Members of the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) will be brought together for the first-ever Frozen Pavilion at this year’s IFE (International Food Event) to showcase the quality of frozen food and innovative new product lines.

Rupert Ashby, chief executive of the BFFF commented: “We are delighted to host the Frozen Pavilion as part of the celebrations for the 75^th anniversary of the BFFF. During the past 75 years, we have consistently represented the interests of the frozen supply chain at the highest levels of industry and government, whilst also promoting the benefits of frozen food to consumers.

“This year’s IFE will be my first as chief executive of the British Frozen Food Federation and I am looking forward to continuing our longstanding support for IFE as one of this year’s event partners.”

The line up of BFFF members exhibiting includes Cargill, Meadow Vale Foods, Seafish UK, Sea Products International, SFC, VIČI and Visual Foods. Mouth-watering samples from exhibiting companies will be cooked up at the Frozen Pavilion, meaning visitors can try some of the nutritious, innovative and tasty frozen products on display.

Mr Ashby added: “Our Frozen Pavilion in the Chilled & Frozen section of the event will showcase the incredible selection of frozen foods available, as well as highlighting the sustainability benefits, nutritional value and affordability of frozen products.”

More than 25,000 visitors are expected at this year’s IFE and almost three-quarters of all visitors have purchasing power. The Frozen Pavilion will present an opportunity for members to meet buyers from across the food industry as part of the BFFF’s continuous work to promote the interests of the frozen food industry.

The BFFF will be exhibiting the Frozen Pavilion at IFE from 20 – 22 March 2023 on stand 5951.

The UK’s largest industrial refrigeration contractor has launched its 2023 Apprenticeship Programme, announcing new apprenticeship vacancies in London, Oxford, Bristol, Derby, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Star Refrigeration has announced the opening of its Nationwide Industrial Refrigeration Engineering Apprenticeship Programme and the success of two recent graduates, Jack Flinn and Calum Plunkett. Both have successfully completed Star’s three-year apprenticeship programme, demonstrating their hard work and dedication.

In line with one of the company’s five core values ‘Developing Young People’, the company’s apprenticeship programme provides an opportunity for young people to gain hands-on experience, earn a salary, and achieve qualifications in a fast-growing industry. Star are committed to providing equal opportunities and are looking for responsible and motivated candidates to join its inclusive workforce.

James Ward, Star Refrigeration Operations Director, said, “We are focused on offering this opportunity to candidates who are looking to start or advance their careers in industrial refrigeration. Our apprenticeship programme has proven to be a great success, with Jack and Calum as great examples of the potential for growth and success in this industry.

We wish them the best in their future endeavours and encourage others to join our team.”

Industrial refrigeration apprentices at Star Refrigeration receive a competitive salary with six-monthly increments based on key performance indicators, starting at £14,460 per annum when joining and rising to £27,720 in year three.

The apprenticeship programme offers a unique combination of on-the-job training and college-based studies. Apprentices will work full-time and receive hands-on training from Star’s experienced engineers, as well as off-the-job training at college alongside apprentices from other industries. As part of Star’s ‘Work, Earn and Learn’ program, participants will graduate as industrial refrigeration engineers with the practical skills and confidence to work independently in their new career.

The apprenticeship covers a range of topics, including service, maintenance and installation of heavy-duty heating and cooling systems. It also covers important learning in health and safety, system optimisation, fault diagnosis and rectification, electrical systems, and customer care. Apprentices will gain qualifications, including an initial engineering qualification and NVQs at Levels 2 & 3 in Service & Maintenance Engineering.

Upon graduation, successful apprentices will be offered permanent employment as Industrial Refrigeration Engineers with opportunities for further progression through Star’s engineering grading system and development into other areas of the business. Access to further education programmes is also available.

James Ward said, “The Industrial Refrigeration Engineering Apprenticeship Programme provides a structured and proactive approach to managing staff growth and succession planning while also promoting an opportunity for mentorship and leadership within the wider technician team.

Apprentices bring a fresh perspective to the workplace, providing a good sense check of current practices and inspiring continuous improvement. With the ability to mould apprentices to meet the specific needs of the company, Star provides training pathways that focus on fundamental learning and modern engineering techniques, ensuring successful completion of the programme for 95% of apprentices.”

Star Refrigeration are an Investors in People Platinum, Investors in Young People Gold, and Young Person’s Guarantee accredited employer. The company has been employing apprentices for over 50 years, making it a top choice for those seeking hands-on experience and training in the field.

With an average of over 15 years of service, Star employees are a testament to the company’s commitment to investing in its people. Many senior members of the Star team started their careers as apprentices and 25% of the current management team joined the company through the apprenticeship or trainee programme.

“Having recently celebrated 25 years with the company and having started as a trainee myself, I appreciate how valuable a good start is. I have enjoyed every minute of my time in this industry and would encourage anyone to choose it as a career”, said James Ward.

Star Refrigeration are dedicated to providing equal opportunities. To apply for the Industrial Refrigeration Engineering Apprenticeship Programme, candidates must have 4 GCSEs / Nat 5s (Grades 4-9) or an NVQ/ BTEC qualification in a technical subject.

For more information on the Industrial Refrigeration Apprenticeship Programme and to apply, visit https://www.star-ref.co.uk/home-page/careers/opportunities/apprenticeships/engineering/

The UK Government have announced an extension to the period for Executive formation to allow time and space for NI parties to work together to return to government as Protocol discussions continue between the UK and EU.

The existing period for Executive formation under the terms of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation Act) 2022 came to an end at midnight on 19^th January 2023.

The new Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill, which was introduced on February 9^th now extends the period by a year to 18^th January 2024, while retaining the power to name an election date any time during the period,

This placed the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris, under a legal duty to hold an Assembly election within 12 weeks but, having spoken to political representatives, businesses, and communities in Northern Ireland, he concluded that another election at this time would not be the best course of action.

The following day Mr Heaton-Harris hosted NI party leaders at a roundtable in Belfast to urge them to restore the Executive as soon as possible. He commented;

“Over a year has passed since the then-First Minister of Northern Ireland resigned. Twelve months and one Assembly election later, it is disappointing that people in Northern Ireland still do not have the strong devolved government that they deserve. The restoration of the Executive, in line with the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, remains my top priority. I will continue to do everything I can to help the Parties work together to make that happen.”