Tues 18th Nov, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London

THE STATE OF UK INNOVATION: AYMING’S UK INNOVATION BAROMETER 2023

Posted on by James Sampson

The state of UK innovation: Ayming’s UK Innovation Barometer 2023

The UK’s innovation landscape has been steadily maturing since the launch of the R&D scheme more than two decades ago. But after a challenging few years, innovation teams face new obstacles as economic turbulence undermines already-squeezed budgets.

Ayming has recently launched its inaugural UK Innovation Barometer 2023, where we examine the current state of the UK’s innovation landscape, as well as considering the various reforms that have the potential to influence businesses operating across a number of sectors, including food and beverage and manufacturing.

In order to stimulate greater innovation across the UK’s landscape and compete at the highest level globally, the Government must adopt a coordinated approach that addresses innovation, productivity and sustainability together.

There are a number of key insights, but some headline messages from the survey include:

Budgets are up, and due to increase further: Despite challenging economic conditions, 54% of respondents report an increase in R&D budgets in the last year while 66% of firms plan to increase budgets next year.

Artificial intelligence now most popular R&D resource: When it comes to the resources and partners used to carry out R&D, the most popular option is artificial intelligence, selected by 39% of respondents, followed by collaborating with partner organisations, at 37%, and working with universities, at 33%.

Exodus of R&D activity from UK: 69% of businesses have moved R&D activity abroad in the last year and 70% plan to move activity abroad next year. The US and Germany are the most popular destinations for moving R&D, selected by 28% and 27% of businesses respectively.

UK must create more competitive R&D environment: The most popular reason why firms are moving activity abroad is private funding opportunities at 37%, followed closely by more favourable R&D tax credit schemes at 36%, and better access to talent at 35%.

Majority have faith in UK Innovation Strategy: 69% of respondents believe the Innovation Strategy will be enough to reverse the UK’s relative decline in international R&D activity and spending. 30% can increase claims due to recent expansion to cloud, data and pure maths while 26% have used UK’s new high-skilled visa. HMRC fraud clampdown causing problems: 35% per cent of respondents reported that HMRC’s clampdown has delayed payments of R&D tax credits, 24% share that these delays have forced them to reduce their R&D budget, and 19% say that the delays have held up R&D activity.

Government must back up Horizon funding: 75% of respondents agreed that establishing back-up funding to Horizon was at least very important, with over one-in-five citing it as absolutely critical.

ARIA seen as critical to future of UK innovation: Businesses eager to see ARIA come to fruition, with 48% believing ARIA to be very important to the future of UK Innovation, and 20% consider it to be absolutely critical.

Overwhelming support for new green R&D tax credit: There is significant support for a supercharged tax incentive for sustainable R&D activity. 95% said it was important, with half of total respondents saying it is very important.

UK businesses failing on green R&D: 80% of businesses are not investing in sustainable/green R&D projects. As for why, 43% are prioritising other R&D activity, 24% have insufficient funding, while 22% say they don’t know how to apply for funding.

You can download a copy of Ayming’s 2023 UK Innovation Barometer here to get all of the insights.

OAKLAND DISTRIBUTION TRAILER FLEET 100% ELECTRIC

Posted on by hayley.smith@oakland-international.com

Total supply chain solutions specialist Oakland International now has 100% fully electric trailers having invested in Carrier Transicold’s innovative Eco-Drive technology, fitting the system to the tractor units operating in the Oakland Distribution transport fleet.

Through ongoing investment in sustainable technologies, energy efficient solutions and working towards becoming the first business within their sector to achieve net-zero, Oakland International has undertaken a major investment in Carrier’s Eco-Drive technology, which converts power from the truck’s own engine into electricity, which is used to run the Carrier Transicold Vector refrigeration units mounted to the company’s temperature-controlled trailers.

Oakland International Distribution Director Martin Pearson said: “Oakland’s investment in Carrier’s Eco-Drive technology is just one of a range of initiatives which will ensure our continued growth and is in addition to the long-term investment in our fleet. Having carried out several trials with Carrier Transicold, it offered a real benefit to move in this direction, not simply for fuel savings, but it also delivered sustainability benefits through further reductions in our carbon footprint.

“As of March 2023 we are now 100% electric when operating our refrigerated trailers to deliver customers’ chilled and frozen goods. This underpins our goal to become 100% carbon neutral, with Oakland Distribution amongst the first in the industry to operate a fully electric refrigerated trailer fleet.”

Carrier Transicold’s Eco-Drive units have both been retrofitted to the company’s existing Renault tractor units, as well as mounted to new vehicles entering the fleet. The system uses a hydraulic pump connected to the truck engine’s power take-off, this drives a generator that delivers the electrical power required to run Oakland Distribution’s Vector refrigeration units, improving sustainability through reduced emissions and lower fuel requirements.

Scott Dargan, Managing Director UK & Northern Europe, Carrier Transicold said: “Improving sustainability through innovation sits at the heart of what we do at Carrier Transicold. We are delighted that Oakland Distribution have invested in our Eco-Drive technology, which allows the business to both retrofit their existing vehicles, and fit new tractor units entering service with the system. The electrification of its trailer fleet will provide instant fuel and emissions savings and we look forward to seeing the results!”

Oakland International is a leading D2C/B2C/B2B specialist in contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution and brand development support covering ambient, chilled, and frozen food, and services retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK and Ireland. They are also BRCGS AA accredited and have taken the first step to becoming B Corp certified. Oakland Distribution specialises in transportation of temperature-controlled goods and offers complete supply chain control at several delivery destinations.

PRINCIPAL LOGISTICS TECHNOLOGIES AND KESTRONICS PARTNERSHIP OFFERS TOTAL SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS

Posted on by Rob Sherwin

Warehouse management and ERP solutions provider Principal Logistics Technologies and supply chain management technology provider Kestronics have signed a partnership contract that will enable both companies to offer integrated solutions incorporating each other’s products. Principal Logistics Technologies’ products include ProSKU cloud-based warehouse management software, ProWMS enterprise-level warehouse management software and ProERP enterprise resource planning software. Kestronics, experts in technology solutions, offers a wide range of hardware devices, aftercare support, and services. The company works with many well-known brands supplying label printers, barcode scanners, mobile computers & tablets, and vehicle mounted computers, as well as specialist RFID readers and machine vision cameras to support retailers, warehouse & logistics operators and manufacturers across the UK, Europe, and North America.

“Most solutions needed to support modern supply chains combine applications and hardware,” says Joe O’Shea, Sales Director at Principal Logistics Technologies. “As a result of this partnership customers of both companies will benefit from integrated solutions aligned to their business requirements and which deliver innovation, performance improvement, and added value.”

“We are excited to be exhibiting together for the first time at the IWLEX, Inside Warehouse Logistics Expo, taking place at Telford International Centre in May 2023, stand C34. Here we will be offering live demonstrations of Principal Logistics Technologies’ ProSKU software on the newly launched Kestronics Packing Bench Solution. This innovative, state-of-the-art equipment can increase frontline efficiency by 33% faster packing, minimising human error, reducing return fraud, and improving overall inventory accuracy,” says Mark Shirran, Managing Director at Kestronics.

As modern supply chains become more complex and costs continue to rise, integrated solutions will play a pivotal role by driving efficiency, visibility and optimising warehouse and supply chain operations. This exciting partnership will allow customers of both Kestronics and Principal Logistics Technologies to leverage these solutions to drive modernisation and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

£130 MILLION INVESTMENT INTO EUROPE’S MOST EFFICIENT COLD STORE FACILITY

Posted on by shane.meharg@magnavale.co.uk

Magnavale, one of the UK’s leading cold storage providers, has announced that they have made a £130 million investment into their new development in Easton Lincolnshire.

The 101,000-pallet cold store will be the highest cold store built in the UK, at 47.5 metres high, allowing greater capacity and efficiency in a smaller footprint. Magnavale intends for the energy efficient facility, which will be run entirely on renewables, to serve as the first automated development of their extensive pipeline of new facilities across strategic locations in the UK and Europe.

Advanced Infrastructure for Greener, More Secure Supply Chains

Magnavale are excited that the progress of its Easton development is progressing rapidly. Since breaking ground in September 2022, the company has achieved significant milestones, positioning the development to become Europe’s most efficient cold store.

McClaren have completed the main concrete slab, and low bay cladding and steelwork for the staircase and office are now complete. Construction has also begun on the high bay automation, and the high bay cladding, which including the cranes, are currently being erected within the store’s steelwork lattice. The electrical infrastructure and fire suppression system are also making steady progress.

The refrigeration and oxygen reduction plantrooms, essential elements of the cold store, are under construction and nearing completion. Magnavale are pleased with the progress made so far and remains confident that they will complete construction in Q4 2024.

Magnavale’s new development in Easton, Grantham, is set to become the most efficient cold store in Europe, accommodating a capacity of 101,000 pallets. The fully automated cold store will operate solely on renewable energy, making it an environmentally sustainable solution for the modern cold storage industry.

THE CHIP THAT HAS IT ALL – NEW AVIKO SUPERCRUNCH PURE & RUSTIC

Posted on by Shah Khan

According to independent research, 65% of foodservice diners want rustic looking chips and are willing to pay a premium for it*. So, there has never been a better time for chefs, caterers and operators to upgrade their offering to Aviko’s new – SuperCrunch Pure & Rustic, the chip that combines a homemade feel with the taste and crunch of a ‘proper’ chip.

Available to foodservice now, Aviko’s SuperCrunch Pure & Rustic Chips are made with superior spuds which lock in flavour for a delicious tasting chip. With the skin left on paired with irregular cut sizes, the chips have a rustic, natural look and unrivalled texture. These features combined make for a five-star chip that will add a premium feel to any dish.

Speaking of the launch, Mohammed Essa, Commercial Director UK & Ireland, said:

“Aviko is proud to add another delicious solution to its foodservice portfolio. There’s a huge opportunity for operators to offer chips that are premium, crispy and appear homemade, so the launch of Aviko SuperCrunch Pure & Rustic means there is a real solution that can help operators boost profits and satisfy their customers’ cravings.”

Available now in 2.5kg format, Aviko’s SuperCrunch Pure & Rustic Chips are gluten free and vegan friendly, have a shelf-life of 24 months and can be prepared in both the oven or fryer, ensuring versatile preparation to suit busy kitchens and all menus.

Mohammed continues,

“Now more than ever, kitchens need to focus on cost-savings, reduce food waste and make menus work harder through stocking versatile ingredients. With chips the side of choice for so many dishes, our new Aviko SuperCrunch Pure & Rustic Chips will help chefs and caterers everywhere make the most of consumer demand for quality and value when eating out.”

The new chips are perfect for delivery too, thanks to their SuperCrunch coating which promises a long holding time and guaranteed crunch on arrival. When considering that 81% of consumers would order chips more often if they knew that they would arrive crunchy*, plus the increase of +115% of pubs and restaurants offering delivery since Covid**, Aviko’s SuperCrunch Pure & Rustic are a win-win product to stock.

Aviko has been the resolute potato partner for foodservice for over fifty years, bringing quality and smart solutions to menus all over the world. With a range of chilled and frozen potato specialities made by chefs, for chefs, Aviko’s extensive range includes Hash Browns, Premium Fries, Mash, Snackables and much more.

*Toluna Survey

**Lumina Food Strategy Forum Q1

For more information on Aviko visit www.aviko.co.uk

BORDER TARGET OPERATING MODEL WEBINAR RECORDINGS NOW AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Over the last few weeks, the government have been running a series of webinars to explain how the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) will work and to seek feedback from stakeholder groups.

The recordings from those webinars have now been uploaded to the APHA YouTube site and can be accessed here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLouExecY1Kne5ac9VeNAE_TZVdcy8P0ga

THE FUTURE OF FOOD CONFERENCE 2023

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

After a three-year break, BSI is delighted to bring back the Future of Food Conference.

Joined by The Cold Chain Federation and The British Frozen Food Federation, the day will feature insights and advice on topics such as emerging industry trends, how innovation changing the way food is delivered, and the effects of cyber security.

Join us for talks from experts and take part in our live Q&A panel discussions, for insights and advice on topics such as sustainability, innovation, food defence, and cyber security.

Click here to view the event agenda.

BFFF’s Head of Technical, Denise Rion will be speaking about how different factors have influenced consumer choice and behaviour over the years and a forward look at overcoming the challenges facing the sector.

UPCOMING TRADER SUPPORT SERVICE WEBINAR: AN OVERVIEW OF THE WINDSOR FRAMEWORK

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

The Northern Ireland Customs & Trade Academy (NICTA) is holding a webinar on Tuesday 30th May at 10am to provide businesses who trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland with an overview of the Windsor Framework.

NICTA is an online learning platform preparing firms for new processes involved in moving goods under the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Developed as part of the Trader Support Service (TSS), NICTA provides online training, webinars, and ‘how-to’ guides to all those involved in trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

This latest session will help you understand the Windsor Framework; explore the Green Lane; and inform you about the key dates and upcoming changes. Experts will be available to assist with any questions, provide insight and help prepare for upcoming changes.

All courses are accredited by the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT)

You can register here