Tues 18th Nov, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London

OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL APPOINTS SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER

Posted on by hayley.smith@oakland-international.com

Total supply chain solutions provider Oakland International has appointed Doyin Adeleye as their new Sustainability and ESG Manager.

Bringing an abundance of climate, energy, sustainability and ESG experience, Doyin will work across the Oakland group of businesses to further elevate and transform their wider sustainability agenda and help attain their climate and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals.

With an academic background at post graduate level in Energy & Environmental Technology & Economics, and a wealth of management, advisory and consultancy (strategy, policy and projects) experiences acquired in the management consultancy, sustainability (including energy and carbon management), climate and ESG spaces, Doyin has worked for several public and private sector organisations including Mouchel (now part of WSP), Balfour Beatty, OFGEM, the Environment Agency, the University of Wolverhampton, Greater London Authority, Energise and most recently Carbon Limits.

Said Doyin: “It is a great time to join Oakland International, a reputable and successful organisation by all metrics and measure, with huge growth and sustainability ambitions, and whose values and aspirations align perfectly with mine. Sustainability is evidently woven into the fabric of the organisation and, as Sustainability and ESG continues to evolve, I look forward to working with the stakeholders across the Group to help transform and tackle challenges to achieve all the Group’s Sustainability goals and objectives. 

“My short to medium term target will be to help set out and implement our Sustainability and Net Zero strategic pathway, deepen collaboration and engagement with our stakeholders, and strengthen our reporting obligations. In the longer term, my priority will be to help further develop our on-site clean energy generation, green our distribution fleet, help us achieve Net Zero targets and position and continue to help position us at the forefront of sustainability excellence.  

“I am excited to have joined, everyone has welcomed me warmly, and I look forward to the future with Oakland International.”

Oakland International is a B Corporation certified business and an expert in direct to consumer, case consolidation, contract packing, storage and distribution, food tempering and brand development support for ambient, chilled, and frozen food. They serve retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK and Ireland. They are also a leader in distress load management, which prevents unnecessary food and non-food products from being wasted. Oakland International is now working towards becoming the first business in their sector to achieve net zero.

Oakland Project Development Director Henry Godber commented: “I very much look forward to working with Doyin who has a wealth of experience in this field that will prove invaluable as we set out to evaluate our sustainability ambitions and define the pathway we aim to follow towards being a net zero business by 20240.”

FSA LAUNCHES IMPORTS INTELLIGENCE HUB

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) have recently launched an Imports Intelligence Hub (IIH). The purpose of the IIH is to provide useful, assessed, and reliable information accessible to all, on a range of border data and intelligence connected with the import of high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin (HRFNAO) and products of animal origin (POAO).

Within the IIH stakeholders can view:

  • A summary of the sampling results of imported products of animal origin (POAO) undertaken at UK Border Inspection Posts (BCPs), under the UK’s National Monitoring Plan (NMP).
  • The imports Early Warning System (EWS) notifications. These are usually published at the end of each month listing specific commodity/country/hazard combinations that have been identified during the previous month as “emerging” risks.
  • Data from surveillance monitoring of imported food and feed of non-animal origin undertaken by our Port Health Authorities (PHAs) and recorded on IPAFFS.
  • Data relating to the controls applied to products of animal origin imported into the United Kingdom via approved designated ports (BCPs).

The Imports Intelligence Hub can be accessed here

BFFF MEMBERS NEED TO BE AWARE OF NEW CHANGES FOR RIDDOR REPORTING

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

HSE has updated its guidance for responsible persons on when and how to report incidents under RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations). This is important change for our members as additional data will be required when carrying out an investigation as all sections need to be completed on the RIDDOR site. There are no changes to legal requirements, but the guidance will help you understand how and when you should submit a report under RIDDOR.

The improvements are based on feedback gathered from our members and other stakeholders who felt the guidance was unclear in some places, particularly around reporting occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences. Stakeholders also felt the online reporting forms were hard to follow and would benefit from improved guidance.

Main changes to the guidance include:

  • more direct links to guidance on the various types of reportable incidents to help you decide whether a report is required
  • improved guidance on who should and should not report under RIDDOR
  • improved guidance on what is meant by a ‘work-related’ accident
  • information on when an occupational disease is not reportable
  • increased clarity on when an ‘over-7-day’ absence should be reported

Main changes to the online forms include:

  • the questions have been reordered to bring questions about the ‘severity of injuries’ to the beginning. This will help you quickly decide if your incident is reportable
  • pop-up messages will now redirect you if the incident is not reportable
  • guidance has been improved throughout the forms to make them easier to use
  • injured or affected people now have an increased number of options when completing the gender field

To further determine if RIDDOR is reportable please also refer to the BFFF assured guidance on our website.

Click here for the guidance.

BIG ROLE FOR BIG DATA IN THE WAREHOUSE

Posted on by Rob Sherwin

Five examples of how big data can be used in a WMS to offer new insights and innovation to provide competitive advantage.

 

Big data offers potential benefits for warehouse operators through the analysis of information available from their warehouse management software (WMS). This is one of the five key trends for WMS that we discussed in a recent article. What are the key areas where this data can add insight and value to improve business performance, productivity, and efficiency?

 

First, a bit of background. Many early WMS operated in isolation in the sense that the data they used was typically generated and retained within the application itself. There was little or no interaction with other applications because those did not exist. Even information about incoming goods was often entered manually because it was not available in electronic format. Importing information from spreadsheets, technologies such as EDI, and direct links to other applications made it easier to get information into the WMS and this led to more efficiencies. Later, and especially after integration with other systems became commonplace, application suppliers and users came to realise that the WMS itself was also generating vast amounts of information or “meta data” as part of its everyday operations that might reveal something useful with the proper analysis. This is the role of big data and data analytics. Here are five examples of how big data can be used in a WMS to offer new insights and innovation to provide competitive advantage.

 

Demand Forecasting: data can help warehouse operators predict customer demand and optimise inventory levels. By analysing historical sales data, market trends, weather patterns, and customer preferences, warehouse operators can anticipate future demand and adjust their stock accordingly. For example, retailers increase stock of items such as beer and barbeque supplies when good weather is expected for the coming weekend. Demand will be even higher if this coincides with a public holiday or major sporting event. Some of this is predictable but with retailers increasingly relying on one- or two-day lead times, their supply chains have to be agile enough to align orders to anticipated sales volumes within very short timeframes. Overstocking and understocking are equally inefficient but using all available information helps to reduce the risk while improving customer satisfaction and increasing sales revenue.

 

Quality Control: data can help warehouse operators monitor and improve the quality of their products and processes. By collecting and analysing data from sensors, cameras, scanners, and RFID tags, warehouse operators can detect and prevent defects, errors, and damages. Among other things this is critical to ensuring the maximum number of orders are delivered in full, on time, and in the optimum condition to maximise the customer experience. Information about unsold items and returns can also reveal insights and patterns that help improve performance. This can enhance product quality, reduce waste and rework, and comply with safety and regulatory standards.

 

Performance Management: data can help warehouse operators measure and improve the performance of their employees and equipment. For example, analytics can help identify optimum pick routes based on location of items and the frequency they are picked. This can help determine whether it is more efficient to pick orders one at a time in sequence or multiple orders simultaneously during a single pass through the picking area. By tracking and analysing data on productivity, efficiency, accuracy, and safety, warehouse operators can identify and reward high performers, provide feedback and training, and optimise workflows and schedules. When done correctly this can boost employee morale, motivation, and retention, as well as reduce downtime and maintenance costs.

 

Customer Service: data can help warehouse operators deliver better customer service and loyalty. By integrating and analysing data from various sources, such as CRM, ERP, social media, and web analytics, warehouse operators can gain a 360-degree view of their customers and their needs. This can enable personalised recommendations, promotions, and discounts, as well as faster and more reliable delivery and returns. A typical example of this is when a website presents customers with information about products “other customers bought” or “you might also like” and so on. Retail and business customers generally prefer to buy multiple products from the same supplier if they can because it makes their lives simpler. They are also more likely to give good recommendations and ratings if they have a good experience.

 

Supply Chain Visibility: data can help warehouse operators gain more visibility and control over their supply chain partners and processes. By sharing and analysing data across the supply chain network, warehouse operators can collaborate and coordinate with suppliers, logistics providers, and retailers. This can improve supply chain efficiency, agility, and resilience, as well as reduce risks and costs. It also enhances and strengthens relationships because other supply chain stakeholders will value the warehouse operator’s ability to share information. After all, they too are likely to be pursuing similar improvement objectives in their own operations.

 

Big data can help warehouse operators gain insights, make better decisions, and create value for their customers and stakeholders. Leading WMS incorporate many of the tools required to manage the data and complete this analysis. ProWMS BI from Principal Logistics Technologies, for example, utilises Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its Business Intelligence (BI) feature to identify and reveal hitherto unseen patterns or insights in real-time. This is an area that is evolving rapidly and which will no doubt lead to exciting and as yet unforeseen opportunities and innovations in the supply chain.

Warehouse Management Systems

1 WEEK TO GO! – USEFUL INFORMATION AND HANDY LINKS TO HELP PREPARE FOR NEW IMPORT CONTROLS

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

With just under 1 week to go before new imports controls come into effect, Defra have provided the following information and useful links to help businesses check what to do to ensure they are compliant and avoid disruption:

New import controls have been introduced and further changes will come into effect from 30 April 2024.

From 30 April 2024 traders must:  

  • Ensure goods arrive through an appropriately designated Border Control Post (BCP) or Control Point (CP) for your commodity type
  • If called, present the consignment for documentary, physical and identification inspections at the BCP or CP

These requirements will apply to EU and non-qualifying Northern Ireland Goods entering GB from the island of Ireland no earlier than 31 October 2024, with the precise date to be confirmed.

 

How can Defra help ensure you’re ready for 30 April? 

Please take a few minutes to tell us how ready you are for the introduction of border checks and what we can do to support you in the two weeks leading to Go Live.

Respond to survey here 

 

Border control posts and charges 

We have recently published a list of operators that have applied for designation of a new border control post along with information about charges including the common user charge rates and how they will apply from 30 April.

Read our information on Border Control Posts (BCP’s) and charges for importing live animals, animal products, plants and plant products

 

Common User Charge rates – billing and invoices

We have updated our guidance on Common User Charge rates today on Gov.UK to include information on billing requirements and invoices. The guidance provides examples of how the common user charge will be calculated and further information on how to arrange payment of the charge by importers or their agents.

 

Import notifications and derogation requests

The requirement for IPAFFS prenotifications to be submitted one working day ahead of a consignment’s arrival in GB is an existing requirement for goods from the EU and non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods from the island of Ireland.  Traders are strongly encouraged to submit their import notifications as early as possible to enable any issues to be resolved prior to their arrival.

From 30 April when controls at the border are introduced, importers should contact the nominated Port Health Authority (PHA) to request a derogation from 24 hours to reduce the pre-notification window to a minimum of 4 hours if, by exception, they are unable to meet this requirement.

Some PHA’s may be able to accommodate a reduction from 24 hours to a minimum of a 4-hour prenotification window but this will be considered on a case-by-case basis for each consignment.  For plants and plant products for goods arriving by air and RoRo IPAFFS pre-notifications should be submitted 4 hours ahead of the goods arrival in GB. All other modes of transport must provide an IPAFFS pre-notification with one working day.

 

CHED import notification and customs declarations – a reminder 

From 30 April, HMRC/Defra systems will cross-check the CHED import notification and customs declaration for each consignment of goods subject to SPS controls imported from EU countries.

This is already in place for non-EU countries.   To avoid the consignment being directed to a BCP when it may not need to attend, the CHED import notification reference and commodity codes must be consistent between the notification and the customs declaration. Follow these steps:

  • Submit the import notification using IPAFFS before your customs agent submits the customs declaration using Customs Declaration Service.
  • Use the new Copy function to copy the CHED reference and customs Doc code in the correct format for the customs declaration.
  • Send to your customs agent together with a PDF copy of the import notification. Ask them to double check the commodity codes are the same in the customs declaration. They should also check that there are no special characters in the description of goods field (Data Element 6/8).
  • Work with your customs agent to fix any errors shown on CDS or IPAFFS before the consignment reaches the port of departure, to avoid it being directed to a BCP when it may not need to attend.

 

Importing compound and composite products 

We have updated our information about compound products. Find out what compound products are, and how to import or move them from the EU and Northern Ireland to Great Britain. 

For more information about composite products read our guidance Import composite products from the EU to Great Britain – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You can also use our decision tree to find out if your product is a composite product.

 

Queries about your import from 30 April 2024

From 30 April any urgent BTOM/import queries for plants and plant products across England & Wales should be directed to the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), by email, in the first instance: phsi-importers@apha.gov.uk  

Alternatively, you can contact them by telephone: +44 (0) 3000 200 301

From 30 April any urgent BTOM/import queries for animal products should be directed to the Port Health Authority (PHA) at your nominated Border Control Post (BCP).

Find your PHA contact details at your nominated BCP on this map.

 

Read our summary of common errors.

Read our summary of common errors that have been identified through the documentary checks undertaken since the import controls were implemented on 31 January.  Ensuring you do not repeat these common errors can help reduce the need to undergo in-person documentary checks at the border.

 

Additional resources:

Sign up for our final online information session at 10.00am on Tuesday 23 April to find out about the forthcoming changes for products of animal origin:  BTOM: Prepare for import controls from 30 April ’24 (animal products) Tickets, Tue 23 Apr 2024 at 10:00 | Eventbrite 

Visit our YouTube channel and watch recordings of our previous webinars for traders.

Read our guidance on how to comply with your legal responsibilities for:

 

Border TOM information:

Border Target Operating Model: The Border Target Operating Model: August 2023 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Defra BTOM information leaflets to help you prepare for the SPS controls:Border Target Operating Model: information leaflets for businesses – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Join our fortnightly Business Readiness Forum (BRF) for updates on specific biosecurity, borders and trade related, cross-cutting and operational issues.

For joining details email:BBTP-BusinessReadinessForum@defra.gov.uk

 

Risk categories

Risk categories for non-EU imports: Check import risk categories and related rules for animals and animal products imported from non-EU countries to Great Britain, from 30 April 2024 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Risk categories for EU imports: Check import risk categories and related rules for animals and animal products imported from the EU to Great Britain, from 31 January 2024 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

Import requirements:

Fish for direct human consumption and fishery products https://www.gov.uk/guidance/importing-or-moving-fish-to-the-uk

Live animals or animal products from non EU/EFTA countries: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/importing-live-animals-or-animal-products-from-non-eu-countries

Food and drink from the EU and Northern Ireland to Great Britain: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/import-or-move-food-and-drink-from-the-eu-and-northern-ireland-to-great-britain

 

Groupage

Groupage and mixed loads (animal products) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/import-groupage-or-mixed-load-consignments-of-animal-products-into-great-britain-from-2024

 

Transits

Transits and GB landbridge: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transiting-animals-and-animal-products-through-great-britain#eu-to-great-britain-to-eu-transits

 

Common Health Entry Document Import notifications

Access IPAFFS on GOV UK: Import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

HMRC’s Goods Vehicle Movement Service

Register for the Goods Vehicle Movement Service – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Check if you need to report for an inspection – Check if you need to report for an inspection – GOV.UK (tax.service.gov.uk)

DEFRA ISSUE STATEMENT REGARDING MISLEADING COVERAGE ABOUT UPCOMING BOARDER CHECKS

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

Following press coverage claiming that import checks planned to commence from 30th April will be delayed, Defra have issued the following response:

There has been misleading reporting this morning (19 April) claiming that health and safety checks for EU imports won’t be “turned on” as planned from 30 April 2024. However, as has been previously outlined, we will be commencing checks from 30 April.

The UK government has full confidence that the facilities, infrastructure and systems at the border, will be ready for the 30 April implementation date of new border checks.

The priority for physical checks from day one will be on the highest risk goods, and Port Health Authorities will be conducting documentary checks on consignments of all risk levels and will contact traders where they have concerns. Checks will be scaled up to full check levels in a sensible and controlled way.

A UK Government spokesperson said:

“As we have always said, the goods posing the highest biosecurity risk are being prioritised as we build up to full check rates and high levels of compliance. Taking a pragmatic approach to introducing our new border checks minimises disruption, protects our biosecurity and benefits everyone – especially traders.

“There has been extensive engagement with businesses over the past year – with our approach welcomed by several trade associations and port authorities. We will continue to work with and support businesses throughout this process to maintain the smooth flow of imported goods.

“We are confident we have sufficient capacity and capability across all points of entry to handle the volume and type of expected checks. It is important to remember the cost of our border checks is negligible compared to the impact of a major disease outbreak on our economy and farmers.”

Our approach ensures we are striking the appropriate balance between protecting the UK from biosecurity risks and facilitating trade.

We will continually review our enforcement approach tracking compliance levels to protect biosecurity and food safety whilst minimising disruption to trade flows. Our enforcement approach will be graduated to help traders to comply.

This follows extensive engagement with businesses – including regularly contacting 30,000 importers with up-to-date information, delivering over 50 webinars to thousands of businesses, working with major supermarkets and their suppliers to provide training, alongside working with HMRC to deliver communication to all VAT registered businesses in the UK (approximately 150,000 businesses).

MAGNAVALE EASTON DEVELOPMENT, SET TO SUPPORT FOOD SECURITY IN LINCOLNSHIRE, APPROACHES FINISH LINE

Posted on by shane.meharg@magnavale.co.uk

Magnavale is pleased to announce that its highly anticipated Easton-based temperature-controlled storage facility is approaching the finish line and is set to open in Q3 2024. This advanced development represents a significant step forward in supporting food production and strengthening food security in the Lincolnshire region.

In recent weeks, the facility, based just South of Grantham, Lincolnshire, has witnessed remarkable progress, with the installation of crucial components such as refrigeration pipework, cladding, roofing, and the refrigeration plant. These milestones bring the facility closer to becoming a cutting-edge solution for sustainable and efficient cold storage.

Amanda Cogan, Magnavale’s Chief Operating Officer, commented:

“We recognise the critical role that our automated temperature-controlled facility will play in supporting food production in Lincolnshire, minimising food waste and ensuring product safety. Easton has been designed with the cold chain in mind. With the integration of cold chain solutions, such as contract packing, the facility will allow partners to cut out unnecessary steps in their cold chain, reducing transport costs and reducing carbon emissions.”

The Easton development underscores Magnavale’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Powered by renewable energy sources, the facility aims to reduce its carbon footprint while incorporating advanced automation technologies to minimise unnecessary transportation and associated costs.

Working with some of the best equipment suppliers in the industry, the facility has been designed to prevent disruptions during peak operational periods like the Christmas season, with multiple pallet ingress and egress points to avoid bottlenecks as well as built-in redundancy planning with no single point of failure.

Moreover, product safety is a paramount concern at Magnavale Easton. With planned systems such as oxygen reduction in place, the risk of fires is almost eliminated, ensuring that stored products remain protected from fire and the water damage associated with traditional sprinkler systems. This innovative approach to safety further solidifies Magnavale’s commitment to preserving the integrity of its partners’ stock.

Resources

Video available – https://youtu.be/ltSruTn8xz8

BONCULINE AUSTRAILIA LAUNCHES GOURMET MEAL RANGE, PARTNERS WITH SUNSHINE PRIVATE HOSPITAL

Posted on by Ruth Smith
BonCulina, renowned for its exceptional food service offerings in Europe, is proud to announce its entry into the Australian market, launching a specialized meal range designed specifically for the healthcare and aged care sectors. This strategic move comes as part of an innovative collaboration with Sunshine Private Hospital, heralding a new era in the provisioning of hospital meals in Australia.
In an ambitious effort to revolutionize meal services within healthcare settings, BonCulina has worked hand-in-hand with Sunshine Private Hospital to intricately understand and meet the nuanced dietary requirements of patients and the elderly. “This collaboration has been foundational in shaping a meal service that is not just about serving food but enhancing the overall well-being of those in care,” says Joe Ivisic, Managing Director of BonCulina Australia.The comprehensive meal range includes texture modified meals fully compliant with the IDDSI framework, as well as allergen-friendly, Halal and Kosher options. The new lineup offers an extensive selection of main dishes including beef, lamb, pork, poultry, fish, and vegan and vegetarian options, complemented by a variety of soups and desserts. View the full meal range here: link to online product catalogue.

An exclusive partnership with Torus Pak® levels up the meals to a new form of easy gourmet that’s both delicious and economical, whether serving one or 1,000. The system offers convenient service and precise recipe control while reducing labor costs and meal prep time.

Rishad Syed, Director of Support Services & Infrastructure at Unitas Healthcare, the managing entity of Sunshine Private Hospital, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “As a state-of-the-art hospital, we strive to maintain cutting-edge technology across all aspects of patient care.” The partnership positions Sunshine Private Hospital well for the provision of exceptional patient care and for future expansion to accommodate a rising population in the west.

“Our mission at BonCulina is to provide elegant, nutritionally balanced meals that serve both small and large scale needs,” Ivisic said. “We know that quality meals can dramatically enhance a person’s well-being, whether they are in a hospital setting, aged care facility, or enjoying a dining experience at home.” The company’s offerings also span sectors such as business and industry, general hospitality, defense, and education.

This collaboration between BonCulina Australia and Sunshine Private Hospital heralds a new era of efficiency, sustainability, and culinary excellence within healthcare meal services. Together, they are poised to set a new standard of nourishment and care for patients across St. Albans and beyond.

About Sunshine Private Hospital

Sunshine Private Hospital is a 75-bed private hospital in Melbourne’s western suburbs featuring four operating theatres, an endoscopy suite, a 30-bed medical and surgical ward including high dependency beds, 24 bed day surgery, a 21-bed women’s mental health inpatient unit, mental health outpatient services, consulting suites and sleep study facilities. The $140 million hospital aiming for a five-star Green Star rating, is owned by Australian Unity’s $3.8 billion Healthcare Property Trust.
BonCulina Australia
BonCulina, a leading provider of premium food services in the UK that is now entering the Australian market, specializes in nutritionally balanced meals for healthcare, aged care, and various other sectors. With a commitment to quality, the environment, and customer satisfaction, BonCulina offers a range of main dishes, soups, desserts, and modified-texture meals to meet the diverse dietary needs of its customers. The company’s partnership with Torus Pak® allows for innovative straight-to-plate packaging, enhancing the dining experience for residents and guests alike. For more information, visit www.bonculina.com