Troo, a national energy consultancy, is proud to announce an exciting partnership with HDM Energies, specialists in renewable energy. Together, they’re introducing a no-cost solar energy solution designed to help businesses across the country reduce their energy bills while adopting sustainable practices – without the burden of upfront costs.

In today’s climate, UK businesses are looking for smarter ways to manage their energy use and demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability. The partnership between Troo and HDM Energies gives organisations a straightforward route to harness solar power, with none of the usual financial barriers that come with renewable energy projects.

Dean Hogg, Energy Manager at Troo, shared his enthusiasm:

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with HDM Energies to deliver this solar solution to businesses. Energy expenses remain a major concern, but with this partnership, we can offer a clear and simple way for businesses to save on their energy costs while also cutting their carbon emissions. It’s a win-win: businesses take control of their energy future, with no upfront investment required.”

This partnership allows Troo to offer HDM Energies’ solar solutions exclusively for an initial period of 6 months. Businesses can benefit from free solar panel installations, generating energy directly onsite. The energy produced is charged at a much lower rate than traditional tariffs, potentially saving businesses up to 40% on their energy bills. Even better, the cost of the energy is fixed, protecting companies from price fluctuations in the energy market.

Daniel Rogers, Founder and Director of HDM Energies, added:

“Our partnership with Troo enables us to provide a zero-cost solar energy solution that will significantly reduce operational costs and support sustainability. By covering the initial installation costs and managing all maintenance, we’re removing the traditional hurdles that prevent businesses from adopting solar power. We’re excited to work with Troo to deliver this vital service across the UK.”

In addition to cost savings, businesses taking part in the scheme may see improvements in their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings, opening doors to further financial incentives and increasing property value. As part of the package, businesses can also choose to add electric vehicle charging points to their solar installations, giving them a future-proof solution as the shift to electric vehicles continues to accelerate.

This partnership is launching at a critical time. UK businesses are under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and align with government targets on climate change. With this accessible, affordable solar energy solution, Troo and HDM Energies are empowering businesses to take immediate action and play a leading role in the drive towards a more sustainable future.

This Christmas Porky Whites, Surrey’s leading family-owned and family-run sausage manufacturer, is pledging to donate 50p from EVERY sale of its new Festive Dogs Smoked Porky Sausages to three charities.

At the end of each week starting 2^nd December, 9^th December and finally 16^th December, Porky Whites will review the sales of its Festive Dogs (available to buy in selected Tesco stores) and pledge a lump sum to Dogs Trust, Teach First and Epsom and Ewell Foodbank.

Speaking about the initiative Porky Whites Managing Director Fran said, “These three charities are all extremely close to our hearts. Christmas is always a busy time of year for us, but as a business we know how important it is to give back to those that need it most.”

Carla Quirk, Head of People and Culture also added, “Every year we donate to Epsom and Ewell Foodbank to support the excellent work they do, but this year we wanted to take things a step further. Many of the team are dog owners so supporting Dogs Trust just made sense while Teach First has been Porky Whites charity partner for 2024. Our Festive Dogs may just be for Christmas, but supporting families, young people and dogs in need goes beyond the season of goodwill and we’re proud to be able to make a difference.”

About the charities we’re supporting this Christmas

Dogs Trust (https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/about-us) – since 1891, Dog’s Trust have been working for a better future for dogs and the people who love them. When a dog is in distress, Dogs Trust care for them. When a dog needs a home, Dogs Trust find them a loving family. When an owner needs a helping hand (or paw) – or they just can’t cope, Dogs Trust are ready to step in.

Teach First (https://www.teachfirst.org.uk/our-mission) – a long-standing charity partner –works in partnership with schools serving the most deprived communities across the country, by recruiting, training and supporting brilliant teachers, helping thousands of children every day to fulfil their potential.

Epsom and Ewell Foodbank (https://epsomewell.foodbank.org.uk/about/) – , a charity based close to the businesses very first butchers shop, aims to provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are in crisis.

About Porky Whites Festive Dogs Smokes Pork Sausages

For the most wonderful time of the year, we bring you our delightful Festive Dogs. Available from selected Tesco stores, our Festive Dogs are made with the finest cuts of pork, hints of cranberry, orange, nutmeg and cinnamon for a seasonal Christmas twist!

https://www.porkywhites.co.uk/product/festive-dogs-6-smoked-pork-sausages-with-cranberry-orange-and-spiced-chutney

Porky Whites – Family-run and family-owned, serving only the best sausages and formed meat to manufacturers, food service and retail. Porky Whites is also home to the Signature Surrey Pork Sausage, voted UK Sausage Weeks Supreme Sausage Champion for 2024.

Sysco GB, Britain’s leading foodservice supplier, has scooped a major sustainability award at the Green Apple Awards.

The organisation picked up the Retail and Wholesale Waste Management GREEN CHAMPIONS award for the work it has undertaken across its British sites to improve sustainability. This includes increasing recycling rates of materials like wooden pallets, cardboard and shrink wrap as well as redistributing surplus food to charities supporting local communities.

The award recognises Sysco’s work since 2019 to cut waste per £M turnover by 15.2%, while increasing recycling and reuse rates from 83% to 88%. Major initiatives included extending the life of the company’s wooden pallets, halving the volume that go to waste.

Across the Sysco network, improved lifecycle management has reduced surplus and improved donations. Donation partnerships at every site have contributed to millions of meals donated to charity partners, including more than 13m meals through FareShare.

This work is critical to achieving Sysco’s ambitious environmental targets, contributing to its Global Good Goal, to create $500m of good to its communities of which food donations is a significant part.

Sysco is also helping to reduce waste at its customers sites by training its own chefs and sales teams in techniques and ideas that deliver more sustainable meals for everyone, alongside new products that help to control waste.

Paul Nieduszynski, Chief Executive of Sysco GB, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this sought-after award. It’s recognition of all the work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure that Sysco leads the way in sustainability in Great Britain. Across our business, in every depot, we champion doing the right thing and this award belongs to all those colleagues who help us put sustainability first.”

The Green Apples are one of the sector’s longest-running awards, recognising success in sustainability since 1994.

As part of Oakland International’s commitment to talent development and leadership succession, Transport Manager Lynne Pearson has been enrolled as their first employee ‘apprenticeship’ on Aston University’s Logistics with Supply Chain Management Degree programme.

Aston University launched the Logistics with Supply Chain Management Degree course 4-years’ ago, with their first cohort graduating this summer. Referred to as an ‘apprenticeship,’ the course is open to anyone of any age with an interest in becoming a supply chain specialist or wishing to work within the logistics field.

Oakland International Group HR Director Nicola Harris explains: “As a valued senior female manager in Oakland’s Distribution business Lynne is an ambassador for women in transport and has a passion for lifelong learning with this degree course helping to extend her knowledge across the broader remit of logistics and supply chain management.

“Sponsoring degree apprenticeships is part of our commitment to be a learning organisation, and we aim to identify two internal delegates and two external apprentices to join the Programme each year. Known for her tenacity and commitment we have no doubt Lynne will bring more strategic ideas to our business as her knowledge and skills grow.”

Oakland International by planning for the company’s future is identifying executive leaders and operational managers for succession whilst ensuring sustained business continuity and is planning to support both existing team members and future employees to ensure they reach their full potential. The degree offers promotional opportunities within Oakland as well as an alternative career direction within the industry sector.

Having introduced a talent assessment process across the Oakland Group, they identified Lynne as an emerging leader, recognising her capacity for development.

Said Lynne: “I am looking forward to the journey ahead with Aston University and am honoured and privileged to have been approached by Oakland International and given the opportunity to develop further.

“The degree course will provide me with the skills and knowledge required to hopefully progress with Oakland in the future. This is an exciting opportunity which I will embrace together with Aston University and Oakland International.

“Oakland International continue to empower and support women in the Supply Chain Industry continually providing fulfilling opportunities, an organisation I am proud to be part of.”

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport, the degree covers the foundational supply chain and logistics knowledge to succeed including procurement, inventory management and transportation management, analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the students’ final year being a placement year, or if already in a permanent role undertaking a research project.

A Certified B Corporation business Oakland International is a total supply chain solutions specialist and a leader in direct to consumer, case consolidation, contract packing, storage and distribution, food tempering and brand development support for all types of food, servicing diverse markets across the UK and Ireland. They are also experts in saving food and non-food products from going to waste via their distress load management service and aiming to be the first business within their sector to reach Net Zero.

Vypr has partnered with the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) to offer an in-depth look at the frozen food sector, uncovering key trends and consumer preferences that are reshaping this category. Drawing from insights gathered across a panel of over 80,000 UK consumers, this report highlights the real barriers and motivations impacting frozen food choices; from limited freezer space to the appeal of sustainable, waste-reducing options.

With consumer priorities shifting in response to rising living costs, there’s a renewed focus on the convenience and value that frozen foods provide. Yet, challenges remain. Through our partnership with BFFF, we’ve pinpointed the actionable strategies retailers can use to adapt to these trends and meet evolving demands. This report serves as a preview of the full insights coming in January 2025, designed to help brands get ahead in an increasingly competitive space.

Key Insights You’ll Discover:

• Freezer Space Constraints: 85% of consumers limit their frozen food purchases due to insufficient freezer capacity – a critical barrier to address for broader adoption.
• Demand for Variety and Promotions: 46% are seeking greater product variety, with younger shoppers prioritising clearer labelling and better placement in-store.
• Reducing Waste with Frozen Foods: 44% believe frozen options help control portions and reduce food waste, resonating with the growing focus on sustainable choices.

Be among the first to access these insights from Vypr and BFFF. Download the report today to start building a frozen food strategy that aligns with tomorrow’s consumer needs, with full, in-depth findings coming this January 2025.

Download the Report here