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WTW SURVEY SHOWS HEALTH AND SAFETY REMAINS TOP CONCERN FOR DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS WORLDWIDE

Recently WTW joined as BFFF members, their recent survey shows 80% of directors and officers consider health and safety risks to be very important or extremely important to their organisation.

The latest Directors and Officers Liability Insurance Survey by Willis found that physical workplace risks were deemed the most important by 43% of respondents, followed by employee mental health and wellbeing consequences stemming from work (28%) and from personal matters (12%).

For the first time since 2018 civil litigation and third party claims were included among the top seven concerns, with 63% of directors and officers surveyed considering these significant risks to their Directors and Officers. Smaller organisations (<$50 million in revenue) and those with revenues between $1 and $5 billion mentioned litigation more often. The largest organisations surveyed (>$5 billion in revenue) included diversity, equity and inclusion as well as bribery and corruption as top risks, while excluding the financial distress, bankruptcy and insolvency concerns of smaller organisations.

Climate change is no longer considered a top seven risk in several regions, including Asia, North America and the Middle East. In contrast, diversity, equity and inclusion, a risk that was included in the survey for the first time this year, has made its way into the top seven for Great Britain, North America and Africa. Social risks as a whole feature prominently in the list of concerns and, when looked at over a five-year period, the increase in concern is notable. For example, breach of human rights within or by business operations has risen from 23% of responders considering it a very or extremely important concern in 2021 to 62% in 2025. Similarly, concern about supplier business practices has risen from 27% in 2021 to 59% in 2025.

In general, there is a strong alignment between perceived material risks and board expertise and priorities. However, there is a notable exception when it comes to cybersecurity and data privacy, with many boards indicating more time is needed. Data loss and cyber-attacks, including extortion, are considered to be very important or extremely important for 77% of those surveyed. Artificial intelligence lags behind (only 51% of respondents consider it to be very or extremely important and considered by the fewest number of respondents to be material to the business while also being the lowest ranked issue on which respondents considered the board to have the relevant expertise), but this perception may change in the future as new use cases and regulations develop.

Angus Duncan, global D&O coverage specialist at Willis, said: “The latest survey results underscore the diverse challenges directors and officers face today, highlighting how fraught the landscape has become. Despite increasing concerns over litigation risks, cost remains the dominant driver for D&O insurance purchasing decisions. This trend persists even as regulatory scrutiny and shareholder activism increase global liability exposures. By taking a proactive approach, companies can optimise their D&O coverage while mitigating financial and reputational risk. Our data helps clients anticipate emerging risks before they become serious exposures.”

£140 MILLION, FULLY AUTOMATED, 101,000 PALLET COLD STORE COMES ONLINE IN LINCOLNSHIRE

Magnavale Ltd is proud to announce the official opening of Magnavale Easton. The £140 million investment has resulted in a facility with 101,000 frozen pallet spaces, making it the largest single cold store ever built in the UK.

Officially opened its doors on the 24th of March 2025, the development regenerated a long-standing food production site near Grantham, Lincolnshire. The state-of-the-art cold storage warehouse will contribute significantly to UK food security, while setting a new benchmark for sustainable food logistics.

Possibly the UK’s first fully renewable-energy-powered cold storage facility, Magnavale Easton demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.
With 101,000 cutting-edge fully automated pallet positions and a high-bay, rack-cad storage design, the facility ensures seamless storage and distribution for food manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers.
“Magnavale Easton is more than just a storage facility; it is a transformative development for the UK’s food supply chain,” said Amanda Cogan, COO of Magnavale. “By integrating renewable energy, advanced automation, and a comprehensive portfolio of value-added services, we are helping our customers cut costs, risk and complexity from their supply chains and contributing sustainable long-term growth and investment into the local Lincolnshire economy.”

A Strategic Hub for UK Food Logistics
Magnavale Easton is strategically located off the A1, between Grantham and Peterborough, offering efficient distribution access across the UK.
In addition to its industry-leading automated cold storage capabilities, Magnavale Easton will offer a comprehensive suite of value-added services, including blast freezing, contract packing, and much more from the site.

A Vision of the Future of British Food Supply

This significant milestone is part of a long-term vision of regeneration for the site, which used to be a major McCain Foods production site. The Easton site will become an integrated food production, storage, and distribution hub, supporting manufacturers and retailers with end-to-end cold chain solutions.

The next steps in this mission are already underway. In February 2025, the site was granted planning permission for further exciting developments including a biodigester and a large food production facility.
Magnavale Easton is now open and operating bringing efficient, safe, and sustainable cold chain solutions that will revolutionise food supply chains locally and nationally.

Magnavale is one of the UK’s leading temperature-controlled food storage specialists, with four strategically located cold storage facilities.

Leading the way within the sector, Magnavale aims to create sustainable supply chains for its partners by cutting cost, risk, and complexity in the cold chain.

Rapidly growing Magnavale have developed both a large 25,000 pallet extension to their facilities in Chesterfield and a 101,000 pallet, fully automated cold store in Easton, Lincolnshire which opened in March 2025.

Sadel Group, who own Magnavale, is pushing the Easton Food Hub project forward as part of its operational real estate development plans. Sadel Group, a Luxembourg based family office, will extend the innovative “Food Hub” model to new sites across the UK and Europe. The Food Hub model integrates food production and processing with the supply chain, reducing cost, risk, and complexity in the food chain.

For further information, contact:
Shane Meharg
PR@magnavale.co.uk

BRAKES LAUNCHES COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT PROGRAMME FOR FOODSERVICE

Brakes, the UK’s leading foodservice wholesaler, has launched a groundbreaking new initiative to support Britain’s independent food businesses.

 

‘Ways to Save’ is one of the largest programmes of support that Brakes has ever run and offers a range of measures aimed at helping under-pressure food businesses, at a time when many are under threat from rising employment costs in April.

 

The programme launches with Brakes’ most comprehensive cash-back offer to date, giving customers the opportunity to get money back on more than 500 Sysco Classic products, plus additional cashback extras providing up to 20% on a range of Sysco and branded products.

 

The ‘Ways to Save’ campaign will also provide supporting materials to help customers save money, for example with ways to reduce kitchen waste, ideas to reduce costs and low-cost recipe inspiration. A ‘Ways to Save’ logo will feature prominently on the website guiding customers to products and support solutions that will help them save money.

 

Paul Nieduszynski, CEO for Sysco GB, said: “We have invested in a huge programme of activity to support independent businesses when they need it most. There are many and varied challenges facing food companies and we’re playing our part by launching our biggest ever cashback campaign.

 

“We’re confident that the scale of the programme means that every single independent business will benefit, with cash in their pocket, available almost immediately so that they can use it straight away.”

 

Ends

For further information please contact Kevin Coles – kevin@fifthdimensionpr.com or 07776026012

 

 

About Sysco 

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 76,000 colleagues, the company operates 340 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 730,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2024 that ended July 1, 2024, the company generated sales of more than $78 billion. Information about our Sustainability program, including Sysco’s 2023 Sustainability Report and 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, can be found at: www.sysco.com.

Sysco in Great Britain 

As Britain’s leading national broadline supplier, Brakes delivers the highest quality fresh and frozen food and ingredients from its nationwide network of distribution centres to some of the nation’s most famous pubs and restaurants, as well as schools, caterers, care homes and hospitals.  It has the biggest range of award-winning products in foodservice.

kff and Medina Foodservice both offer a regional broadline service with a comprehensive range, delivered with a passion for customer service and local knowledge.

Sysco fresh businesses in Great Britain are led by Fresh Direct, which is the leading specialist supplier of locally and globally sourced fresh produce and dairy across Great Britain, bringing the best of the seasons to chefs’ menus, as well as the finest sourced fresh fish and seafood from M&J Fresh Seafood, as part of a consolidated delivery for many corporate customers.  The very best ingredients for chefs are available from fine food specialist Wild Harvest.

Brakes Catering Equipment provides commercial catering equipment for a variety of catering establishments and their services include a bespoke design service.

Specialist convenience supplier, Country Choice, completes the group and is Britain’s leading supplier of in-store bakery and retail foodservice products.

Sysco has 8,400 colleagues servicing more than 20,000 customers from 30 distribution centres across Great Britain.

BRAKES LAUNCHES FOOD EXPO 25

Brakes, the UK’s leading foodservice wholesaler, has launched Food Expo 25, two interactive exhibitions where food businesses can sample food, see chef demonstrations of on-trend food and hear about the latest developments in food cuisine across the world.

 

More than 75 leading food suppliers will be in attendance showcasing everything from drinks to snacks and plant-based to meat and fish protein, as well as desserts, alcohol and non-food, all under the historic Concorde plane in Manchester or in the impressive Ashton Gate stadium in Bristol.

 

Brakes will also be presenting products from across its entire range, alongside fresh produce specialists, Fresh Direct and food-to-go leaders, Country Choice.

 

There will be live cooking demos from chefs and category specialists, led by The Chef meets the Fishmonger, where customers can get inspiration on incorporating fresh fish and produce into springtime dishes. The MSC will also be on hand to give customers an understanding of this leading seafood accreditation scheme.

 

Also on the menu is a seminar on Ways to Save With Meat, helping customers deliver great summertime burgers without compromising on quality or taste, but helping with the cost.

 

Paul Nieduszynski, CEO of Sysco GB, said: “Our Food Expos have grown massively over the past couple of years and are fast becoming one of the highlights of the calendar. Bringing Sysco’s British businesses together in one place, supported by more than 75 suppliers, gives customers a real opportunity to understand how we can help them build amazing menus.

 

“Unlike traditional trade shows, customers can order any of the products on display at the Expo and have them in their kitchen on the next delivery, making an immediate impact on the menu.”

 

The Foodie Expos will take place on March 27 at the Concorde Conference Centre near Manchester Airport and April 30 at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol.

 

More information and registration can be found on the Brakes’ website.

 

Ends

For further information please contact Kevin Coles – kevin@fifthdimensionpr.com or 07776026012

 

About Sysco 

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 76,000 colleagues, the company operates 340 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 730,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2024 that ended July 1, 2024, the company generated sales of more than $78 billion. Information about our Sustainability program, including Sysco’s 2023 Sustainability Report and 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, can be found at: www.sysco.com.

Sysco in Great Britain 

As Britain’s leading national broadline supplier, Brakes delivers the highest quality fresh and frozen food and ingredients from its nationwide network of distribution centres to some of the nation’s most famous pubs and restaurants, as well as schools, caterers, care homes and hospitals.  It has the biggest range of award-winning products in foodservice.

kff and Medina Foodservice both offer a regional broadline service with a comprehensive range, delivered with a passion for customer service and local knowledge.

Sysco fresh businesses in Great Britain are led by Fresh Direct, which is the leading specialist supplier of locally and globally sourced fresh produce and dairy across Great Britain, bringing the best of the seasons to chefs’ menus, as well as the finest sourced fresh fish and seafood from M&J Fresh Seafood, as part of a consolidated delivery for many corporate customers.  The very best ingredients for chefs are available from fine food specialist Wild Harvest.

Brakes Catering Equipment provides commercial catering equipment for a variety of catering establishments and their services include a bespoke design service.

Specialist convenience supplier, Country Choice, completes the group and is Britain’s leading supplier of in-store bakery and retail foodservice products.

Sysco has 8,400 colleagues servicing more than 20,000 customers from 30 distribution centres across Great Britain

BRUSCO FOOD GROUP EARNS 2025 GREAT PLACE TO WORK CERTIFICATION

Worcestershire-based, Brusco Food Group, is proud to be Certified(TM) by Great Place To Work® for the 2nd year in a row.

The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Brusco. This year, 74% of employees said it’s a great place to work – 20% points higher than the average UK company.

100% of Brusco’s team said that when you join the company you are made to feel welcome. 97% said that people celebrate special events and 94% feel good about the ways in which Brusco contributes to the community.

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience and the leadership behaviours proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.

“Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasises that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Brusco stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees.”

Mark Armstrong, Managing Director at Brusco Food Group, said: “We are thrilled to be certified as a Great Place To Work®, as we know that a highly engaged workforce is key to the exceptional customer care we provide to our customers. We owe our continued success to our team of dedicated employees and this achievement just goes to show that it really is a great time to be working at Brusco.”

Jacqui Wren, Head of People at Brusco Food Group, added: “We are very proud to have achieved Great Place to Work® certification for the second year running. This award is based purely on our team’s honest feedback about our workplace culture. We work hard every day to ensure we’re an employer of choice to attract, retain and develop the very best people to deliver our goals. Everyone at Brusco plays their part in making this a truly great place to work.”

According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

For more information on Brusco’s achievement, visit their website at www.brusco.co.uk

Notes to Editors

Brusco Food Group is a trusted supplier of food products and quality ingredients to manufacturers, food service and retail.

For over 30 years Brusco has been searching the globe for flavoursome ingredients, produced by reputable suppliers who value quality and partnership. Brusco aspires to be the partner of choice for customers seeking value-adding, long-term supplier relationships built on a foundation of quality, integrity and service.

For further information on this news release, contact Jacqui Wren, Group Head of People for Brusco on the contact details below:

Telephone: 01386 761 555
Email: jacqui.wren@brusco.co.uk

BLENDED PRODUCTS UNVEILS VECO₂: THE WORLD’S FIRST VEGAN CERTIFIED ANAEROBIC DIGESTION (AD) CARBON DIOXIDE

Brigg, North Lincolnshire – Blended Products is proud to announce that its Anaerobic Digestion Carbon Dioxide – VeCO₂, has been officially certified as vegan by the Vegetarian Society. This milestone marks VeCO₂ as the first-ever carbon dioxide product to receive the prestigious Vegan accreditation from the Vegetarian Society.

Partnering with a UK-based AD plant, Blended Products VeCO₂ is made from plant-based matter. This sustainable technology is not only an eco-friendly alternative to traditional carbon dioxide sources, but it is also the first-ever carbon dioxide product to be recognised by the Vegetarian Society as fully vegan certified.

VeCO₂ enables businesses to operate more sustainably by providing an ethical, plant-based CO₂ alternative that supports both environmental and operational goals.”

In collaboration with a dedicated working group of leading experts from the biogas and carbon capture sectors, Blended Products has been actively driving progress in these fields. Partnering with a UK-based AD plant, the company has developed this innovative product.  “VeCO2 enables businesses to operate more sustainability by providing an ethical, plant-based CO2 alternative that supports both environmental and operational goals” said Caroline Hunter, Head of Commercial at Blended Products Ltd. “By opting for VeCO₂, businesses can lessen their dependence on fossil fuel-derived CO₂ and support a more sustainable future.”

The Vegetarian Society’s vegan certification guarantees that VeCO₂ is produced without any animal-derived inputs, making it an ideal choice for industries and consumers prioritising ethical and sustainable solutions. This certification provides additional reassurance to businesses seeking to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on their vegan and cruelty-free standards.

VeCO₂ offers a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable alternative to traditional CO2 sources, and its certification sets a new benchmark for eco-conscious innovation in the industry. As a versatile and highly effective product, VeCO₂ is suitable for a wide range of applications, particularly food and beverage processing. VeCO2 supports businesses aiming to reduce their Scope 3 emissions, offering a certified sustainable CO2 alternative for various industries.

For more information about VeCO₂ and its Vegan Certification, please visit www.Blendedproducts.com contact Blended Products at 01652 680555

About Blended Products.
Blended Products is an established supplier of specialty gases and liquids across the UK to a range of industries. Sustainability Todays “Chemical and Gases Company of the Year 2025”.

About the Vegetarian Society
The Vegetarian Society is a UK-based charity that has been promoting vegetarian and vegan living for over 170 years. Its Vegan Certification mark guarantees that products meet strict vegan criteria, offering consumers an assurance of quality and ethical production.

Media Contact:

Charley Christopher

Marketing Manager

Blended Products

07538025030

Charlotte.christopher@Blendedproducts.com

www.blendedproducts.com

END

Member Benefits

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  • Vypr member deals and introduction
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  • Meet the Buyer events (retail & foodservice)
  • Annual Business Conference with networking dinner
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  • Special interest groups (packaging, frozen food temperatures)
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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

    “You guys really ‘Do The Right Thing’ for the good of the industry”

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  • Darta

    “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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  • Kantar Worldpanel

    “The Business Conference was an excellent day that was very well organised and allowed so many likeminded individuals in the room to learn so much more around the Frozen industry….

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  • Lakeside Food Group Ltd

    “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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  • Meadow Vale Foods Limited

    “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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  • Newberry International Produce Ltd

    “I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding event you organised. I have only worked in this sector for the past nineteen months coming from twenty-five years…

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  • Place UK Ltd

    “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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    “Thank you and the team for rushing around so brilliantly before, during and after the conference. It was pleasure to be part of the conference.”

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  • Seara

    “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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