We’re thrilled to share that the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) has renewed its partnership with Vypr – the consumer insight and product intelligence platform used by leading brands and retailers.

As part of the continued collaboration, BFFF members now have access to:

• £500 off any ad-hoc or managed project*
• Or 10% off any 12-month Vypr licence*

If you’re planning your next launch or working on something new, Vypr helps you test and validate products, packs, pricing and messaging with real consumers, giving you the clarity to move forward with confidence.

 

To use the offer, just quote STAYCOOL when speaking to the Vypr team.

Contact Vypr –https://vyprclients.com/book-a-demo/?utm_campaign=bfff&utm_medium=partner&utm_source=referral

*offer available based on Vypr’s current new sales rate card

Work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain 2025

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its latest report annual fatality statistics in July, covering the period from April 2024 to March 2025.

Latest annual figures show 124 workers were killed in work-related incidents in Great Britain. A decrease of 14 from the previous 12-month period.

The report notes that the number of deaths remain broadly in line with pre-pandemic levels and compares to 223 in 2004/05, and 495 in 1981.

The industries with the highest number of deaths were construction (35) and agriculture, forestry, and fishing (23).

Of all main industry sectors, agriculture, forestry, and fishing continues to have the highest rate of fatal injury per 100,000 workers followed by waste and recycling.

The most common cause of fatal injuries continues to be falls from a height (35), representing over a quarter of worker deaths in 2024/25.

Male workers represent the vast majority of fatal injuries at 95%.

A further 92 people who were not at work were killed in work-related incidents in 2024/25. This refers to members of the public who were in a workplace but were not working themselves.

The figures relate to work-related accidents and do not include deaths arising from occupational diseases or diseases arising from certain occupational exposures.

https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatals-overview.htm

Asbestos-related diseases in Great Britain 2025

This Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also reports on the latest statistics around asbestos- related diseases in Great Britain.

According to the report:

• There are still around 5,000 asbestos-related disease deaths per year, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
• There were 2,218 mesothelioma deaths in 2023, with a similar estimated number of lung cancer deaths linked to past asbestos exposures.
• 497 deaths in 2023 mentioning asbestosis on the death certificate, excluding deaths that also mention mesothelioma.

https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/assets/docs/asbestos-related-disease.pdf

Bidfresh, one of the UK’s leading fresh produce wholesalers, is delighted to announce the acquisition of both Hodgson Fish and Sailbrand, effective from 30^th July 2025.

This strategic move further strengthens Bidfresh’s position as the UK’s foremost fish and seafood wholesale distributor and marks the first acquisition under the leadership of Andy Farnworth, who became the wholesaler’s Managing Director last summer.

The acquisition supports the company’s strategic ambition to double in size over the next five years and is expected to strengthen the group, delivering greater scale, a broader product range, and the combined expertise of all three businesses for the benefit of customers.

Hodgson Fish is a fourth-generation business and one of the UK’s oldest UK suppliers, with operations dating back to 1916 on the fish quay in Hartlepool.

Sailbrand started operations in 1980, sourcing and delivering fresh seafood in the West Yorkshire region. The range and geography have grown, and they now deliver fresh and frozen seafood as well as fresh poultry, continental meats, cheeses, and deli across the North of England.

Since Hodgson Fish acquired Sailbrand in 2018, both companies have gone from strength to strength, earning a reputation for quality, reliability, customer service, and a broad product offering.

Both companies will continue to operate independently under the leadership of Peter Hodgson as Managing Director, while Lee Roberts will continue to head Sailbrand as Business Director.

Commenting on the acquisition, Andy said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Peter, Jill, Ian, Lee and their teams into the Bidfresh family. We have long admired both businesses and are confident that, with our support, they will continue to flourish in their respective regions, serving their customers with outstanding quality fish and seafood.

“We are committed to expanding our Bidfresh network into new territories, both through organic growth and the acquisition of like-minded regional fresh businesses that share our values and enhance our overall proposition. The addition of Hodgson Fish and Sailbrand is a perfect example of this strategy in action.

“With their rich heritage, specialist expertise, and exceptional local teams in Hartlepool and Huddersfield, we believe both businesses are an ideal fit for Bidfresh. We are genuinely excited to be part of their journey ahead.”

Peter Hodgson, Managing Director of Hodgson Fish and Sailbrand, commented, “We see Bidfresh as the ideal partner, thanks to their core values of quality and service, and their commitment to allowing individual businesses to retain their unique operations within the group.

“We are excited about the future and look forward to working closely with Andy and the wider Bidfresh team. It will be very much business as usual — the same management team will remain in place, continuing our hands-on approach and personal service ethos.

“These qualities have made Hodgson Fish and Sailbrand two of the UK’s most respected fresh fish and seafood suppliers, and this partnership will ensure that legacy continues well into the future.”

In the food and drink industry, operational efficiency, strict hygiene, and safety compliance aren’t just priorities – they’re essential. And one area that can considerably help to improve these standards is forklift attachments.

But BFFF member Contact Attachments Ltd, based in Newtown, Powys, believes specialist attachments are often overlooked due to a lack of understanding of their true benefits. Technical Sales Advisor, Mark Jones, explains:

“At Contact Attachments, we work with many food and drink manufacturers who rely on specialist attachments to streamline their handling processes and meet the increasingly stringent demands of food safety legislation. But we understand that with so many options available, it can be a minefield choosing the right attachments for your operations, and this means so many more businesses are simply putting off investing in the right equipment – and are missing out as result.

“To help cut through the noise, we’ve put together a short guide answering the five most frequently asked questions about our attachments that we receive from food and drink businesses. From hygiene compliance to cost-saving potential – here’s a sneak peek at the most burning questions for the benefit of our fellow members …

1. What types of forklift attachments are common in the food and drink industry?
2. What hygiene and compliance regulations apply to attachments in food environments?
3. Do forklift attachments affect capacity and safety?
4. How can forklift attachments improve efficiency and cut costs in food operations?
5. What should I ask my forklift attachment supplier before buying for food and drink use?

“If you find yourself asking some or all of these questions, then our new guide is for you. It will help to demystify the process of investing in the right equipment, and have your operations running smoothly – and safely – in no time at all. And if fellow BFFF members have any other questions specific to their unique needs, we’re always on hand for a friendly no-obligation chat.”

You can read the full questions and answers guide from Contact here: Forklift Attachments in Food and Drink: The 5 Most Common Questions Answered

Contact Attachments Ltd has been supporting UK manufacturers for over 50 years and offers a wide range of standard and bespoke material handling solutions to the food and drink sector. Whether you’re handling dairy, beverages, or bulk ingredients, their team is on hand to help find the right solution for your specific needs. For more information, visit: www.forklift-attachments.co.uk or call 01686 611200.

With food allergies and intolerances rising across all UK demographics, the pressure is mounting on the food system to ensure consumer safety. In response, IGD is launching a new allergen risk assessment template and guidance to help drive consistency in allergen procedures.

 

Join the IGD webinar on 9 September, 14:30–15:30 to explore the new approach, developed by the IGD Technical Leaders Forum—a cross-industry group championing best practice in allergen risk management.

Oakland International, a leading specialist in distress load management, is calling for immediate industry and government action to address the crisis of distress loads and clandestine infiltration of commercial vehicles, a threat that endangers food safety, driver welfare, and the integrity of the UK’s supply chain.

 

Launching their comprehensive new report on Distress Loads and Clandestine Infiltration of Commercial Vehicles, developed in partnership with market analysis company Analytiqa, Oakland International exposes the urgent need for coordinated action, particularly across the food supply chain. The report draws on extensive market research and operational data and highlights a lack of clarity and understanding of ‘best practice’ when it comes to the responsibility, or accountability, for distress load stock.

 

Contributions and insights from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA), reflect the perspectives of leading industry bodies and underscores the breadth of collaboration needed to address the urgent challenges facing the UK’s supply chain. It also highlights the vital roles played by charities, FareShare and City Harvest London, for their work in food redistribution and tackling food insecurity across the UK.

 

RHA Senior Public Affairs Lead Ashton Cull commented: “The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) said in their recent report “the threat of clandestine entry at the juxtaposed ports remains high and is unrelenting”, findings echoed in this report. That means everyone based at or using these ports has their part to play to keep the border secure.

 

“However, failings within Border Force and the Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme identified by the ICIBI mean that all the responsibility and liability is being unfairly shifted onto drivers and businesses who have taken all possible steps to secure their vehicles from clandestine entrants. That’s why we recently wrote to the Home Secretary to call for reform of this Scheme.

 

“We repeat our call for further and urgent investment in training and technology at our borders to help keep loads secure. We want to see a fair system in place that protects drivers, goods and businesses as well as our borders. We look forward to seeing greater urgency on this issue.”

 

Oakland International Co-Founder Dean Attwell said: “The rise in clandestine infiltration is not just a statistic, it’s a ticking time bomb for food safety, driver security, and public health.

 

“Every compromised load puts the public at risk and costs the industry millions per year. We need urgent, coordinated action across the supply chain to implement robust security protocols, improve traceability, and ensure accountability at every stage.”

 

Figures from the report show a significant month-on-month increase in cases of clandestine infiltration, where migrants enter lorry trailers, putting the safety of food products and the integrity of the supply chain at significant risk. The financial and operational impact is significant, with the industry experiencing substantial losses each year as a result of spoiled loads being discarded due to infiltration and contamination.

 

Key data points highlighted by the report include:

 

• In first nine months of 2024, almost 100 people per month were detected infiltrating trucks entering the UK.
• The number of incidents in the first nine months of 2024 was higher than the equivalent periods of 2022 and 2023, up 12.8% and 60.6% respectively.
• In 2023, on average, three people were detected per instance, the highest number since 2020.
• The actual number of incidents and people detected is likely to be significantly higher, as Border Force do not record the number of vehicle checks that require no further action, so it is not possible to track how many vehicle checks are undertaken or what share of vehicles these account for.
• The value of stock lost due to an infiltrated load can be in the low £’000s to several tens of £’000s. The consequential loss of revenue can be many multiples of this.
• “There are a range of claim sizes. General foodstuffs could be £20k – £30k per trailer, chocolate brands could be £70-£80k per trailer.” Managing Director – Loss Prevention UK Insurance Industry.

 

Oakland International’s Distress Load Management (DLM) service has significantly expanded its capacity to address a growing number of clandestine infiltration cases, marking a substantial increase compared to previous years. However, as highlighted in recent reports, the actual scale of the issue is likely much greater, since many incidents remain unreported or are not formally managed.

 

Added Dean: “We are witnessing a perfect storm, desperate individuals risking their lives to cross borders, criminals exploiting vulnerabilities in vehicle security, and a food industry struggling to maintain safety and compliance.

 

“The current system is failing to protect both people and products. The Food Standards Agency must step up, and the entire industry must unite to close security gaps and safeguard our food supply.”

 

The new report, available today, details how the risks extend beyond financial loss and how contaminated loads can threaten public health and lead to mass food waste. Oakland International’s DLM service, which is BRCGS accredited and EHO approved, typically recovers over 85% of product from distress loads, with non-conforming stock safely quarantined and disposed of in line with strict procedures.

 

The report calls on all stakeholders, hauliers, retailers, regulators, and policymakers, to prioritise investment in security measures, driver training, and rapid response protocols. Oakland International stands ready to support the sector with its proven expertise in distress load management and urges greater transparency and accountability to restore confidence in the UK’s vital supply chain.

 

About Oakland International: Oakland International is a Certified B Corporation multi-temperature supply chain 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, operating 24/7 servicing diverse markets across the UK and Ireland, and recognised as a leader in distress load management and supply chain security.

The UK’s leading material handling training provider, Mentor Training, is exhibiting at this year’s IMHX event, showcasing a brand new innovative training solution that benefit learners and businesses alike.

 

With the UK witnessing around 1,300 serious injuries per year from accidents involving forklift trucks, Mentor emphasise that those working on and around workplace transport absolutely must understand the risks involved to be able to keep themselves and others safe.

 

Blended learning courses, which combine in-person training with online theoretical elements, were developed to overcome barriers to vital training. Mentor is committed to delivering industry-leading innovation, something the company aims to showcase at the upcoming event in September. Returning to the NEC, Mentor will place a strong focus on its blended learning solutions, which combine hands-on, in-person training with flexible online theory modules.

 

Adam Smith, Mentor’s Commercial Director, explains the key benefits to this training format, “Our new blended courses offer heightened convenience on multiple levels. These courses allow delegates to cut down on face-to-face training hours, using flexible e-learning modules that can be completed at their own pace, where and when they wish, around their other commitments. Not only this, but they also provide cost savings by utilising less instructor-led training days and reducing disruption to operations, as well as having the ability to be directly integrated into a business’ own learner management system.”

 

Mentor are adding to their already established blended learning course catalogue. Adam provides the details, “We’re pleased to announce the expansion of our blended learning offerings. Following successful trials, Reach Trucks and Pivot Steers will now be included in our available truck types, offering customers even more opportunities to benefit from the convenience and flexibility of blended training. These additions build on the existing Counterbalance course already in place. We look forward to sharing further details at IMHX.”

 

The event will provide the opportunity to discover innovative training solutions like this from hundreds of suppliers, and so much more. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in augmented reality in the Future Zone, and learn something new by attending the Logistics Conference, part of which is a live mock trial centred around a forklift accident. Taking place on Wednesday 10^th September, this session is sure to provide insight into the importance of forklift safety and the consequences of accidents.

 

Adam shares his excitement for the event, “We’re thrilled to be back exhibiting at IMHX. It’s an opportunity for those attending to see the latest innovations within the industry and speak with thousands of like-minded professionals across the three days. Pay us a visit on stand UK11 for a showcase of our latest training solutions and our newest blended learning courses.”

 

IMHX 2025 takes place 9^th-11^th September at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. To register for your free pass to the exhibition, click here. Or if you can’t make it, please contact Mentor here to enquire about blended learning for your business.