Issue 8, Vol 1

---

 

FEDERATION NEWS

FSDF Breakfast Meetings

Come along and meet the FSDF at a series of regional breakfast meetings. Meet Chief Executive Chris Sturman and President Malcolm Johnstone from ACS&T. Find out more about the services available for members and associate members, as well as listen to a presentation on a hot topic of the moment. Click to read more

---

Frozen and Chilled Foods Golf Day - 20th May

For the first time, FSDF were invited to assemble a team to take part in the annual Frozen and Chilled Foods Golf Day held at the De Vere Belton Woods Hotel and Country Club near Grantham, on a beautiful sunny day. Click to read more

---

FSDF Golf Day

Now taking Bookings Click to find out further information

---

Exhibit at IMHX with the FSDF

This year FSDF will be supporting the IMHX show at the NEC and have agreed to head the Food Logistics Pavilion. Click to find out further information

---

The Who Cares? Trust - Annual Charity Bike Ride 24th - 28th June

FSDF Chief Executive - Chris Sturman is back in the office after completing a gruelling 200 mile charity bike ride, he is  seeking your support for the annual charity bike ride to raise money for children in care funds raised support specific projects by the Who Cares? Trust, a registered charity that supports children and young people who are in public care, often through no fault of their own. Click to find out further information

---

 

COMMITTEE FOCUS

Technical and Safety

Ask Infoline

HSE’s Infoline team of operators are a mine of useful information. In each issue, we publish the answer to one of the most commonly asked questions.Click here to find out more

---

Business Affairs

Business Continuity Planning

Business Continuity Planning is a fundamental part of business management.Click here to find out more

---

Benchmark your refrigerated warehouse and learn how to improve your operation

European public refrigerated warehouses and 3PL cold stores are invited to participate in the GCCA Europe Operational Benchmarking Study. Click here to find out more

---

Entry Deadline Extended for the European Supply Chain Excellence Awards

The biggest prize in Supply Chain YOUR CHANCE TO ENTER Entry deadline: Friday 2nd July Click here to enter

---

Logistics Management

Post Office Diesel Price Findings

The Road Haulage Association is pleased at the findings of the recent report from the Post Office confirming the extortionate price of diesel in the UK compared to the rest of Europe.Click here to find out more

---

The Freight Best Practice programme

The Freight Best Practice programme provides a wealth of material on all aspects of boosting efficiency, saving money and reducing emissions. Pocket Guides, Guides, Case Studies, DVDs and online tools are all available completely FREE of charge.Click here to find out more

---

 

 

BUSINESS NEWS

Where does food sit on the new government's agenda?

As the country settles itself to a new coalition Government, where does food sit in importance and priority?to read more click here

---

Samworth completes Gray & Adams trailer trial

Samworth Brothers Distribution, part of Samworth Brothers, has completed operational trials of the Gray & Adams Eco-Aer trailer, a temperature-controlled trailer that has been modified to offer better aerodynamic properties.to read more click here

---

The Schaefer Robo Pick is Alive!

Picking is the most challenging task in warehouse automation. Automatic solutions have only been available for border areas and 90% of picking is still performed by employees. It has not been possible to replace the human eye and the human hand, at least not with an economic solution for everyday useto read more click here

---

Hain Frozen Foods commited with Norbert Dentressangle for a further five years.

Part of the Hain Celestial Group, Hain Frozen Foods is a leader in the natural and organic food categories with well-known brands including the Linda McCartney meat-free range. to read further click here

---

World Class Internet Based Transport Management System

Deltion is a world leader in Cloud Computing and Software as a Service (SaaS) applications. to read more click here

---

Flexi keeps the home fires burning

Based in Norway, Jotul is a world leading manufacturer of cast iron stoves and fireplaces. click here to read more

---

New multi temperature warehouse for Midlands distribution firm

Representing an investment of over £3 million, multi temperature supply chain specialist, Oakland International, is celebrating after being granted planning permission to extend their existing warehouse facilities at their Midlands HQ to read more click here

---

Forty jobs created at DBC Foodservice

Forty jobs have been created at a new Black Country catering distribution centre, bosses revealed. to read more click here

---

Property

The new Property Segment

Property 1 MODERN WAREHOUSE FACILITY 116,695 SQ FT - J11 M62 WARRINGTON AND Property 2 FROZEN DISTRIBUTION FACILITY NORMANBY ROAD,FOXHILLS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, SCUNTHORPE

Click here for more information

 

---

CBI

Recent news from the CBI

Click here to read more

---

LEGAL & TAX UPDATES

The new Equality Act

The Equality Act received Royal Assent on 8 April 2010. It harmonises existing anti-discrimination law, including the Equal Pay Act, into a single piece of legislation. Click here to read more

---

Business Payment Support Service - additional information for tax agents and advisers

This new service is designed to assist all businesses (large and small) and individuals that will be unable to pay their tax. to read more click here

---

FSDF Breakfast Meetings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

---

Frozen and Chilled Foods Golf Day - 20th May

For the first time, FSDF were invited to assemble a team to take part in the annual Frozen and Chilled Foods Golf Day held at the De Vere Belton Woods Hotel and Country Club near Grantham, on a beautiful sunny day.

The team included James Woodward and Garry Tilburn, FSDF past Presidents and Chris Sturman CEO.

Up with the leaders in the 9 hole preliminary competition in the morning, the afternoon was less successful althought James recieved the prize for the runner up in the Medal Competition for the low handicap competitors.

All agreed it was a most enjoyable day at which a number of other FSDF companies had fielded competitors or teams.

We are grateful to Richard and Martyn Cogan, publishers of Temperature Controlled Storage and Distribution Magazine (TCS&D), for the opportunity and look forward to providing a team next year.

---

FSDF Golf Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

Exhibit at IMHX with the FSDF

 

 

 This year FSDF will be supporting the IMHX show at the NEC and will be organising and managing the Food Logistics Pavilion.

The show runs from 16-19 November and presents a unique opportunity to showcase your solutions and services to key food and drink supply chain decision makers. Stands are available in the Food Logistics Pavilion in 3m x 2m and 4m x 2m sheel scheme booths. For more information and to book your space at the show contact Rob Fisher on 01895 454 442 or email robfisher@quartzltd.com.

Spaces are limited and there is a discount for FSDF members.

 

---

The Who Cares? Trust - Annual Charity Bike Ride 24th - 28th June

FSDF Chief Executive - Chris Sturman is back in the office after completing a gruelling 200 mile charity bike ride, he is  seeking your support for the annual charity bike ride to raise money for children in care funds raised support specific projects by the Who Cares? Trust, a registered charity that supports children and young people who are in public care, often through no fault of their own.

This year we are travelling from Newcastle upon Tyne, round Kielder and over the Pennines to Carlisle and then return to Newcastle along Hadrian's Wall and Otterburn between 24th and 28th June. It will be testing but we are intrepid!!

Further details can be obtained at the website www.thewhocarestrust.org.uk

 

50 of us are aiming to beat last years total of £45,000 so every little helps, and larger means a lot more. You can give using my Justgiving page - www.justgiving.co.uk/chrissturman   or by cheque to Biking for children in care

---

Ask Infoline

HSE’s Infoline team of operators are a mine of useful information. In each issue, we publish the answer to one of the most commonly asked questions.

The Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations came into force on 27 April 2010. They require employers to protect the eyes and skin of workers from exposure to hazardous sources of artificial optical radiation (AOR). Artificial optical radiation is another term for artificial light and includes ultraviolet radiation, infrared and lasers. It excludes natural light.

There are a range of problems that can be caused by over-exposure to artificial optical radiation, particularly from UV radiation and powerful lasers. These include damage to eyesight and skin, including burns.

Examples

Examples of hazardous sources of AOR can be found in the following activities: welding; plasma cutting; UV fluorescence and sterilisation systems; UV curing of paints and inks; furnaces. Dutyholders need to reduce risks to as low as reasonably practicable.

Employers with safe sources of artificial light _ or those who are already effectively managing AOR risks _ will need to do no more than they are already doing, as their employees will not be at any risk of harm.

However, businesses and employers not already managing the risks will need to do more to make sure their workers are protected.

Do you need to do more?

HSE has produced guidance to help dutyholders decide whether they are already protecting their workers or whether they need to do more under the new regulations.

This is available from: www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/nonionising/employers-aor.pdf.

Within this guidance, you will find examples of industries affected, potential dangers and key measures to consider. For example, workers in the printing and paint (motor vehicle repair) industry can be involved in the ultraviolet (UV) curing of inks and paints. Without protection, this can damage the eyes (eg photochemical damage to the retina) as well as potentially UV burn damage to the skin.

Key steps employers should consider include: engineered measures such as screening, automation, remote control; provide face shields, goggles, gloves etc; display warning signs.

If you want more detailed information, the European Commission will publish guidance later this year. A near final draft is available at:

www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/nonionising/aor-guide.pdf.

HSE Infoline: 0845 345 0055. Infoline offers a call-back service. Text HSE on 64446 and Infoline will call you back within an hour:

www.hse.gov.uk/contact/callback.htm.

 

---

 

Business Continuity Planning

Business Continuity Planning is a fundamental part of business management and the management of risk. Companies need a strategy to deal with an incident that could interrupt normal operations. Many customers now ask for proof that you have an effective Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in order to protect your supplies to them.

Our insurance broker partners RK Harrison can help please call Richard Storey on 01234 311267 or  please click here

---

Entry Deadline Extended for the European Supply Chain Excellence Awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

The biggest prize in Supply Chain

YOUR CHANCE TO ENTER

Entry deadline: Friday 2nd July

The European Supply Chain Excellence Awards, now in their fourteenth year are firmly established as the best in the industry. The entry and judging process is designed to benchmark and reward organisations in Europe that demonstrate measurable superiority within their supply chain operations.

You have until Friday 2nd July to submit your FREE entries into the biggest prize in supply chain.

You can enter either an Industry Sector category, which recognises excellence in the organisation and management of a complete supply chain, or a Special Award category, which recognises excellence in the implementation of a specific project.

For a full list of categories, to download an entry form, and to take a glimpse at the 2009 Awards, visit www.supplychainexcellenceawards.com. All submissions are held in the strictest confidence.

The awards will be presented at a glittering dinner on 18th November at London's Grosvenor House Hotel before an audience of more than 450 industry leaders.

For more details, or to book a table at the Awards Night, please contact:

Stacey Dyzart - Event Coordinator

T: +44 (0)20 7970 4112

E: supplychainawards@centaur.co.uk

Sponsored by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

The Road Haulage Association is pleased at the findings of the recent report from the Post Office confirming the extortionate price of diesel in the UK compared to the rest of Europe.

“This is an issue we have been pushing to the top of the political agenda for a long time”, said RHA spokesperson Kate Gibbs. “Although the report focuses on the cost to the holidaymaker, they at least have the advantage of choosing a destination where the price of fuel may well be less than that paid here at home. As the report says, compared with the UK, they will be quids in wherever they drive in Europe”.

The UK haulier has no such luxury of choice. Today, the average pump price for diesel stands at £1.20 per litre - the pre-tax price is 45 pence per litre.

“UK hauliers are providing an essential service yet they are seemingly being penalised. And to add insult to this particular injury, we are seeing more and more foreign hauliers on UK roads, their trucks filled with tanks of diesel fuel bought on the continent for a price that is considerably lower than their UK counterparts.”

“How many more sectors of trade and industry will it take to become aware of this gross tax differential before our new Government sits up and takes notice?” she continued. “We have already heard that new transport chief Philip Hammond will be exploring ‘pay-as-you-drive’ charges for foreign HGVs. We need these ‘explorations’ to become a matter of extreme urgency and not just another issue to be put on the back burner”.

http://www.rha.uk.net/news_and_policy/news/content/12520/rha_welcomes_post_office_report

 

---

The Freight Best Practice programme

Drivers are at the heart of any transport operation and can have the single biggest impact on fuel efficiency.

With the right driver training in place you can improve fuel efficiency and reduce accidents.

The Freight Best Practice programme provides a wealth of material on all aspects of boosting efficiency, saving money and reducing emissions. Pocket Guides, Guides, Case Studies, DVDs and online tools are all available completely FREE of charge. Read on to see how you can implement best practice in your business. Check out…

Managers and Trainers of Drivers Transport Operators’ Pack which includes:

• Safe Driving Tips

• SAFED for HGVs - A Guide to Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving for HGVs

• SAFED Assessment Sheets

• Power to Your People - Motivation Breeds Success

• Save It! - DVD

Click the followng for more information :

http://www.freightbestpractice.org.uk/download.aspx?nid=1689&action=download

---

Benchmark your refrigerated warehouse and learn how to improve your operation

European public refrigerated warehouses and 3PL cold stores are invited to participate in the GCCA Europe Operational Benchmarking Study. The study focuses on general facility and operating data (like capacity, order picking, handling equipment, pallet movements, blast freezing, turns, occupancy, etc.), energy and labor costs, direct costs (lift trucks, equipment, damages, etc.) and fixed costs ( land, leasing/depreciation, insurance, etc.). Participation is open to members and non-members. Already 15 companies have registered and are working on the questionnaire. Please click here for more details, examples of the questionnaire, an impression of what will be reported, and the registration form. Registration closes mid June. Update on ECSLA & GCCA integration and nominations for board membership

While it may have seemed rather quiet with regards to the ECSLA/GCCA integration, since the general partnership agreement was signed in Amsterdam on February 8, behind the scenes delegations of both organizations are working hard to bring the parties closer together. In the meantime, the international IARW and WFLO Board have given their blessing to this agreement during meetings at the convention in Scottsdale last month.

To find out more please click here

---

Where does food sit on the new government's agenda?

As the country settles itself to a new coalition Government, where does food sit in importance and priority? We can start by looking at the respective manifestos issued prior to the Election.

The Conservatives advocated red-tape reduction but there was also support for new rules for country of origin labelling, mandatory government public food procurement policies, the appointment of a supermarket ombudsman and clear labelling for genetically modified products. In terms of food security and protecting UK producers of food, they promised greater protection for UK farmers whilst also committing themselves to greater support for free trade. Whilst the latter impacts on supporting exports, it works on imports of food too and thus throws up some contradiction. T

he Social Democrat Manifesto also proclaims strong support for farming basing this on the premise that Britain’s future security depends upon a sustainable farming industry. They set out a pledge to deliver a fair deal for UK farmers in the context of production methods seeking to protect the natural environment and heritage. As with the Conservative document, they played on the need to regulate supermarkets by creating a legal Supermarket Code and a powerful independent regulator of Britain’s Food Market. They also sought to help consumers in their choice of foods with the least environmental impact through clearer labelling and to work with the EU to ensure that country of origin labels identified the source of the products not where they are packaged.

As I write, it is too early to see how this might play out in terms of coalition Government but commitment to climate change and environment is without doubt a core value. Consequently it seems sure that there will be a push towards local sourcing of food and debates on food miles may re-surface. Indeed the issues on sustainability are not just about our carbon footprint - water security is a real and really challenging issue. The developments in Nottinghamshire hospitals towards sourcing meat supplies locally and, in their words, improving quality, traceability and cost, fits this agenda. Both parties to the coalition refer to the power of the supermarkets and the need to regulate.

However, it is unclear how this will really work. With a Government pledged to efficiency savings and taking out unnecessary costs, does the creation of another watchdog for supermarkets really fit? With the real and sustained interest in food provenance, is there not an opportunity to encourage greater co-operation across the supply chain rather than coerce? Supermarkets in their purchasing must act responsibly and there are clear fears of undue power. However, if the new Government truly seeks to support home production emphasising provenance and sustainability, may be all sides of the chain need to recognise that it needs to be a combined effort. If we are to commit resources to control food retailing, perhaps it should be directed to getting all sides together and truly engaging in positive and pro-active discussions.

There has been much discussion about food security and everyone recognises the challenge. Britain needs to adopt a very clear strategy to meet that challenge and determine how it is to meet its needs both home produced and by import in the most economic and sustainable manner. Whilst the pressing issue of our economy and the scale of our deficit will occupy much of the time, we need to balance this immense problem against the major one relating to world food supplies in the future. It needs very clear and hard analysis of every area of policy and current programmes to understand what really can be done to secure our food supply and maintain maximum efficiency in our food chain. I hope the opportunity will be grasped for a full and open discussion on food supply with some really practical and radical thinking and front line action.

Whilst our supermarket shelves remain fully stocked with such a wide range of goods, it is easy to see food security as an academic debate when in fact it is a very real and pressing challenge.

 

By Professor John Moverley, OBE

Source :  ISN

 

---

Samworth completes Gray & Adams trailer trial

Samworth Brothers Distribution, part of Samworth Brothers, has completed operational trials of the Gray & Adams Eco-Aer trailer, a temperature-controlled trailer that has been modified to offer better aerodynamic properties.

The company has been using the Gray & Adams' Eco-Aer rounded cappings and vortex generator configuration on its trailers since January 2008 and now has 35 trailers of this specification in its total fleet. These features are said to help streamline air flow over the top and around the trailer to reduce drag and, therefore, fuel consumption.

Although the Eco-Aer side skirts have not been fitted to date, Samworth is awaiting delivery of several new trailers, one of which will have the full Gray & Adams Eco-Aer package. "In recent like-for-like trials against a standard square Gray & Adams trailer, results for the trailer with the rounded cappings and vortex generator showed a marked improvement in fuel consumption," said Samworth Brothers Distribution fleet manager Graeme Hawker.

 

---

The Schaefer Robo Pick is Alive!

Picking is the most challenging task in warehouse automation. Automatic solutions have only been available for border areas and 90% of picking is still performed by employees. It has not been possible to replace the human eye and the human hand, at least not with an economic solution for everyday use.

Up until now - SSI Schaefer has developed the first fully automatic, fast and precise picking cell that can smoothly integrate into existing warehouse set-ups, achieving up to 2,400 picks per hour – the new Schaefer Robo Pick.

The innovative two-step image processing system automatically recognises the position of products and controls the picking robot – therefore removing the need to enter individual product characteristics and features or to arrange products in a particular position.

Typical users of the new Schaefer Robo Pick are likely to be wholesalers and mail order traders taking advantage of its impressive average shipment figures – the Robo Pick can compile a shipment of two to 20 product types in the correct quantity according to customer order from a range of 5,000 to 50,000 products in stock several thousand times a day for individual customer orders. This results in more than 100,000 individual articles picked on a daily basis.

Up to now all attempts to automate picking using robots has failed due to the lacking flexibility in picture processing. SSI Schaefer has achieved this technological breakthrough using the innovative combination of 3D and 2D picture processing. In a matter of seconds the picture processing cell identifies four to six pickable products on the article tray passing by. The picture processing is not affected by products in several layers or inclined position, jet-black articles, round products or asymmetric or beveled packages.

The Schaefer Robo Pick makes use of the already existing allocations of transport units and products in automated warehouses to ensure that the customer receives the correct products. Each carton, tray or tote - the transport unit is always allocated to a particular article. For instance, the blue socks are in carton no. 4711 and the red felt-tip pens are in tray no. 4321. No conveying system in an automated warehouse would work without this information. The Schaefer Robo Pick does not require any additional information and for this reason can be perfectly integrated into existing systems.

 

The Schaefer Robo Pick offers unprecedented price-performance-ratio and SSI Schaefer is committed to providing sustainable innovations with a high return on investment for its customers.

 

The picking error rate can be significantly reduced compared to manual picking and considering the costs for processing returns due to incorrect deliveries, the Schaefer Robo Pick clearly shows its profitability gains.

Schaefer Robo Pick gains include: • 2,400 picks per hour.

• 100,000 items picked per day .

• Costs less than corresponding conventional workstations with the same throughput.

• Can process orders outside usual shift times.

• High speed reduces order processing time .

• Flexible and fast picture processing .

The application of the Schaefer Robo Pick is not limited to order picking – it is also highly suitable for returns handling, an area of logistics gaining more and more importance - especially in mail order trade.

SSI Schaefer offers fully automatic picking with robots for containers, such as cartons or packages of several products, and individual products alike.

.

www.ssi-schaefer.co.uk

 

---

Hain Frozen Foods commited with Norbert Dentressangle for a further five years.

Hain Frozen Foods UK Ltd has renewed its contract with Norbert Dentressangle for a further five years.

Part of the Hain Celestial Group, Hain Frozen Foods is a leader in the natural and organic food categories with well-known brands including the Linda McCartney meat-free range.

Committed to achieving a greener and more sustainable food chain, in partnership with Norbert Dentressangle, Hain has reviewed its logistics operations as part of its ongoing commitment to carbon footprint reduction. Under the new contract, Norbert Dentressangle has introduced double-deck reefer trailers, significantly reducing road miles and CO2 emissions and providing a more efficient, environmentally friendly solution.

Originally appointed by Hain in 2007, Norbert Dentressangle collects frozen ready meals and desserts from Hain’s dedicated meat-free manufacturing facility in Fakenham and provides storage for up to 2,500 pallets at its state-of-the-art cold store at Easton, Lincolnshire. Through its temperature controlled, shared-user network, Norbert Dentressangle delivers around 400 pallets per week into major multiple retailers’ distribution networks. The company also stores and delivers raw materials as required for call off and JIT delivery into Hain’s manufacturing facility.

David Matwij, Operations Director for Hain Frozen Foods UK Ltd, said: “The relationship that has been developed between Hain and Norbert Dentressangle over the initial two year period has seen significant growth. Total sales have increased by 43% and the Linda McCartney brand has seen growth of 41%. Norbert Dentressangle has managed this growth in a manner that has serviced both Hain and the customer.

“After significant investment in our desserts facility at Fakenham, we can now see further growth through new business wins, which has enabled us to commit to a longer term contract with Norbert Dentressangle.”

 

---

Flexi keeps the home fires burning

Based in Norway, Jotul is a world leading manufacturer of cast iron stoves and fireplaces. The company – which is one of the oldest industrial businesses in Norway - has subsidiaries in the USA, France, Denmark, the UK, Spain, Italy and Poland and generates more than 70 per cent of its turnover from exports to markets around the world. Jotul has recently upgraded the materials handling fleet at its Fredrikstad manufacturing site with the acquisition of a Flexi G4 articulated forklift truck from Narrow Aisle Flexi.

The Fredrikstad facility is critical to Jotul’s business as it contains the moulds that are used during the production process. Jotul wanted a forklift that could cope with the high throughput of its production centre where mould changeover times are critical. As part of the overhaul of materials handling processes at Fredrikstad, Jotul has also introduced powered mobile racking at the site. The powered mobile racking creates the stacking aisle in which the Flexi operates by moving the loaded racks on mobile bases. The Flexi’s ability to work in very narrow aisles allowed Jotul to set the width of the stacking aisle at 2 metres which means that by combining mobile racking with Flexi articulated trucks Jotul has been able to achieve the maximum number of pallet locations within the site.

The Flexi G4 supplied to Jotul features a low quad mast - with the same lift height as a triple mast but shorter in the lowered position to overcome some overhead clearance issues on the truck’s route between the warehouse and the factory. With its unique twin load wheel drive, the Award-winning G4 offers safe traction in all conditions especially when laden, making it ideal for Jotul’s needs. The G4 also features the Narrow Aisle Safe Start (NASSA) system which allows the operator to restart the truck and move off up an incline without any possibility of roll back. If the truck is on an incline when it stops, the operator simply presses a button situated on the side of the steering column to reapply the traction for a few seconds and enable a smooth hill start to be made.

Narrow Aisle Flexi developed and launched the Flexi articulated truck in 1990 and since then the Flexi has become the most popular articulated forklift truck across Europe. Over 4000 units – not only in Europe but throughout the world – have been sold, and over the past five years the Flexi range has been developed to cover the requirements of customers operating in hugely diverse industries.

 

www.flexi.co.uk

 

---

World Class Internet Based Transport Management System

 

Deltion is a world leader in Cloud Computing and Software as a Service (SaaS) applications. CarrierNet was the first internet based logistics solution and has been recognised internationally as the leading web based application for supply chain, logistics and transport event management. Our users include major UK food manufacturers, retailers and logistics service providers.

The success of CarrierNet is based on more than 20 years of experience developing solutions for logistics and transport operations. Deltion's management team developed CarrierNet as the first web based SaaS solution in order to provide a world class real-time software service for manufacturers, retailers and logistics and transport companies - in fact any organisation with the need to manage and control in-house, outsourced or sub-contracted logistics in real time.

CarrierNet provides managers of any logistics operation with a real time Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime solution that enhances efficiency and service levels while reducing operating costs. The Deltion cost model charges on a transaction basis - pay only for what you do and what you need today, not what you once needed or might need tomorrow. This is revolutionary by any standard and has earned CarrierNet several awards.

The European Supply Chain Distinction Award (adjudicated by the head of the supply chain faculty at MIT, Boston) and the Institute of Transport Management Award for Best Web Based Transport Management Systems are examples. CarrierNet was also shortlisted among the three finalists of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILTUK) Annual Award for Information Management and early CarrierNet user Hazchem Network was named as one of Britain's Digital Elite for use of CarrierNet.

CarrierNet is now the leading multi-user logistics and transport software service. It is the number one pay-as-you use Internet service for collaboration, visibility and logistics management in primary and secondary transport. To ensure that CarrierNet Software as a Service is always at the forefront of latest developments, the key technologies driving the changes in Internet applications, known as Web 2.0, have been incorporated. These tools are interactive and allow CarrierNet to be deployed as a dynamic web application that can draw from disparate sources and systems.

Deltion's aim is to ensure that CarrierNet continues to take advantage of the latest proven technologies in order to bring benefits to existing and new clients.

 

For more information contact:

 

Denis O'Sullivan FCILT

Managing Director Deltion denis.osullivan@deltion.co.uk www.deltion.co.uk

020 8894 3200 07710-820979

 

---

New multi temperature warehouse for Midlands distribution firm

Representing an investment of over £3 million, multi temperature supply chain specialist, Oakland International, is celebrating after being granted planning permission to extend their existing warehouse facilities at their Midlands HQ; securing not only the company’s future at the site, but also creating over 100 additional jobs over the next 18 months at the Redditch depot.

The long-awaited planning permission for the new 55,000 sq ft chilled warehouse will replace five existing ambient sheds providing much needed space for continued expansion of Oakland’s plans for retail consolidation scheme development. The new multi-million pound facility will create an additional 8,000 pallet spaces and will incorporate a deep chill storage chamber to support seasonal requirements and provide additional specialist storage needs for year round supply chain solutions.

The extension to Oakland’s chilled and ambient capabilities follows 2 years of extensive planning preparations in readiness for the demolition of existing older buildings, before being transformed in to a new state of the art, energy efficient facility, capable of handling 50 per cent more customer product volume.

Planning and Site Development Co-ordinator for Oakland, Louise Ziolek, stated: “It’s great news. Planning permission was granted in April, so everyone associated with the project is now at full speed ahead. Demolition and rebuild will take between 6 and 8 months, with Oakland aiming to begin operations soon after that.” Oakland’s holistic approach to business development and organic growth is a key element benefitting Oakland customers, with this recent improvement set to increase site product volumes by 50 per cent.

Oakland International’s MD, Dean Attwell, stated: “This is huge for the business and for Oakland’s future. Attaining planning permission is crucial to preserving our competitiveness within the marketplace, and with increased sales we are in need of quality storage space and an enhanced distribution area to ensure we maintain our excellent service levels even at times of high demand.

“This service platform extension will support Oakland customers as they develop and expand their business capabilities, whilst allowing Oakland to develop and enhance our multi temperature supply chain and 3PL service offer.”

 

The design of Oakland’s new warehouse encompasses enhanced storage capacity and energy efficiency, reducing energy needs whilst handling greater customer volumes. Project timelines are being mapped out currently and it is hoped that the new building will be operational by the end of 2010 or early 2011.

---

Forty jobs created at DBC Foodservice

Forty jobs have been created at a new Black Country catering distribution centre, bosses revealed today.

And more new posts could be on the way at DBC Foodservice.

This comes after the revamp of the 200,000sq ft base in Heath Road, Darlaston and bosses say the site, one of 12 run by the company across the country, boasts modern facilities including a cold store, chilled loading bay and sizeable vehicle yard.

Spokeswoman Janet Moore said the 40 jobs created could be a sign of things to come at the new base.

“The site does have the potential for growth,” she said.

“We hope to be in a position to announce the creation of more jobs there in the future.”

Formed in 1902, DBC Foodservice has 213 vehicles and employs more than 1,000 people nationwide. Its customers include the Ministry of Defence, Caffe Nero, Little Chef and the House of Lords.

Chris Horne, managing director of DBC Foodservice, said: “With our Darlaston branch now fully operational, this will improve the foodservice offering for the local area whilst also enhancing our national infrastructure, through which we are able to source an extensive range of quality products to any location in the country.

“The Darlaston branch provides storage for DBC’s 1,400-plus frozen product range, which has grown significantly in the last few months.”

Darlaston branch manager Rob Grigg added: “The DBC Darlaston branch is a highly efficient facility that enables us to supply businesses across the Midlands, both large and small, even more effectively than before.

“Being so close to the motorway network means we can deliver our products to Midlands customers in record time as well as servicing our nationwide customer base.”

Source : news

---

Property

FSDF often receivse details of available properties  which may be of interest to members.  Interest should be communicated to the agents direct.

Property 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

TO LET

MODERN WAREHOUSE FACILITY

116,695 SQ FT (10,842 SQ M)

½ Mile J11 M62

• Cross Loading - 2 Separate Yards

• 14 Loading Doors (4 Dock Level)

• Sprinklered

• 23’ 6” (7.2m) Eaves

• Air Conditioned Offices

• Part Of Warehouse Racked

To find out More  click following link :  http://richardbarber.shared.hosting.zen.co.uk/email/leacroft/Leacroft-Road-Brochure.pdf

www.richardbarber.co.uk

Property 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

TO LET (May Sell)

FROZEN DISTRIBUTION FACILITY NORMANBY ROAD,

FOXHILLS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

SCUNTHORPE

DN15 9YE

ACCOMMODATION Total 92,725 8,615 Dispatch 14,790 1,375 Warehouse 77,935 7,240 Size Sq ft Sq m SCHEDULE YARD DISPATCH WAREHOUSE (13,685 PALLET LOCATIONS) PLANT ROOM POTENTIAL FOR ADDITIONAL PARKING SECURITY GATEHOUSE

• Drive through racking with a holding capacity of 13,685 pallets

• 11m eaves in the warehouse, giving an internal volume of approximately 93,000m3

• Ambient dispatch area with 6m eaves

• Warehouse can maintain internal temperatures as low as -25 degrees centigrade

• 5 dock level loading doors

• 1 ground level loading door

• Small operations office and amenities

To find out more please contact : 

 Owen Holder 0113 246 1533 owen.holder@knightfrank.com

Charles Binks 0207 629 8171 charles.binks@knightfrank.com

Rebecca Schofield 0114 272 9750 rebecca.schofield@knightfrank.com

---

 

 The new Equality Act

The Equality Act received Royal Assent on 8 April 2010. It harmonises existing anti-discrimination law, including the Equal Pay Act, into a single piece of legislation. The original objective of the Equality Act was to create “a clearer, more streamlined equality framework” and a number of new provisions were added during its passage through Parliament that have implications for employers and employees.

The main provisions of the Act, which apply to England, Wales and Scotland, but not Northern Ireland, will come into force in October 2010, unless otherwise stated. The key details of the legislation as they affect the workplace are summarised under the relevant headings below.

New terminology

The Act provides protection against discrimination on the following grounds:

age; disability; gender–reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation.

New definitions and concepts

The familiar concepts remain, with the following changes:

 The definition of direct discrimination is extended to cover associative (ie because of a connection with someone who has a “protected characteristic”) and perceived (ie mistaken) discrimination.

 The “occupational requirement” principle is extended to all strands of discrimination.

 The definition of gender reassignment will no longer be linked to medical supervision.

 A uniform and wider definition of harassment and the provisions are extended to include harassment by a third party (eg a customer) in defined circumstances: namely where the employer knows that harassment has occurred on at least two previous occasions and has failed to take reasonably practicable steps to put a stop to it (the “three strikes and you’re out” rule).

 A new concept of “dual discrimination” is introduced, allowing a claimant to argue that he or she has been discriminated against on the basis of a combination of two protected characteristics. Changes to disability discrimination law Some provisions are specific to disability discrimination:

 The Act removes the requirement for a claimant to Expert View show that his or her disability had an impact on one of the eight specified functions currently set out in the Disability Discrimination Act (mobility, manual dexterity, etc).

 It introduces the concept of indirect discrimination to disability.

 It also introduces a new concept of “discrimination arising from disability” (ie detriment that is a consequence of a person’s disability) in place of the present disability-related discrimination provision, which will remove the need for a claimant to establish that his or her treatment was less favourable than that afforded to a comparator.

 The Act makes it potentially discriminatory on grounds of disability for an employer to reject an otherwise suitable job applicant where, prior to the rejection decision, the employer has asked the applicant questions about his or her health or disability, or required him or her to complete a medical questionnaire or undergo a medical examination. The effect of this new clause is that it will not be permitted to make health-related enquiries of job applicants until after a job offer has been made, although there will be some exceptions, eg where questions relate specifically to the applicant’s ability to carry out a function that is “intrinsic” to the particular job.

 It adds to the duty to make reasonable adjustments a duty to take reasonable steps to provide an auxiliary aid where, but for the provision of such an aid, a disabled person would be at a substantial disadvantage.

 And obliges employers to ensure that any information provided to a disabled person (under the duty to make reasonable adjustments) is in an “accessible format”. Pay transparency

 Successor and hypothetical comparators will be allowed in equal pay claims.

 The Act recasts the material factor defence, whereby the employer will have to justify objectively any difference in pay.

 Restrictions are placed on “gagging” or pay secrecy clauses that ban employees from discussing their pay.

 The Act reserves powers to require employers to disclose gender pay gap information (not before 2013). Advancing equality

 The Act introduces a single equality duty on public sector employers covering all the strands of discrimination (at present, there are three separate duties covering only gender, race and disability).

 It extends the type of positive action that employers may take when recruiting, so as to allow preference to be given at the point of selection to candidates from under-represented groups (eg women or ethnic minority candidates), provided the candidate in question is at least as suitable for the job as other candidates who are in the running. Remedies

 The Act gives employment tribunals dealing with successful discrimination claims the power to make recommendations that apply to the employer’s whole workforce and not just (as at present) the person who has brought the claim — this could include, for example, a recommendation that the employer should implement an equal opportunities policy or review its pay systems.

Conclusion

It remains to be seen whether some of the more contentious provisions are implemented. Nevertheless, employers do need to familiarise themselves and their managers with the new definitions and terminology that will come into force this October.

---

Business Payment Support Service - additional information for tax agents and advisers

The scope of the service

This new service is designed to assist all businesses (large and small) and individuals that will be unable to pay their tax. The service is primarily available to self-employed people and companies but can be used by any of your clients who are having difficulty in meeting their tax liabilities. It covers most taxes and duties including Income Tax, Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE and National Insurance.

 

In order to qualify the business/client will be:

 

* in genuine difficulty

* unable to pay their tax on time

* likely to be able to pay if HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) allowed them more time

For our part, we will look to be flexible and agree Time to Pay arrangements on a case-by-case basis to bring the business's/client's tax back up-to-date on a timescale that is reasonable and appropriate to the situation.

We would very much encourage all agents and advisers to advise clients to make use of the service where it is appropriate to do so. Using the service on your client's behalf

If you have authority to act on your client's behalf, through a form 64-8 or an online agent authorisation, we can discuss your client's tax affairs with you. We can also agree a payment arrangement with you - but we may also need to speak to your client to set up payments through direct debit.

If you wish to discuss a client business' payment position before a demand has been issued and you hold an authorisation to act on behalf of that client, you should call the Business Payment Support Service line on Tel: 0845 302 1435.

In many cases the Business Payment Support Service will be able to consider the request and give you a decision within ten minutes. Where the situation is more complicated or larger amounts are outstanding the details may be passed to another office for them to look at in more detail. Where this is the case you will be called back within four working days and we will require more detailed information from you before making a decision.

If a demand has already been issued you should contact the telephone number on the demand notice.

For all other issues you should continue to use the regular contact numbers, such as the Agent Dedicated Lines for Self Assessment and PAYE matters. Surcharges

VAT default surcharges will not be charged if the business contacts us before the payment is due and we agree a Time to Pay arrangement which is adhered to. Entering into the Time to Pay agreement will not be treated as a default so it will not extend the 12-month rolling period nor will the default percentage increase because of the Time to Pay arrangement, provided the terms of the arrangement are adhered to.

VAT returns must still be submitted on time or this will be treated as a default and the 12 month rolling period will be extended.

Similarly, a surcharge can be avoided on late payment of Income Tax where a Time to Pay agreement is entered into before the relevant surcharge date and the terms of the agreement are adhered to.

Payment status for subcontractors

 

If your client is under the Construction Industry Scheme and makes a Time to Pay arrangement before a payment is due, it will not affect their gross payment status.

Guidance on using the Business Payment Support Service and the impact on subcontractors' gross payment status

Partnerships

 

Where multiple partners are unable to pay their individual liabilities on time we can discuss a time to pay arrangement for any partnership liabilities and the individual partners’ liabilities with an authorised representative of the partnership providing the following conditions are met:

 

* all partners must be individuals

* all partners must have a Self Assessment record, and have filed the relevant Self-Assessment return

* no partner should be subject to enforcement action to recover their debt

When you contact the Business Payment Support Service they will ask for the details of the outstanding liabilities and the details of the individual partners who are unable to pay. This information will be passed to another office who will contact you back within four working days to discuss the situation with you. Where the representative doesn’t hold the relevant authorisation from the partnership and the individual partners then they will need to submit a letter detailing:

 

* representative’s name and company name (if appropriate)

* representative’s full postal address

* representative’s telephone number

* name and reference(s) of the partnership

* name and reference numbers of each individual partner

* details of all amounts owed by both the partnership and the individual partners

The letter must also confirm that all of the partners are giving their authority for the representative to act on the partners’ behalf in respect of their Self Assessment liability and the partnership’s other HMRC liabilities (if applicable). The letter must be signed by each individual partner.

We will discuss the situation with the representative and where the partnership and the partners are viable we will look to enter into an appropriate arrangement to allow the debt to be cleared and future liabilities to be paid on time. In larger debt cases we may require additional evidence for us to assess viability.

Where a payment arrangement is agreed our preferred method of payment is by direct debit from the partnership bank account. By completing a single direct debit mandate we can arrange payment to be made by up to 99 reference numbers. Otherwise representatives must make sure that payments for each individual partner and partnership liability are made separately. Reviewing or extending the arrangements

If the circumstances of the business/client change and they become unable to make the payments covered by the agreement, as well as keeping up to date with any new liabilities, then we will want them (or their agent) to get in touch with us before they miss any payment.

Provided we are satisfied that the business continues to be viable we will consider amending and extending the agreement. However it is likely in such circumstances that we will need to ask more detailed questions of the client in order to satisfy ourselves that the business is indeed viable and capable of sustaining a realistic arrangement. This may mean that such discussions will not be handled as quickly as an initial approach to the Business Payment Support Service and may need to be transferred to a specialist unit to deal with.

Repeat Arrangements

If your business has already had a payment arrangement with the Business Payment Support Service you can still contact us if you are again having difficulty making subsequent payments. If you have previously been helped by the service we will ask more in depth questions to establish if the business continues to be viable. Where the business continues to be viable we will consider another payment arrangement.

The Business Payment Support Service was set up to help business with short term difficulties and was not intended to be an ongoing source of working capital for businesses. Where possible we expect businesses to seek other sources of finance and/or take action to restructure to enable payments to be made on time.

Appeals and complaints where agreements cannot be reached

There is no statutory right of appeal against our decision to not allow a Time To Pay request, however if you think we have been unreasonable in refusing a request you can contact us in the normal way and ask for our decision to be reviewed, just as you would any other decision with which you were unhappy.

For more information about Time to Pay where large amounts are involved you can consult the HM Revenue & Customs Debt Management and Banking Manual.

Debt Management and Banking Manual: Time to Pay

31 January Self Assessment payment deadline

We hope that you will encourage your clients to use this service.

The days leading up to31 January are likely to be a very busy period for the Business Payment Support Line. With this in mind we would ask you to contact us early once the Self Assessment liability is established and payment difficulties have been recognised.

 

---