The build-up to the final is well and truly underway with the contenders in pole position revving their engines as we gear up for the Grand Prix Awards. The results for this exciting event will be announced at the CEDA conference in Torquay, 1-3 May.
The CEDA Grand Prix Awards are sponsored by Enodis Distribution UK, the division of the global giant responsible for all distributor sales of the company's brands in the UK. Not only will the overall winner walk away with the plaudits and the admiration and respect of their peers, but Catering Update will also be featuring the champion in a no holds barred fly-on-the-wall series of features covering their next installation.
For those readers who may not know what CEDA is, with new kitchen equipment representing a large investment to most caterers, impartial advice and the opportunity to choose from a wide range of brands to ensure you get exactly what you need are vital if you are to avoid the lottery of equipment purchase and kitchen design. That is where the help of a CEDA (Catering Equipment Distributors Association) member is invaluable.
CEDA members can advise on the leading brands of catering equipment to ensure you get the best equipment for your own individual requirements. For example, CEDA members offer design and planning services that help make optimum use of kitchen space, incorporating items of equipment from different manufacturers as necessary.
Don't take a chance on buying your kitchen equipment from unknown suppliers you know nothing about. A cheap deal could turn out to be an expensive mistake: for example, if the design and layout of the new kitchen does not encourage a smooth workflow, or items of equipment are not large/substantial enough to cope with the workload..
A reputable distributor - such as a CEDA member - should provide the following services:
1) Quality products that are manufactured to relevant standards of safety and hygiene and carry a suitable warranty.
2) Kitchen designs based on efficiency and safety.
3) Installation and commissioning by trained personnel.
4) The very highest levels of after sales service.
Association members do not just specify and provide and fit kitchen appliances, they provide a whole raft of other services. Their expertise can be used for fitting out eating areas and bars and extends way beyond back of house and serveries and counters to front of house, too.
CEDA has over 80 members nationwide, many of whom are also members of CEDACARE, a unique partnership designed to keep service costs to a minimum by ensuring engineers work locally rather than wasting time travelling long distances.
The activities of the association have widened and membership has grown to over 70 firms, including Associate and Probationary members, who give national coverage. The association have a good rapport with CESA (Catering Equipment Manufacturers and Importers Association) with whom industry training and standards have been established, particularly for the catering equipment engineer.
CEDA continues to serve its members as a trade association. Probably most important has been the flow of information that passes between members, for example, on the complexities and effects on businesses of recent implementation of new gas and water legislation.
Council member Peter Galliford says: "CEDA values very highly, and is extremely pleased with the support from Enodis Distribution UK and Catering Update this year, in sponsoring the awards. It reflects strongly on the industry's recognition of the importance and profile of the CEDA Grand Prix Awards which have grown in reputation and importance every year. And this year especially, has seen significant developments.
"Quality of entries this year has been very good. The entries have been a lot more detailed, with some really good projects, that reflect what CEDA is all about, reinforcing the principles of great service. The new category of Outstanding Customer Service, has been especially well subscribed to.
"There have been some truly outstanding entries, showing what customer service is really about. The judges have said that it will be really difficult to choose a winner.
"The judging has taken a lot longer than normal, with a second day required for the judges to agree the shortlist to go forward with. All shortlisted entries will now be visited by the judges over the next two weeks," says Peter.
Watch this space in May for full details of the winners of each category and of the overall Grand Prix winner.
The CEDA conference takes place over May Day Bank Holiday weekend in Torquay.
www.ceda.co.uk
CEDA