2025
  • There will be no change to existing processes. More details of the Movement Assistance Scheme expansion are included in a MAS frequently asked questions (FAQ).

FURTHER FUNDING TO HELP BUSINESSES MEET LABELLING REQUIREMENTS OF WINDSOR FRAMEWORK

On 29 September 2023, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs published an update on labelling funding for meeting Phase 1 (October 2023) requirements of the Windsor Framework.

Government are providing £50m extra support for business to prepare for new labelling rules as a part of the Windsor Framework. The Scheme will offer grants at a flat rate adjusted by business size for businesses who can evidence additional labelling costs.

The Transitional Labelling Financial Assistance Scheme will be open to all business registered to the NIRMS who are able to evidence additional labelling costs between 27 February 2023 and 28 February 2024. Redesign, printing and warehouse costs for product, box, and shelf level labelling will all be in scope.

Applications for those who have made phase 1 labelling changes will be open January 2024 and close late March 2024. Instructions will be published in the coming months, setting out how businesses should apply, in advance of the Scheme opening.

Successful applicants will receive payments by 31 July 2024.

FARM TRANS ELEVATES TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED LOGISTICS

Farm Trans, a pioneer in food logistics, is elevating temperature-controlled food transport to, from and within the United Kingdom. With a solid commitment to sustainability, efficiency and convenience, Farm Trans is taking the standards for the transportation of perishable, fresh and frozen food products to the next level.

Farm Trans specializes in providing end-to-end food logistics solutions, with a major focus on temperature-controlled transport. This specialization ensures the preservation of the freshness and quality of all types of food products during transit.

Key highlights of Farm Trans’ activities in the UK and European transport services:

  1. Latest technology: Farm Trans deploys temperature controlled trailers that are equipped with the latest technology to maintain precise temperature and humidity levels throughout the transportation process. This commitment guarantees that sensitive perishables, including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and dairy products, arrive at their destinations in impeccable condition.
  2. Hassle-free overseas transport services: Farm Trans offers effortless overseas transport services for clients looking to transport large volumes from Europe to the UK (as well as from the UK to Europe) on a regular basis. With a seamless process, freight is transported unmanned via ferry to the UK, from where it is efficiently delivered to the final destination in the UK using their own fleet and drivers. Groupage, cross-docking, and A-B deliveries are offered as well, and their dedicated customs partners work diligently to ensure cargo arrives promptly, giving clients peace of mind during international transport as the company oversees the entire journey from start to finish.
  3. Streamlined logistics management: Farm Trans has its own Logistics Management System (LMS) to streamline transport operations from departure to arrival. This comprehensive system manages all data, from order processing to goods receipt, ensuring precise tracking and efficient and safe transport.
  4. Unaccompanied and accompanied transport: Farm Trans offers both unaccompanied and accompanied transport options. The company transports 40 to 50 unaccompanied trailers daily to and from the UK ports, from the ports of Zeebrugge (BE) and Rotterdam (NL). Accompanied transport to and from the UK is facilitated daily through the Calais tunnel. This way Farm Trans handles both temperature controlled trailers as well as bulk trailers for agricultural products.
  5. Domestic transport: Farm Trans provides quick and reliable domestic transport services within the UK. With their own operation in the country and a fleet of bulk and temperature-controlled trailers, they efficiently transport bulk goods as well as fresh and frozen products to destinations across the UK.

Farm Trans’ Commercial Manager for the UK, Tom Steenmeijer, emphasizes the company’s commitment to excellence in food logistics and overseas transport, stating, “Our mission is to provide our clients with unparalleled efficiency, sustainability and convenience. We are proud to be able to offer hassle-free overseas transport services, making international trade seamless, while also continuing to set the highest standards for temperature-controlled food transport in the UK.”

For more information about Farm Trans’ temperature-controlled transport and overseas transport services, please visit www.farmtrans.co.uk.

STAR REFRIGERATION’S BREAKTHROUGH CO2 REFRIGERATION SYSTEM REVOLUTIONISES BIDFOOD GLASGOW’S ENERGY CONSUMPTION

The technologically advanced CO2 refrigeration system installed at Bidfood’s new Glasgow site consumes just half the energy recommended by UK’s Best Practice Guidelines for cold and chill stores.

Star Refrigeration has helped Bidfood move one step closer to meeting their Net Zero targets by installing two dual temperature CO2 cooling systems at its recently built cold store in Glasgow. The systems set a new industry standard in energy performance, consuming 49.5% less energy than the ‘Best Practice’ Benchmark for similar size facilities in Britain.

Bidfood, one of the UK’s leading foodservice providers, has continuously demonstrated its commitment towards a greener future. The installation by Star Refrigeration aligns seamlessly with their ambitious climate targets to reduce carbon emissions by at least 90% by 2045, particularly as the new facility now boasts an environmentally benign refrigerant providing close to a 50% reduction in energy consumption compared to UK ‘Best Practice’.

Dr Rob Lamb, Group Sales and Marketing Director at Star Refrigeration said, ‘The refrigeration systems at Bidfood’s Glasgow site demonstrate the potential for businesses aiming to transition towards energy efficient and climate friendly operations by using CO2 cooling technology. Bidfood’s decision to prioritise sustainability has not only set a commendable benchmark but has also delivered tangible benefits, showcasing reduced energy costs and carbon emissions that outperform the industry’s Best Practice standards across the country”.

Operational since November 2022, Bidfood Glasgow’s refrigeration system uses carbon dioxide (CO2) as the refrigerant. Unlike synthetic refrigerants under the F-gas Regulation, CO2 is a sustainable, future-proof natural alternative with a global warming potential (GWP) of just 1.

The CO2 refrigeration systems are located externally, adjacent to the building, and provide cooling to a freezer, chill store and marshalling area. The site’s core freezer system maintains a temperature of -250C, with a design cooling duty of 245kW, while the chill areas operate at +20C and have a combined cooling duty of 268kW. To ensure optimal air circulation and a consistent temperature throughout the facility, multiple coolers equipped with efficient EC fans have been installed. Running at a speed of 50%, these fans offer savings of up to 87.5% over their traditional counterparts.

The cooling plant has also been fitted with a heat recovery system which repurposes waste heat for underfloor heating and provides warm glycol defrost on the air coolers. Its control system offers real-time data monitoring, fault dial out and remote access capabilities to allow for swift performance adjustments, and ongoing maintenance.

Energy data recorded for the 37,500 m3 facility has been collected and analysed since it was installed in 2022. The results reveal that the Specific Energy Consumption at Bidfood’s Glasgow site stands at 10.2 kWh/m3/year – an energy consumption that is half of that of the UK’s Best Practice industry standard of 20.4 kWh/m3/year. This translates into a CO2 emissions reduction of 77 tonnes annually, helping the company cut their energy spend and achieve their long term vision of reducing their environmental footprint.

Claire Cox, Head of Property for Bidfood, said, “Partnering with Star Refrigeration has been instrumental in strengthening our commitment to sustainability while improving the efficiency of our operations across our cold stores. The energy efficiency achieved at our Glasgow site through the installation of a CO2 refrigeration system far exceeded our expectations. We appreciate Star’s contribution and are encouraged to continue our joint efforts towards improved sustainability and operational efficiency at our facilities in the future.”

Star Refrigeration has been a leading force in the research and development of energy-efficient and sustainable industrial cooling technology since 1949. Its Bellshill branch, located 20 miles from the Bidfood site, has over 20 years of experience in CO2 cooling, stretching back to the installation of Star’s first CO2  refrigeration system in central Scotland in 2002. With a team of 20 engineers, management and admin teams, the branch is now set to deliver essential aftercare and continuous support to Bidfood locally.

TRACEGAINS UNVEILS SALES HUB SOFTWARE DESIGNED FOR SUPPLIERS IN RESPONSE TO EXPANDING MARKETPLACE AND SURGING DEMAND FOR INGREDIENT TRANSPARENCY

 TraceGains, the food and beverage industry’s only networked ingredients marketplace, today announced the launch of TraceGains Sales Hub, the newest application in the TraceGains Gather™ platform. Sales Hub empowers ingredient suppliers to better compete in today’s increasingly dynamic global raw food environment by amplifying their presence on the TraceGains Marketplace with the ability to identify and capitalize on high-quality leads, expedite sales processes, and enhance customer satisfaction.

“Sourcing is so much easier with TraceGains Gather,” said David Phuong, QA Director, Snak-King. “Our R&D team was able to quickly find several suppliers for a hard-to-find ingredient. In the past, we had to use a search engine for sourcing, and it would take twice as long.”

As the global food and beverage ingredients market grows rapidly, sales and marketing professionals in the supplier sector often face challenges in their roles, including emails, cold calls, and lengthy waits for customer inquiries. TraceGains Sales Hub allows suppliers to market their products on a dedicated global marketplace exclusively designed for food and beverage industry services. This innovative platform connects suppliers with buyers who are actively seeking ingredients and new supplier relationships, and know precisely what they need, facilitating a smoother and more efficient transaction and helping suppliers sell more in a highly competitive world.

“Suppliers are the lifeblood of our marketplace, and we’re continually looking for innovative ways to enhance their presence and streamline connections with brands,” said Emma Karp, Product Manager, TraceGains. “For years, we’ve pushed back against single-use portals and burdensome, one-off processes, helping suppliers serve multiple customers at once. TraceGains Sales Hub is the next logical step for our Gather platform, creating that same experience for suppliers looking to reach new markets and grow their businesses. This exciting innovation is poised to transform the way ingredient suppliers operate, allowing them to focus on what they do best while getting more direct leads from active buyers, leaving the guesswork and confusion behind.”

TraceGains Sales Hub Features
With access to the world’s most extensive networked ingredients marketplace that attracts brands and manufacturers from across the globe, TraceGains Sales Hub empowers ingredient suppliers to thrive in today’s competitive market, reduce manual processes, and never miss a sales opportunity. Key features include:

  1. Showcase: Sales Hub enables ingredient suppliers to create virtual storefronts for their product catalogs. Suppliers can configure featured products and listing information and market directly to buyers actively seeking specific materials.

  2. Sales Requests: Managing samples and requests from buyers has never been easier. Sales Hub helps suppliers efficiently receive and handle customer inquiries, ensuring no opportunity falls through the cracks.

  3. Sales Leads: The platform automates the capture and tracking of current and potential customer interactions, producing high value leads from interested prospects, and making it easy to manage them for effective follow-up. Active buyers are paired with capable sellers.

  4. Listing Analytics: Sales Hub’s intuitive reporting tools automatically track listing performance and activity. Suppliers can identify top-performing listings, monitor views and trends over time, and measure requests and document downloads.

With more than 64,000+ supplier locations and 466,000+ items and ingredients, TraceGains has become food and beverage brands’ de facto marketplace for supply chain support. Now, with the launch of TraceGains Sales Hub, TraceGains is setting a new industry standard for efficiency and customer engagement and creating a modern sales vehicle for the food and beverage industry.

For more information about TraceGains Sales Hub and to request a demo, please visit www.tracegains.com.