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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.

Member Benefits

Exclusive Partnership deals on key products and services:

  • BFFF energy deals and rates
  • Vypr member deals and introduction
  • Defib Plus deals
  • Company Shop – membership
  • Mentor – MHE training health check

Exclusive access to networking opportunities and events:

  • Meet the Buyer events (retail & foodservice)
  • Annual Business Conference with networking dinner
  • Specialist H&S and Technical Conferences
  • Special interest groups (packaging, frozen food temperatures)
  • Annual Lunch
  • Awards Night
Upcoming Events More Events
Sponsorship Packages

We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities to BFFF members across our events throughout the year, with flexible packages that can be tailored to suit your business objectives.

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what our members say...
  • Wakefield Council

    “What an amazing piece of work and indicative of how BFFF respond to the concerns of their members and make an impact on the whole industry sector.”

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  • Sysco

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    “The BFFF awards night is becoming an “appointment not to miss” on our calendar and we again enjoyed it immensely together with lots of well-known people from our industry. The…

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    “This Not For EU labelling situation alarmed us and quickly became a major worry to our business. These are times when you really rely on some support and from previous…

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    “We had a few questions with respect to the new EPR waste packaging legislative changes. I know some of my colleagues have been assisted by BFFF in the past so…

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    “The BFFF 2024 Conference was compelling and thought provoking, with a many relevant and interesting topics covered at great pace and some depth by excellent speakers – will certainly attend…

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    “The event was great, in my opinion. Not only it was very well organised, but the venue and the catering were excellent too. Furthermore, the content of the presentations was…

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