Food businesses are required to individually assess each material, supplier, agent, broker, and manufacturing facility.

Managing these new requirements, while collaborating with suppliers, conducting risk assessments, and making critical decisions, can be challenging.

When handled manually through emails, phone calls, or non-dedicated systems, the time and effort required to communicate and collaborate across your supply chain can place a significant strain on resources.​

Join Safefood 360°’s live webinar on Wednesday, 29 January at 3 pm GMT (10 am EST), where you’ll see how Safefood 360° Supplier Quality Management Solution can help reduce these burdens and make compliance with legal and global food safety standards achievable.

Webinar details:

• Date: Wednesday, 29 January 2025
• Time: 3 pm GMT (10 am EST)
• Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5055869369322060631

In the ever-evolving field of Refrigeration and Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC), enhancing efficiency, innovation, and quality is key. One way to stay at the forefront, and realise the benefits is by leveraging the expertise of an Engineering Consultancy.

“Why should I use a consultant, isn’t that just an additional cost to my project?”  is a logical question that arises frequently.

Using an experienced Refrigeration and HVAC consultancy can offer a wealth of benefits for businesses, governments, and individuals undertaking complex projects.

1. Expertise and Experience
2. Regulatory Compliance
3. Cost Efficiency
4. Access to Advanced Tools, Technologies and Training.
5. Objectivity and Fresh Perspectives
6. Resource Scalability and Flexibility
7. Risk Management
8. Enhanced Project Management
9. Innovation and Best Practices
10. Quality Assurance
11. Focus on Core Business
12. Design Verification and liability
13. Expertise and Experience

Refrigeration and HVAC consultancies bring a wealth of specialised knowledge and extensive experience across various applications, from commercial and industrial systems to residential solutions. Their expertise can be applied to innovative designs and efficient processes, helping to ensure your project benefits from the latest advancements. Experienced consultants, are adept at identifying potential issues early in a projects lifecycle and will offer solutions to address these challenges, minimising the risk of costly delays and errors. Their fresh perspective can assist with identifying inefficiencies in an organisation’s practises, or potential risks that may not be apparent to those deeply embedded in day-to-day operations.

2. Regulatory Compliance

Regulations in the Refrigeration and HVAC industry are constantly evolving, particularly concerning environmental standards and safety protocols. The industry – installers and operators, must navigate a complex landscape of regulations internationally and within Europe particularly in relation to environmental and safety impact.

Those working within the European markets, must ensure compliance with European Union directives, F-Gas and the emerging PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances) restrictions.

Consultants play a vital role in guiding their clients through this complex legislative landscape. They stay informed about these changes and ensure that their clients’ projects comply with all relevant regulations. Helping businesses not only to understand the implications of the F-gas phase-down and PFAS restrictions, but also to develop strategies to adopt more sustainable and compliant technologies, such as low-GWP refrigerants and environmentally safe materials. By staying informed on changes to EU directives, local building codes and other environmental legislation, consultancies help prevent non-compliance, which could lead to costly fines, project delays, and limited operational lifespan.

3. Cost Efficiency

Maintaining an in-house team of Refrigeration and HVAC specialists for temporary projects is costly and inefficient for most businesses. Engineering consultancies offer a cost-effective alternative, providing top-tier talent and resources as and when needed. This approach not only saves money but also ensures that your project benefits from the precise skills required.  Leveraging their ability to streamline processes and eliminate risk of errors which could derail your project, this expertise, experience and proactive approach keeps your project on track and within budget.

4. Access to Advanced Tools, Technologies and Training.

Consultancies invest heavily in the latest tools, software, and technologies specific to Refrigeration and HVAC design and operation. By partnering with them, your project gains access to cutting-edge resources such as energy modelling software, advanced diagnostic tools, and state-of-the-art design software.

WAVE is at the forefront of building services energy modelling and has developed a cutting edge in-house Advanced Theoretical Calculator, which considers a multitude of factors from complex and customisable system configurations to location-based climatic conditions.  Our clients benefit from energy efficiency optimisation, performance prediction, renewable energy integration and an 95% accuracy on operational expenditure (OPEX).

5. Objectivity and Fresh Perspectives

An external consultancy brings an unbiased perspective to every Refrigeration or HVAC project.  Free from preconceived notions, this objectivity allows for a clear and impartial evaluation of your project based on data, facts, leading to the best solution for the task in hand this is crucial for identifying opportunities that may have been overlooked and for effective problem-solving. Fresh perspectives often drive innovation and lead to more effective, energy-efficient solutions.

WAVE is a truly independent, employee-owned company with no external stakeholders or shareholders. We have no exclusive partnerships with any manufacturers, suppliers, or contractors. This ensures that all our support and guidance is unbiased, and our assessments are conducted with due diligence to identify and offer tailored solutions that align with your specific goals and requirements, ensuring that the successful project meets your unique needs and objectives.

6. Resource Scalability and Flexibility

Refrigeration and HVAC consultancies offer significant flexibility in managing resources to align to the specific demands of each project, allowing support to be given on projects of varying sizes and complexities efficiently, ensuring optimal performance and cost-efficiency. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for managing fluctuating workloads and timelines without the client entering long-term staffing commitments, helping to prevent unnecessary overhead costs and allowing for a leaner operation.

7. Risk Management

Experienced Refrigeration and HVAC consultancies excel in identifying potential risks early in the project lifecycle. By conducting comprehensive risk assessments, analysing every aspect of the project from design and installation to operation and maintenance.  Undertaking a thorough evaluation includes identifying technical risks, such as system failures or inefficiencies and external risks, such as regulatory changes or supply chain disruptions.

By understanding the full spectrum of potential risks, consultancies can provide a more accurate risk profile for the project and provide tailored mitigation strategies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and create robust contingency plans.

8. Enhanced Project Management

Through strong project management capabilities, Refrigeration and HVAC consultancies ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. They can create comprehensive project plans, facilitate effective coordination and consistent communication amongst all stakeholders outlining each phase of the project, including design, procurement, installation, and commissioning. Leveraging extensive networks and relationships with suppliers to secure better terms and availability for critical components. They can manage expectations and requirements from all stakeholders ensuring needs and concerns are addressed.

By setting clear timelines, monitoring milestones, avoiding bottlenecks or delays, consultancies ensure that every aspect of the project is meticulously organised and managed.

9. Innovation and Best Practices

Refrigeration and HVAC consultancies continuously monitor advancements and developments in technology. Keeping up to date with the latest regulations enables the introduction of innovative methods and best practises enhancing your projects outcome.  Every project has its unique challenges and requirements. Consultancies provide customised solutions that address specific needs, project parameters and objectives, tailoring their approach to deliver the most effective and efficient solutions.

Introducing innovative methods and best practices that enhance project outcomes, such as energy-efficient system designs, advanced refrigeration techniques, and smart Refrigeration and HVAC controls, best practices are derived from extensive research, field experience, and lessons learned from previous projects.

10. Quality Assurance

Quality and safety are paramount in Refrigeration and HVAC projects.  Engineering consultancies implement rigorous quality control measures specific to designed systems, ensuring that installation is performed to the highest standards and all works comply with local, national and international standards and regulations.  This adherence is crucial for the safety and reliability of your installed system. A keen focus on delivering high-quality work results in Refrigeration and HVAC systems that are efficient and have a longer operational lifespan.

11. Focus on Core Business

By outsourcing complex Refrigeration and HVAC tasks, your organisation can focus on its core business activities and critical strategic initiatives, such as product development, customer service, business growth and long-term business sustainability.

12. Design Verification and liability

A key role of a consultant, in the world of refrigeration and HVAC projects, is ensuring that a system operates as intended and complies with industry standards. Design verification is the cornerstone of any successful Refrigeration or HVAC project. It is the process of confirming that the system’s design meets all specified requirements before moving forward with installation and commissioning.

Consultants assist clients by reviewing designs produced by Contractors as part of the tender process. They ensure submissions cover specifications, performance goals, energy efficiency targets, and environmental requirements, and confirm that tender cost submissions are based on like for like design parameters assuring that you, the client, gets best value and best solution.

Liability is primarily tied to the accuracy and compliance of system design. In Refrigeration and HVAC projects it is often shared among multiple parties, Consultants, Contractors and equipment manufacturers, this liability once a system is installed and handed over to the client then shifts to the maintenance team. Consultancies can further support making sure that proper documentation, training, and maintenance guidelines are in place to ensure the system continues to operate as designed, reducing future liability, cost or issues.

 

 

BonCulina UK is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Smalley as Head of BonCulina Anywhere, the company’s newly established consumer and home delivery division. With a distinguished career spanning over ten years in the UK’s frozen meal home delivery sector, Smalley brings a wealth of experience to this strategic initiative.

 

Andy Jones, Director & Head of Service Development at BonCulina UK, commented:

“Our mission has always been to make nutritious, affordable, quality meals accessible to as many people as possible. With Mark joining our team, we’re poised to extend our reach directly into consumers’ homes, ensuring that more individuals can benefit from our culinary expertise.”

 

Mark Smalley has held pivotal roles, including Head of Category and later Head of Business Development, within a leading £130 million frozen food home delivery organization in the UK. His extensive background uniquely positions him to lead BonCulina Anywhere’s nationwide distribution strategy.

 

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Smalley stated:

“I’m thrilled to join BonCulina and embark on this exciting journey. Drawing from my previous experiences, I aim to develop an innovative solution for nationwide B2C distribution of BonCulina’s plated meals, reaching households across the UK. Stay tuned as we craft a service that will set new standards in home meal delivery.”

 

The home delivery market for meals catering to the elderly is experiencing significant growth. As of 2024, the UK food delivery market was valued at approximately £11.4 billion, with a projected annual growth rate of 7.5% through 2028. This expansion is driven by an aging population and increasing demand for convenient meal solutions. Projections indicate that by 2034, individuals aged 65 and over will comprise nearly a quarter of the UK population, underscoring the importance of accessible, nutritious meal options for this demographic.

 

BonCulina Anywhere is set to leverage these market dynamics, offering a diverse range of high-quality, frozen, portion-packed meals tailored to the needs of consumers nationwide.

 

It is time to think about returns again. The need to process items sent back by increasingly fickle customers has become an all-year-round burden across all sectors for third-party logistics (3PL) operators. But there is no doubt that Christmas and the New Year are still the peak periods. The volume appears to be growing. One report put the total UK value of returns at £7 billion as recently as 2022, while a newer report just a few months ago predicted the UK total will be around £27 billion in 2024. Around half of UK online shoppers have returned goods in the past year.

 

These headline figures are doubtlessly driven by the significant rise over the last decade in the number of e-commerce businesses. For these, making it easy to make returns is part of their proposition but is in any case demanded by the rules and regulations that govern online sales. At the same time the majority of larger and established retailers, who are generally served by traditional 3PLs, are also seeing increasing volumes of returns. Some of this will be the result of growth in their own e-commerce activities but is also likely to be because these retailers are offering similar terms for items bought in store because that is what customers expect. At the same time, traditional suppliers of all kinds of product (think building products, car parts, engineering components, gardening supplies etc) that were previously focused on business customers (and are mostly likely served by 3PLs) are now also selling direct to the public through some kind of e-commerce platform. Whether or not business returns have become more common, although it is entirely possible because customers no doubt prefer this option, this blurring of the lines is also contributing to the volumes that 3PLs need to handle.

 

Managing returns – known more generally in the supply chain as reverse logistics – can significantly impact both the financial health and operational efficiency of businesses. The ability to manage reverse logistics effectively is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty and is therefore essential for long-term success. What does this mean for 3PLs and their warehouse operators, and are they using the full capabilities of their warehouse management systems (WMS) to manage this vital process?

 

First and foremost, reverse logistics is going to be a significant factor in the future. Making sure an order is correct and delivered to the customer at the right time and without additional problems will remove one obvious reason for a return. Having an efficient WMS can definitely help with that. The challenge for 3PL warehouse operators is to have processes that can deal with returns efficiently and economically, whatever the reason or source, while at the same time meeting customer expectations. Many businesses offer a seamless service where items can be returned under broadly the same conditions to any location. From a supply chain point of view, it probably matters little whether the item was supplied from an online or real-world location or how or why it was returned. The item will need to be processed in much the same way once it arrives back at the warehouse.

 

Returns management, or reverse logistics, is different to dealing with new stock. Original stock is typically supplied in bulk and delivered into the warehouse in predictable formats with optimised processes. Returns represent a different logistical challenge because they are unpredictable in terms of the timeframe, volume, and condition of the items. This unpredictability can create bottlenecks in the warehouse, slowing down the overall supply chain process. Furthermore, each returned item must be individually inspected, processed, and either restocked, repaired, or disposed of, adding to the complexity. A WMS can play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges by streamlining the returns process, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

 

Dedicated Returns Management: a specialised returns function within the WMS can support efficient processes and decision making and provide an effective interface with staff, automated systems, and other business applications, sales order processing, accounts, and more. Many modern WMS offerings include these facilities as standard and have numerous tools to simplify the necessary integrations.

 

Automated Data Collection: technologies such as barcodes, QR codes, and RFID can record and track returned items accurately as soon as they arrive. This reduces the need for manual data entry, minimising errors and speeding up the process. Many suppliers have extended this so that, for example, items returned in-store or collected from the customer’s premises, are scanned at the same time. The information is automatically fed back into the WMS to help with warehouse planning while also providing enhanced tracking and status information to the customer.

 

Efficient Processing: a WMS can automate many of the decisions involved in processing returns. For example, it can automatically determine whether an item should be restocked, sent for repair, or disposed of based on predefined criteria. This reduces the need for human intervention and ensures that returns are handled consistently and efficiently. It can also reduce, and possibly eliminate, the need for wasteful, costly, and time-consuming handling and storage processes. For example, making decisions as soon as (or even better before) an item arrives in the warehouse can remove the need to store it until further action is taken, thereby ensuring valuable space is used instead for revenue-generating activities.

 

Optimised Warehouse Layout: using built-in analytics and other tools, the WMS can suggest ways to configure the warehouse to handle returns more effectively. This might include setting up dedicated areas for receiving and processing returns or suggesting how existing areas can be reconfigured for greater efficiency. Making this sort of change can help streamline the workflow and reduce congestion in other parts of the warehouse.

 

Resource Allocation: leading WMS products support sophisticated task management to optimise the operations of warehouse staff and infrastructure such as lift trucks and automated handling devices. Dynamic and rules-based task allocation ensures staff are always given those with the highest priority, which can change throughout the shift. Dealing with incoming stock and returns might be a priority as deliveries arrive in the morning but preparing outbound orders is likely to be more important as cutoff deadlines approach later in the day, let alone dealing with the immediate demands of same-day deliveries. Warehouse operators can maximise their capacity and ability to deal with the maximum number of tasks by using these dynamic features. They can be particularly important during peak returns season because maximising efficiency and productivity can help to remove the need for additional, temporary staff.

 

Enhanced Internal Visibility and Tracking: a WMS provides real-time visibility into the status of returned items. This transparency allows warehouse operators to track the progress of each return, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions to improve efficiency.

 

Integration with Other Systems: WMS can interface with other business applications, sales order processing systems, and accounting software. This integration ensures that all relevant information is updated in real-time, facilitating seamless communication across different departments and improving overall efficiency.

 

By leveraging the capabilities of a WMS, 3PL warehouse operators can significantly improve the efficiency of their returns process. This not only reduces costs but also enhances customer satisfaction by ensuring that returns are handled quickly and accurately. In a competitive environment, the ability to manage returns effectively can be a key differentiator, helping businesses to build stronger relationships with their customers and drive long-term success.

 

http://www.principalsystems.com

A partnership between Oakland International and Better Pathways has seen remarkable success with the first cohort of participants, and with one participant receiving an offer of permanent employment.

Total supply chain solutions provider Oakland International and mental health charity Better Pathways started working together early last year with Oakland initially sponsoring two people on the Better Pathways LIVE Vocational Pathways Programme as of September, with a total of four participants agreed to be sponsored annually.

Oakland’s Head of Talent Management Kate Hewitt commented: “We were excited to begin this journey with Better Pathways and didn’t expect our relationship with the charity to be as rewarding as it has been to date.

“It is incredibly humbling and heartwarming for all involved to witness how much value it has added to our initial participants, Lee Jennings and Mark Bettam. To see their confidence grow and to be involved in something that really brings joy whilst adding to their self-esteem is incredible. The time that Lee and Mark spent on site was hugely successful and they were a real joy to host.”

After initially sponsoring Lee and Mark, Oakland is now sponsoring two additional places on the Programme as of January 2025, with Lee now employed with Oakland’s catering team two days per week.

Added Kate: “Whilst we are absolutely delighted that Lee accepted our offer of employment, we don’t have expectations that this will be repeated. If it is, we will be delighted.

“Supporting Better Pathways is about giving back and giving people experience of a real work environment. The most important aspect for us is being able to give participants work exposure and supporting them to help build their self-esteem and confidence.”

Mental health and neurodiversity needn’t be a barrier to returning to the workplace with Oakland planning to train several carefully identified team members as mental health first aiders and first responders as part of their support of MHFA – Mental Health First Aid training with their philosophy being to treat mental health in the same way as they do first aid.

Chief Executive at Better Pathways Sue Roberts commented: “We are enormously grateful to have the support of Oakland International for the important work we do, supporting people with disabilities and complex needs into employment, enabling them to live their best lives.

“Corporate partnerships of this nature are an excellent way of involving employees and the broader community in the work of local charities, growing an awareness of the needs of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, and building crucial support networks.”

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.

The Better Pathways LIVE Programme (Learning, Independence, Volunteering, Employment) is an innovative and bespoke vocational programme that supports individuals with mental health challenges, learning difficulties, learning disabilities and neuro-diverse conditions and is designed to provide person-centred upskilling and employment support to Birmingham-based participants aged between 18-65, inclusive of people from ethnic minority or socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Please see below for updates from Defra (issued 16.01.25) in relation to the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in Germany: Restrictions on the movement of certain live animals and animal product imports from Germany into GB   As previously communicated. Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has suspended the import of the following commodities to Great Britain from Germany, following a confirmed case of FMD on 10 January 2025: live (including non-domestic) ungulates (ruminants and porcine animals, including wild game) and their germplasm fresh meat from ungulates meat products from ungulates that have not been subject to specific treatment D1 or higher (including wild game) milk, colostrum and their products, unless subjected to treatment as defined in Article 4 of Regulation 2010/605 animal by-products, unless treated to effectively mitigate the risk of FMD Defra have issued information on the restrictions, and technical details are on the relevant lists on GOV UK.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) webinar recording This morning (16.01) Defra held a call for businesses on FMD in Germany and the impact on imports. Our subject matter experts from the Defra Borders team, Animal and Plant Health and Welfare and the UK Office for SPS Trade Assurance directly answered questions from businesses. You can watch the recording on APHA’s Youtube channel.

Technical information on importing German processed meat and dairy products There were a number of questions on the call about the technical specifications and links to legislation around processed meat and dairy products that are still permitted to enter Great Britain. The following information has been provided by the UK Office for SPS Trade Assurance. Imports of meat products derived from FMD-susceptible animals subject to at least heat treatment D1 or above (heat treatment D, C and B) are still permitted. Treatment D1 requires that products are subject to ‘heating so that an internal temperature of 70 °C or greater is maintained for a minimum of 30 minutes’. This has been achieved through the application of treatment D1 in columns 3, 4, 5, 10 and 11 in the meat products third country listing. Imports of milk and milk products under column C of Germany’s entry in the milk and milk products third country listing are still permitted. Column C lists those countries authorised for the importation of dairy products derived from raw milk of cows, ewes, goats or buffaloes, or, where specifically authorised, from camels of the species Camelus dromedarius at risk of foot-and-mouth disease provided that the dairy products have undergone, or been produced from raw milk which has undergone, an appropriate heat treatment, in accordance with Article 4 of EUR 2010/605. You will need to provide evidence from your producer that the products meet these requirements. This evidence should be uploaded and attached to the CHED import notification on IPAFFS before you submit the CHED so that the Port Health Authorities/Local Authorities can review as part of the documentary check. Evidence can include an appropriately signed health certificate, relevant to the consignment being imported, where an Official Veterinarian (OV) has certified that the appropriate heat treatment has been applied.

What to do if your animal product import is held at the border If your animal product import is being held at the border, there may be a number of reasons: Current restrictions due to foot and mouth disease in Germany The Port Health Authority requires an inspection Incorrect, missing or no documentation Errors in your CHED import notification or your customs declaration Your first point of contact for animal product imports held at the border should always be the port health authority at the point of entry. You’ll find full contact details for all PHAs on GOV UK and on this map. You must provide: The CHED import notification references (format CHED?.2025.???????) for the consignments being held Vehicle registrations and trailer numbers for any trucks or trailers held It’s also useful to provide the customs declaration MRN number and the Goods Movement Reference if there is one. The PHA will be able to tell you why the goods are being held and what action you need to take to resolve the hold.

Bringing food and other products for personal use from Germany into Great Britain As a result of the recent confirmed case of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Germany, from 15 January 2025 individuals cannot bring any products of FMD susceptible species (for example: sheep, pigs, cows) from Germany into Great Britain for personal consumption. This includes fresh meat, meat products, milk, dairy products, colostrum, colostrum products and certain composite products and animal by products of ungulates. These products pose a risk to animal health in Great Britain. Exemptions from these rules include infant milk, medical foods and certain low risk composite products (including chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, biscuits, pasta and food supplements containing less than 20% animal products).

Useful contacts Imports of animal products: for urgent questions about imports of animal products, including germinal products, contact the Port Health Authority or Local Authority at the Border Control Post (BCP) for the goods’ point of entry. Find the BCP and the PHA/LA contact information on this map or list. Imports of live animals: for urgent questions about imports of live animals, contact APHA. Useful links Press notice on gov.uk Topical Issues – Guidance for imports on gov.uk Preliminary outbreak assessment Guidance for imports of non-harmonised Animal by-products Guidance for imports of Research & diagnostic samples (ABP)

 

Brakes, the UK’s leading foodservice supplier, has enjoyed spectacular success at the Cash & Carry Management Chefs’ Own Brand Awards, scooping a massive 22 awards, including the much sought-after Star of the Show for its Portico Pan Ready Cornish Sole.

 

The company, which won around half of the categories available, took home 18 category awards as well as three Best of the Best awards for its Sysco Classic Mighty Pea Croquettes, Sysco Classic Roasted Mediterranean Vegetable Medley and Sysco Simply Plant Based Veg & Harissa Chickpea Tart, along with the Star of the Show.

 

Paul Nieduszynski, Chief Executive of Sysco GB, said: “Winning so many awards highlights the depth of our new product development and how hard we are working to drive innovation across the sector.

 

“Our product development teams have done a fantastic job creating products that support customers in developing standout menus which deliver quality dining experiences.”