Tues 18th Nov, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London

SAFETY WON’T BE FORGOTTEN IN THE RACE TO NET ZERO

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Professor Andrew Curran, Director of Science and Chief Scientific Adviser at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Safety will be a central part of Great Britain’s move to Net Zero the top scientist at the country’s workplace regulator says.

The government has committed to decarbonising our economy by 2050 and that will involve embracing new technologies.

Professor Andrew Curran, Director of Science at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and a member of the government’s Chief Scientific Advisers Network, says scientists at HSE are already working to address challenges presented by the move to Net Zero.

The safe use of lithium-ion batteries, testing hydrogen-fuelled vehicles in tunnels, and the safety of hydrogen as a potential fuel for flights are just some areas where HSE scientists are safe-guarding safety during the introduction of Net Zero technologies.

This work is highlighted in the annual HSE science review published on the 28th March.

Professor Curran said: “HSE scientists have a key role to play here. Bringing together scientific expertise and Britain’s proud health and safety record, they have spent more than 20 years identifying and tackling emerging safety challenges to enable the safe introduction of net zero energy technologies. They have worked with policymakers, industry, and researchers around the world.

“By doing so HSE is playing an important role in enabling a safe pathway to reaching net zero by 2050.”

In addition to work on net zero safety, ensuring the learning from the COVID-19 National Core Study enables future pandemic preparedness, and the authorisation of the first UK application of a pesticide using a drone are some of the other case studies captured in HSE’s Annual Science Review.

Read more about HSE’s case studies highlighted in this year’s Annual Science Review.

To hear HSE scientists and engineers presenting 5 min ‘Turbo Talks’ on their work, please join us for the 2023 HSE Annual Science Review launch seminar, online, at 1pm on 20 April. To register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hse-2023-annual-science-review-seminar-tickets-598384804057

 

UPDATES FROM THE DEFRA NI-GB FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN FORUM

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

On 30th March, the BFFF attended the weekly session of the Defra led NI-GB Food Supply Chain Forum, the first that had taken place since the  Windsor Framework  was formally adopted by the UK and EU in a meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee (WAJC).

At the WAJC meeting, both sides agreed to work together intensively and faithfully to implement all elements of the Windsor Framework and reaffirmed their intent to use all available mechanisms in the Framework to address and jointly resolve any relevant future issues that may emerge. The decision made by the WAJC can be found here.

Defra have assured us that having reached this critical point, now means that many of the questions posed to them in recent weeks, may start to be answered.

They are now in the process of reviewing questions from all stakeholder groups and compiling a comprehensive Q&A document on the Windsor Framework. Once they are in a position to do so, they have promised they will share the Q&A with us as a pdf for circulation amongst our members.

Allowing for the Easter break, the next session of the NI-GB Food Supply Chain Forum is due to take place on the Thursday 13th April.

Should members have any questions they wish to pose, then please send them to deniserion@bfff.co.uk and we will ensure they are tabled. Note – due to the sheer volume of people and questions on the call, it may not be possible to pose your questions verbally. Therefore, please ensure they are as short and precise as possible to allow us to pose them in the chat function if necessary.

Alternatively, you can email any urgent export questions or questions about Export Health Certificates (EHCs) directly to APHA at Exports@APHA.gov.uk .

Or questions/comments can be submitted directly to NIGBFoodSupplyChainForum@defra.gov.uk .

And any HMRC enquiries can be sent directly to nistakeholderengagementteam@hmrc.gov.uk

SSO LOGISTICS USES PROSKU WMS TO OPEN LIVERPOOL FREEPORT’S FIRST CUSTOMS SITE

Posted on by Rob Sherwin

Implementing the ProSKU WMS helped SSO Logistics to become the first customs site operator at the new Liverpool City Region Freeport. Using the cloud-based application enabled the company to meet the strict Freeport compliance demands of HMRC including detailed on-demand stock identification and tracking information. When the facility went live in December 2022 this was an important milestone because all Freeports must incorporate at least one customs site to be considered fully operational by HMRC and the UK Government.

“A key requirement for companies wishing to operate in Freeports is the ability to control stock movements and demonstrate this to HMRC on-demand,” says Peter Draper, director at SSO Logistics. “Many businesses control stock using WMS or ERP applications that are paper-based and have none of the real-time, auditability, traceability and reporting functionality demanded by HMRC. ProSKU does and we would highly recommend it.”

Established in 2014 by Neil Draper, Peter Draper, and Simon Haslam, SSO Logistics offers a wide range of handling, storage, freight, and transport services for a diverse set of customers. Its facility in St Helens includes warehousing and dedicated ramps for the offloading of containers. As a member of Pallet Track, a network of more than 90 logistics specialists, the company offers an end-to-end service to customers throughout the UK and Europe.

When the Government announced eight new Freeports in 2021, SSO Logistics was one of the first companies to recognise the possibilities. The proposed Liverpool City Region Freeport was close to the company’s existing site in St Helens and offered ideal potential for expanding the business. Freeports are special secure areas – based around sea, air, and rail ports – within the UK’s borders where different economic regulations apply. For example, they are subject to different import and export regulations with lower tariffs and VAT rates than conventional ports. By delivering investment on specific sites benefitting from tax and customs incentives, Freeports aim to promote innovation and regeneration and create thousands of jobs in disadvantaged communities. Each site has been carefully selected for its suitability for development by local authorities and key private partners and sits within a defined outer boundary.

The Freeports model includes a comprehensive package of measures, comprising tax reliefs, customs, business rates retention, planning, regeneration, innovation and trade and investment support. This offers significant potential for businesses but companies using them must comply with some strict rules. In particular, they must be able to distinguish between stock that will be re-exported and that which is destined for customers in the UK. As part of this they must have systems in place to control and track physical stock and provide on-demand reporting to HMRC.

“The key advantages of Freeports are that imports can enter the UK with simplified customs documentation and also benefit from suspension of tariffs and import VAT,” says Peter Draper. “We recognised immediately the benefits to companies like us. As a third-party logistics operator of warehousing and distribution we needed to understand the legislative framework and achieve compliance as soon as we could.”

SSO Logistics has been using ProSKU WMS at its facility in St Helens since 2018 to manage the continued growth of its warehousing and logistics operations. It chose the application because, being cloud-based, it required no on-site server. This meant that it could be deployed more quickly, with less complexity, and at lower cost than a conventional WMS application. The application is highly scalable which means it can adapt to the growing and evolving needs of users. This avoids the need to incorporate functions and capacity until they are required. The application is offered as a software-as-a-service with a simple monthly pricing model based on the number of users which means users only pay for what they need when they need it.

“It has worked really well for us over the years regardless of the demands we throw at it from our 3PL logistics contracts and has strong traceability and reporting capabilities,” says Peter Draper.

SSO Logistics aimed to become a customs site operator in the Liverpool City Region Freeport, based in Haydock on Merseyside. To meet this objective the company had significant and positive engagement with HMRC, largely focused on the requirement for stock traceability and reporting. HMRC originally wanted all Freeport stock to be physically segregated. However, SSO Logistics argued that this would significantly impact its operation and storage capacity because its multi-tenanted business model means it deals with many different customers at the same time. HMRC suggested that the company could identify Freeport stock by physically attaching a label to relevant items. However, this would have meant additional handling and cost implications for SSO Logistics. On certain contracts it was not allowed to apply any labels. The company showed HMRC it could use ProSKU to identify, track, and trace on-demand all Freeport and non-Freeport stock. Its in-house team was able to implement the solution using the standard version of ProSKU without any modifications.

After extensive testing, HMRC gave SSO Logistics permission to commence operations and the company opened the first customs site at Liverpool City Region Freeport in December 2022. This was an important milestone because all Freeports must have at least one customs site to meet the criteria stipulated by HMRC and the UK Government. The customs site incorporates storage and other services to hold and process stock while it is at the Freeport.

“We invested heavily and learned a lot going through the approval process,” says Peter Draper. “We see this as an opportunity – there are thousands of manufacturers in approved Freeport areas that can benefit from the scheme. We have decided to set up a new business unit to assist other companies in Freeports to attain customs site operator status or to manage the paperwork and duty issues on their behalf. We can manage all of the documentation and have a direct online portal to HMRC.”

About Principal Logistics Technologies: For over 30 years, Principal Logistics Technologies has been a leader in the design and delivery of innovative warehouse management software (WMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Its technology and services optimise operational performance, reduce OpEx, add new revenue-generating, value-added services and increase revenue for 3PL, distribution, wholesale, manufacturing, and retail warehouse businesses. The company supports enterprise-level and multinational businesses with complex single and multisite operations spanning 3PL, chemicals & hazardous goods, hard & soft commodities, chill picking, cold storage, cross docking, eCommerce, FMCG, pharmaceuticals & healthcare and more. It operates from offices in Dublin, Ireland and Manchester, UK.

https://www.principallogisticstechnologies.com/

 

COOK LAUNCHES UK’S FIRST FULLY AUTOMATED FROZEN MEALS VENDING MACHINES IN A BID TO IMPROVE THE EATING HABITS OF UK WORKERS

Posted on by edward.perry@cookfood.net

Independently owned and ethically run business COOK, announces it is rolling out the UK’s first SMART frozen ready-meals vending machines,
alongside a bold plan to work with progressive businesses and institutions to provide healthy home-cooked meals where there is limited availability of quality prepared food.

Set to launch at the HRC (Hotel, Restaurant & Catering show) on 20th – 22nd March, the first of its kind service will help to combat findings which report how shift workers have less nutritionally rich diets, with fewer fruit and vegetables, higher free sugars and saturated fats (1,2,3), due in
part to poor access to healthy nutritious choices and a reliance on ‘convenience food’.

The move from the acclaimed B-Corp, is just the first in a wave of advancements to the COOK business during 2023 which will include further shops, production facilities and concessions as it continues to buck the trend of many other companies within the sector by investing heavily in growth.

This brings with it a major innovation for the vending machine sector which has one vending machine on average for every five UK people. By combining frozen food and vending through an innovative partnership with retail solutions provider Mother, it is now able to offer fresh food
and minimise waste, in an industry which has predominantly been reliant on offering fast food options.

It will help workers and residents gain access to accessible healthy home cooked meals whenever they need it, with ambitious plans for roll out across office spaces, residential schemes, hospitals, travel hubs and educational institutions – helping to fuel a better fed and better performing workforce.

Chris Portwood, COOK Chief Sales Officer says: “The launch of our vending machines comes at an important time for the food and beverage industry which in recent years has struggled to provide employees and residents with regular healthy meals due to an unprecedented, and unpredictable shift in working patterns due to the rise in remote/flexible working.”

“Helping to provide healthy and affordable options to the UKs workforce, our new service will help to reduce food wastage and support companies trying to improve the health and wellbeing of their teams by giving access to more healthy convenient food options.”

“We plan to launch a minimum of 15 machines this year as we hone our proposition and start to work through manufacturing timelines and requirements from prospective partners. To begin with, the focus will be large offices with requirements for out-of-hours working, residential
accommodation, student accommodation and universities with a captive on-site audience of over 500.”

Phil Davison, Founder & CEO of Mother says: “We’re thrilled to be supporting COOK on this new venture, helping them develop an entirely new revenue stream and marketing channel for their business. Using our state of-the-art software platform, we’ve developed what we believe is
the UK’s first truly smart frozen vending machine.”

“Our machines have all been specifically built with the customer in mind, creating highly engaging and simplified automated retail experiences, designed to build customer loyalty and trust.”

“The interactive user interface, cashless and mobile payments, product filtering, nutritional information, product animations and special offers all contribute to what customers are demanding nowadays – a modern day digital retail experience.”

To begin with, all vending machine items will be sold as ‘complete meals’ that are suitable for microwaving, with vegetarian and low calorie options, starting from £4.75. Stand out meals include a combination of best sellers and seasonal dishes, including sticky soy glazed beef, hearty chicken casserole, and portobello mushroom risotto, made with the same ingredients and techniques you would at home, so everything looks and tastes homemade.”

1. Health Survey for England – 2013 – NHS Digital ( Accessed 16.3.22)

2. Hemiö K et al. (2015) Food and nutrient intake among workers with different shift systems. Occupational and environmental medicine
72:513–20.

3. Peplonska B et al ( 2019). Rotating night shift work and nutrition of nurses and midwives. Chronobiol Int. 36:945-954.

BFFF STATEMENT FOR THE UK ACCESSION TO CPTPP

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

“The British Frozen Food Federation is pleased to learn of confirmation of the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This trade agreement is good news for British businesses throughout the frozen food supply chain which are looking forward to more efficient trade relations with the Asia-Pacific region.

“Frozen food producers, distributors and retailers which have faced difficulties since the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union will be reassured that this new trade agreement is expected to boost the UK economy by £1.8bn in the long run, with more than 99% of UK exports to the bloc now eligible for zero tariffs.

“Frozen food has become an increasingly popular choice for consumers looking for high quality and affordable options in their weekly shop and I know that our members will seek to reach more international markets through this trade opportunity.”

BRITISH FROZEN FOOD FEDERATION (BFFF) VISITS NATIONAL CENTRE FOR FOOD MANUFACTURING (NCFM)

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Denise Rion and Rupert Ashby from the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) recently visited NCFM.  The visit included a tour of the site and a look at developing advanced technologies for use in the food supply chain including robotics. They also met Professor Val Braybrooks, Professor Mark Swainson and Professor Janet Bellamy from NCFM, David May from the Lincoln Institute of AgriFood Technology (LIAT), Simon Dwyer of the Seafood Grimsby and Humber Alliance (SGHA) and Martin Collison of the UK Food Valley team at Greater Lincolnshire LEP. Discussions centred on the continued growth of the frozen and cold chains in the food sector and how the growth can be sustained.  This includes the potential to work collaboratively on applied R&D, deliver industry updating and skills courses and work to promote the case for the cold chain with government.

The UK Food Valley team stressed that they expect to see substantial growth in the cold chain, logistics and frozen foods sector and that for this reason it is one of three food sector growth priorities in Greater Lincolnshire.  With major investments from Magnavale at Easton to build on its site in Scunthorpe, HSH Cold Stores and Lineage both in Grimsby and Americold in Spalding, as well as many smaller developments by food and farming businesses, Greater Lincolnshire is seeing a lot of investment in the cool chain.  It is very keen to see this continue and to work with the BFFF and its members to support continued growth.

To connect with the UK Food Valley please visit: UK Food Valley | Greater Lincolnshire LEP

 

Menopause – Raising Awareness in the Workplace

Posted on by Carla Brown

It’s important to remember that the menopause is normal and that support should be available to help you at work.

Menopausal women are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce, so it’s important now more than ever to be able to speak openly about menopause at work.

Menopause can affect a woman’s working life. Sometimes menopausal symptoms or working conditions can impact your ability to concentrate or carry out your role to the best of your ability.

In a survey of 1,000 adults in the UK, the British Menopause Society found that 45% of women felt that menopausal symptoms had a negative impact on their work and 47% who needed to take a day off work due to menopause symptoms say they wouldn’t tell their employer the real reason.

Many women have said that they often find managing their menopause symptoms in the workplace very challenging. Coping with symptoms in the workplace can be hard, especially as many women find it difficult to talk about menopause at work.

Menopause has become an important issue for employers of all sizes, with unions and employment organisations calling for more support for women adversely affected by menopause symptoms.  Although the issues around menopause, the lack of research and impact on daily life had begun to appear in the mainstream media previously, it was Davina McCall’s Channel 4 documentary in 2022 “Sex, Mind and the Menopause”, which created a shift in the way the subject was treated in the UK. The resulting open conversation in society instigated action by the government, employers and others.

While the menopause is becoming more talked about in the workplace, we still have some way to go – with the CIPD reporting that 59% of women experiencing menopausal symptoms said it had a negative impact on them at work.

What’s more, nearly a third of women surveyed said they had taken sick leave due to their symptoms, but only a quarter of them felt able to disclose the real reason for their absence. Unions and employment organisations are calling for more support for women adversely affected by menopause symptoms.

Barbour have created a guide for businesses to refer to outlining Legal requirements, Policies, Culture and Training. Barbour Menopause and the workplace Guide

The Government have also released a Policy Paper with more useful information; Menopause and the Workplace: How to enable fulfilling working lives: government response – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

THE NIGHT FOR THE FROZEN FOOD INDUSTRY TO ATTEND

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Every year frozen buyers, brands, manufacturers and producers come together in June, for the annual Gala Dinner Dance. Hundreds of frozen products enter the British Frozen Food Awards from both retail and foodservice sectors, all wanting to take home the unique accolade of Frozen Food Product of the Year.

The night for inspiration
Guests will have the opportunity to network with 500+ industry professionals, taste delicious food and drink, experience the live announcements from the highly regarded British Frozen Food Awards and enjoy live entertainment.

The night for innovation
The event offers an exciting opportunity to see the latest NPD from the frozen food industry with Buyers and NPD teams regularly attending the Gala Dinner Dance to discover the products winning the prestigious awards.

The night for a double celebration
The British Frozen Food Federation is in its 75th year and so are celebrating in style with red carpet, glitz and glamour. For the second year running the BFFF Gala Dinner Dance will be held at the historic, Grade II listed Brewery on Chiswel Street.

This is a BFFF member-only event and tickets are available to purchase online.*

If you are not a member and interested in attending the Gala Dinner Dance please get in touch with the British Frozen Food Federation.

*Make sure you are logged into your full BFFF member website login to purchase the tickets.