Exclusive I N D U S T R Y I N S I G H T F R O M B R I TA I N ' S L E A D I N G P U R C H A S I N G CO M PA N Y, B E ACO N .

Refurbishment:AVO I D T H E P I T FA L L S

A N D I M PROV E YOU R PROF I T S

Brits prove breakfast is a B I G D E A L F O R U K E C O N O M Y

I S S U E 1

Image Credit: Brakes Bros Ltd

A Light Bulb Moment for the Industry:TA K I N G A S TA N D

O N SUS TA I N A B I L I T Y

S U P P L I E R D I R E C T O R Y

2

WelcomeI N T RO D UC T IO N

A Note From Paul Connelly, Managing Director of Beacon.

Having been with Beacon for over 12 years, I have seen the company go from strength to strength and continue to offer

high quality and industry leading service to its customers. It is with great excitement that I am now able to introduce the first edition of Beckon, a magazine brought to you exclusively by Beacon, containing key industry news and trends as well as advice from our expert team of buyers.

At Beacon, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of industry developments and being able to offer the most up to date information and advice on everything from changes in legislation to key industry trends. As Britain’s leading purchasing company, our team of buyers and unrivalled portfolio of suppliers provide us with access to invaluable data and analysis from across the hospitality, leisure and healthcare sectors.

That is exactly what Beckon is: exclusive insight and an industry leading voice from Beacon and its partners, to help you streamline your purchasing strategy and ultimately improve the profitability of your business.

T H E F U T U R E O F B E ACO N

I stepped into the role of Managing Director at Beacon in July, having previously worked as Director of Operations. In my role as MD I will continue to develop the commercial,

operational and purchasing expertise that has grown significantly in the last few years, and further position Beacon as the front runner in the purchasing industry.

Over the coming months we will be revealing several exciting developments within Beacon, which will put us in a position to provide even more comprehensive support, insight and advice to our customers.

We will be implementing an ambitious investment programme - in our team, our services and our business systems - to better serve the growing number of businesses seeking Beacon’s help to improve their operational profitability.

The expansion of Beacon Design Services will continue with the recruitment of an additional Category Buyer, allowing us to manage and support even more customers’ design and refurbishment projects.

The Beacon team genuinely cares about you and your business. You expect a high level of customer service and delivery of great deals, which is something we will always provide because Beacon wants to help you and your business realise its full potential.

We hope you enjoy the first edition of Beckon as much as we have enjoyed creating it. Your input is invaluable to us, so to be involved in future editions of Beckon please get in touch with the Beacon team.

Along with our unrivalled portfolio of suppliers, Beacon is able to help you and your business get where it needs to be. The supplier directory at the back of this magazine provides you with a comprehensive list of who our suppliers are and what they do.

Editorial Contacts: Andrew Denton Head of Communications Andrew.denton@beaconpurchasing.co.uk

Sophie Proffitt Events and PR Manager Sophie.proffitt@beaconpurchasing.co.uk

Jo Mullin Web and Content Manager Jo.mullin@beaconpurchasing.co.uk

For future edition enquiries please email marketing@beaconpurchasing.co.uk or call 01904 695588.

Visit My Beacon for a complete guide to our

suppliers.

Cover to coverNot to be missed.W E L C O M E T O

T H E V E R Y F I R S T I S S U E O F

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10-11 16

What's inside?

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y : A L I G H T B U L B M O M E N T F O R T H E I N D U S T R Y

A P P S , A P P L E A N D T H E F U T U R E O F T V

Beacon’s guide to more sustainable operations.

A look at essential in-room tech for hoteliers.

12-13 17-19

P U R C H A S I N G :H O W I T W O R K S A N D W H Y I T P AY S

Howard Ball, Head of Purchasing, explains the benefits of a purchasing partner.

D R I N K D R I V E

R E G U L AT I O N S

Advice from Beacon for if the new limit in Scotland heads south of the border.

14-15

# T R E N D I N G

Exclusive insight from Beacon and our suppliers on which products are the next big thing.

20-22

“ A M AT T E R O F L I F E A N D D E AT H "

One year since the revised food allergen legislation came in, we look at the dangers of not adhering to the rules.

B R I T S P R OV E B R E A K FA S T I S A

B I G D E A L F O R U K ECO N O M Y

Page 4-6

R E F U R B I S H M E N T:AVO I D T H E P I T FA L L S A N D I M P R OV E YO U R

P R O F I T S

Page 7-9

Cover to coverWelcome

CO N T EN T S

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Brits prove breakfast is a B I G D E A L F O R U K E C O N O M Y

Beacon’s research into British breakfast habits has revealed some surprising facts and figures. The findings from a survey of 2,000 people in

June 2015 made national headlines and here we discuss the results in full to help you make more

of the most important meal of the day.

4

ExclusiveB RE A K FA S T

B ritish people are spending £76 million every day on eating out

for breakfast, with one in three people eating the meal outside of the home at least once a week and 9.6million people eating out every day. When eating out, Brits are now spending on average £7.31 on breakfast, with 1% of those willing to spend more than £21.

British affinity for breakfast remains strong, with 80% considering breakfast to be the most important meal of the day and almost half eating breakfast out more now than they did five years ago. Respondents quoted a number of reasons for eating out with the most popular being as a weekend treat with family or friends and staying at a hotel.

Exclusive

Image Credit: Brakes Bros Ltd

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5

Emma Warrington, Senior Buyer at Beacon has put together her top tips to help business owners to stand out in the ever-competitive foodservice and hospitality sector and maximise this opportunity to increase profits.

E X T E N D I N G YO U R M E N US , A N D YO U R M A R G I N S .

The majority of respondents (54%) said they would spend up to £10 on breakfast with 15% spending up to £15 indicating that customers are willing to spend significantly at the breakfast table. Business owners shouldn't be afraid of introducing more luxury ingredients to their breakfast menus and upselling wherever possible to increase revenues.

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F U L L E N G L I SH R E M A I N S K I N G O F T H E B R E A K FA S T TA B L E .

As important as it is to vary the breakfast menu and keep up with the changing market, there will always be a place for the classics. The data shows that 65% of people are most likely to order a traditional English cooked breakfast when eating out, compared to just 12% that would choose a continental breakfast. To capitalise on this, ensure your ingredients are top quality and cooked to perfection to encourage repeat business from your loyal customers and international guests who see a Full English as a tradition at breakfast time.

Article continues on page 6 >

B R E A K FA S T M OT I VAT I O N S .

(R E S P O N D E N T S W E R E A S K E D T O C H O O S E A L L T H AT

A P P LY T O T H E M )

Weekend treat with family / friends 47%

Staying at a hotel 47%

Convenience 26%

Travelling to work 14%

Business meetings 10%

Other 6%

Furthermore, it appears that Brits are starting to consider breakfast as a key time to choose to eat out, with 76% less likely to eat out for lunch or dinner if they’ve chosen to eat

out for breakfast.

T E N N A N T H I L D I TC H , D I R EC TO R O F S A L E S AT B E ACO N , CO M M E N T E D :

“This research into our morning eating habits has proven that breakfast is a multi-billion pound a year industry,

with £76million being spent every day. With 80% of people considering breakfast to be the most important meal of the day,

across all age groups, it is essential for the UK’s hospitality market to take note and ensure that their breakfast offering

exceeds consumer expectations, allowing them to maximise their share of this growing market.”

54% O F P E O P L E W O U L D S P E N D U P T O £ 1 0

O N B R E A K FA S T

B R I T I S H P EO P L E A R E S P E N D I N G

£76 millionE V E RY DAY O N

E AT I N G O U T F O R B R E A K FA S T

6

ExclusiveB RE A K FA S T

E G G T Y P EA G E

G R O U PR E G I O N

Scrambled is most popular amongst…

18-24 yearsNorthern Ireland

Poached is most popular amongst…

25-34 years North East

Fried is most popular amongst…

45-54 years South West

Boiled is most popular amongst…

55 years and over

Scotland

Speciality eggs (e.g. Eggs Benedict, Eggs Royale) are most popular amongst…

55 years and over

London

H OW I M P O R TA N T I S LO C A L P R O D U C E ?

Our customers view local produce as being an important part of their food menu, with breakfast being no different. Data from our consumer survey however, shows that customers are on the fence when it comes to regional products, with 54% of respondents saying they may or may not be more likely to order breakfast somewhere that uses local produce. Provenance is key here – it may not be necessary to source your bacon from the local butcher, which can be costly, but if you can say it’s from a Yorkshire farm, for example, this will go a long way with your customers.

There is a lot to take into consideration to make sure your business is as profitable as it can be at breakfast time. The most important thing for businesses in the foodservice industry is to offer a varied and modern menu, whilst considering the needs of the customer at all times.

C A P I TA L I S E O N YO U R H E A LT H I E R O P T I O N S .

Our database of more than 2,000 businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors has seen an increase in the popularity of healthier options on the breakfast menu, with 81% of those asked saying that healthier options have become more popular in the last 12 months. No matter how breakfast is served, it’s important to consider the health conscious customer and cater to their tastes. Not only will this lead to increased customer satisfaction, but also the potential margins available on items like fruit and natural yoghurt pots which make a wise addition to the menu.

For more information about Beacon visit www.beaconpurchasing.co.uk

and to follow Beacon on Twitter @Beacon_YPP.

Continued from page 5 >

T H E EG G P R E F E R E N C E P OS TCO D E .

Everyone has their preference when it comes to how they like their eggs in the morning. The survey shows that the fried egg is the favourite (36% of respondents), with scrambled and poached close behind at 25% and 18% respectively. With this in mind, it’s important to offer a variety of eggs on your breakfast menu, to cater for all tastes. Despite only being selected by 4% of those surveyed, speciality eggs, such as Eggs Royale or Eggs Benedict, can be a profitable addition to your menu – with dishes like these, testing on your specials menu can work well to evaluate appetite for something new from your client base before committing to a permanent addition. Eggs can also be a good addition to your grab-and-go offering in the morning, with no-fuss flat poached eggs a key line in a new breakfast range available from leading grocery and fresh food supplier, Brakes.

Luxury Options

C A N B E A P R O F I TA B L E A D D I T I O N T O YO U R M E N U

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Achieving an inspirational interior design scheme is often near the top of most business’ priorities. Design Services Manager at Beacon, Christopher Johnson, shares his expertise on getting the most from your refurbishment budget, including supplier selection and cost management techniques.

7

FeatureD E S IG N

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B efore starting a refurbishment project there are a number of things you need to consider. Do

you project manage yourself or employ a company? Where do you start? Where can you go for help and advice? What will the benefits be to your guests and ultimately, to your bottom line? It can seem like a daunting prospect at first, but with the right knowledge and advice, it needn’t be.

Whether it’s a full-scale refurbishment, or

a simple tidy up, refurbishing your facilities is never without issues. If mismanaged, a project can quickly become more expensive than necessary and compromise your business’ short and long term profitability.

K N OW YO U R OW N C A PA B I L I T I E S .

If you intend on managing the project internally you’ll need to weigh up whether your team have the time and expertise

to manage the project in its entirety – including supplier management, chasing orders and ensuring lead times are in line with your project plan. You will also need to consider whether your maintenance team have the required expertise to execute the project to your required standard. It might be worth exploring outsourcing the work to a contractor and designer to mitigate any risks.

Article continues on page 8 >

Refurbishment:A V O I D T H E P I T F A L L S A N D I M P R O V E Y O U R P R O F I T S

Image Credit: Beacon Design Services at Down Hall Country House Hotel

8

Continued from page 7 >

As a full support package can often cost slightly more, it could be tempting to take the DIY route, however, employing a partner like the Beacon Design Service means you can put time and effort into driving sales and profitability while someone else manages the refurbishment. Outsourcing minimises the impact on your business, but undoubtedly, will cost a little more in the short term.

W E I G H U P SH O R T A N D LO N G T E R M VA LU E .

At Beacon we combine purchasing and design expertise so we can oversee management of the entire project and at the same time, source all the required components at highly competitive prices. This combination of expertise ensures that you have access to the best deals and the best packages available for your budget, and in the long term, could actually save money.

Before starting any refurbishment project, you should carefully weigh up the pros and cons of managing it yourself or seeking help. If the project involves trade skills – plastering, painting, installations etc. – then it’s definitely a good idea to at least enquire about outside help, so as to prevent any risk of permanent damage to your building, which will require further investment.

P R E PA R AT I O N I S K E Y.

The best way to avoid difficulty during the refurbishment is to create a detailed plan as once a project is underway it can be expensive to change your proposals, which can often cause overspend against budget. An example of this working in practice is

Beacon’s Room In a Box service for Best Western hotels. This allows the hotelier to see exactly what the new rooms will look like before work begins and also provides a budgeted cost per room. This careful pre-planning ensures the original specification is met and will help to save money in the long term.

A SK A N E X P E R T.

Working with a company like Beacon allows you to not only draw on advice from expert buyers, but also the advice and knowledge of Beacon’s extensive portfolio of suppliers. We work closely with leading design firm, Dakota House of Design, which can help as much or as little as the customer requires throughout the refurbishment process.

We recently completed work for BEST WESTERN Brook Hotel in

Norwich as the team wanted to refurbish their public bathrooms. We offered them a flexible approach to the refurbishment and provided a detailed plan including pricing, samples and imagery. This sharing of expertise helped the General Manager to make an informed decision to employ our design service for the refurbishment.

C H O OSE Q UA L I T Y T H AT W I L L L A S T.

It is important to remember when carrying out a refurbishment project, that there is a difference between value for money and cheap. Although the cheaper options may seem tempting, investing a little bit more in quality furniture and fabrics will give your facilities a premium feel, require replacing less often and reduce the need for more refurbishment in the future.

Essentially, the key to a good refurbishment is thorough

planning, sensible spending and careful management.

To find out more about the Beacon Design Services and how

we can support you with your refurbishment, speak to our team today on 01904 695 588 or email support@beaconpurchasing.co.uk.

FeatureD E S IG N

R E M E M B E R W H E N C A R R Y I N G O U T A R E F U R B I S H M E N T

P R O J E C T, T H AT T H E R E I S A D I F F E R E N C E B E T W E E N

value for moneyA N D C H E A P

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Image Credit: Beacon Design Services at Down Hall Country House Hotel

Image Credit: Beacon Design Services at Down Hall Country House Hotel

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Despite fantastic reviews for customer service, customers often commented that the hotel was let down by its interior design. Robert Nobbs, General Manager at the hotel, had never managed a refurbishment project of this magnitude, and brought the Beacon Design Services team onboard to support, using its extensive sector expertise, project management experience and purchasing agent service.

Working with Christopher Johnson, Design Services Manager at Beacon, and the team at Dakota House of Design, one of Beacon’s strategic design partners, the hotel was transformed into a stunning venue, with hints of Newmarket’s racing history throughout the new décor, something the team was keen to retain.

The hotel’s reception, bar, lounge and restaurant were completely redesigned, introducing soothing palettes, contemporary furnishings and clean lines. With the guest experience at the heart of Heath Court, the new design now benefits from full air conditioning along with new, comfortable seating areas and free Wi-Fi throughout. The design team at Dakota worked closely with Robert, and worked

to bring his ideas to life, taking on board his thoughts on style, colours and furniture, utilising Beacon’s existing network of quality suppliers. Robert commented: “Beacon was always thinking of the bigger picture, not just individual products - it was always considered how the whole space would work together. Beacon was a true partner in this project; the team took into account my feedback, based on my significant experience, working at the property for more than 25 years, and the suppliers were also fantastic, providing top quality products that met our budgets, and exceeded our expectations.”

C H R I S TO P H E R J O H N S O N , D E S I G N S E R V I C E S M A N AG E R AT B E ACO N , CO M M E N T E D O N T H E R E F U R B I S H M E N T:

“The Heath Court project was a fantastic opportunity for Beacon to work with one of the biggest international hotel brands, but also to make a big difference to a local business. We called on many of our suppliers to bring Robert’s vision to life and we couldn’t be more pleased with the result of this project - even more so now that the hotel is already seeing commercial benefits of the work. "

Image Credit: Beacon Design Services at BEST WESTERN Heath Court Hotel

A MODERN T R A NSFORM AT ION

BEST WESTERN Heath Court Hotel in Newmarket called upon Beacon’s Design Service to facilitate a multi-million pound investment to refurbish the hotel ’s reception, bar, lounge and restaurant for the

first time in 15 years.

Case Study D E S IG N

S U P P L I E R S I N VO LV E D :

Furniture – Bourne Furniture

Fabrics – Kobe, Panaz, Skopos and Robena Contract Furnishings

Lighting – Chelsom Lighting

Catering Equipment - Francis Catering Equipment

For a full list of Beacon’s Design suppliers, see the directory at the back of this issue of Beckon.

IKEA, the world’s largest furniture maker, made a high profile stand on sustainability recently when it announced it would only sell LED lighting in its stores worldwide. Its forward

thinking approach set it apart from other retailers and will help speed change in the industry.

Teri Humphries, Utilities and Services Manager at Beacon, takes a look at the options

available for businesses who want to follow IKEA's lead and run leaner and greener

operations.

10

WAT E R S AV I N G .

As an everyday necessity, businesses often overlook the environmental and commercial savings that can be made in careful management of their water supply. The Environment Agency states that by implementing some simple changes, organisations could reduce their water consumption by up to 80%.

Start by identifying and reassessing your water use and formulating a plan, taking into consideration how the deregulation of the water market in 2017 will affect your business – consult your buying team for expert help

Feature

FeatureSUS TA I N A B I L I T Y

A Light Bulb Moment for the Industry:

T A K I N G A S T A N D O N S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y

Image Credit: Mico Lighting Ltd

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and advice at this stage on the various products on the market and how they can benefit your organisation. Things such as adjusting the water flow on urinals during low usage periods, or adding Hippo bags to cisterns can greatly reduce your water consumption.

WA S T E M A N AG E M E N T.

According to Envirowise, a government funded group that advises businesses on sustainability, bad waste practices are costing UK businesses at least £15bn each year.

Consider using electronic communication where possible to avoid unnecessary printing and carefully segregate your waste for recycling to avoid extra costs that can be easily avoided. Providing your staff with reusable bottles can also drastically cut down the amount of plastic waste in your workplace.

T R A I N I N G A N D D E V E LO P M E N T O F S TA F F.

Communicating the importance of your sustainable strategy to your staff will allow them to monitor the day-to-day tasks that can be hard to stay on top of as a business owner.

Implement a dedicated team to monitor waste and report any issues as they occur. Introducing a competitive edge between departments and incentivising your sustainability goals will give staff increased motivation to support your strategy.

A N I N T R O D U C T I O N TO T H E E N E R G Y D E SK .

Beacon works in partnership with The Energy Desk, or “TED”, which is a market leading, end-to-end energy management company. By working with Beacon and Beacon customers in turn, TED helps to enhance business’ current energy position and provide sustainable solutions for them.

Working with TED gives businesses the opportunity to have a complete energy health check, identifying key areas where purchasing savings can be made and advising on how to best reduce energy consumption. The health check also highlights any areas of legislation that need to be complied with and the cost involved in adapting to meet certain standards.

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If you are considering your sustainability options call the Beacon team on 01904 695 588 or email support@beaconpurchasing.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can find out more about Beacon’s suppliers at the back of this magazine.

Image Credit: Mottram Hall-Mico

O N AV E R A G E A N L E D B U L B U S E S

85% lessE N E R G Y T H A N A H A L O G E N B U L B

A DV I C E F R O M

B E ACO N .

We would always suggest

the first step in implementing

a sustainable strategy is to

speak to our expert buying

team.

By making several small

changes, you will soon begin

to notice the effect they have

on your profits with reduced

utility and waste bills.

At Beacon, we are able to

draw upon knowledge from

expert suppliers such as

The Energy Desk in order to

share advice to customers

and suppliers alike, to help

them run more sustainable

businesses.

In 2014 Beacon was at the

forefront of the LED trend,

urging businesses to switch

to LED lighting to cut costs

and improve sustainability.

Consider switching to LED to

benefit from the savings that

can be made.

On average, an LED bulb

uses 85% less energy than

a halogen bulb and lasts 25

to 30 times longer. Looking

at these numbers, it is clear

that switching to LED lighting

can lead to significant savings

for a business’ energy bills

and ultimately improve its

profitability.

Implement a dedicated team T O M O N I T O R WA S T E A N D

R E P O R T A N Y I S S U E S A S T H E Y O C C U R

Purchasing:H O W I T W O R K S A N D W H Y I T P A Y S

12

Howard Ball, Head of Purchasing at Beacon, explains why a designated purchasing partner is now more essential to commercial success than ever.

FeatureP U RCH A S I N G

P eople can often misunderstand our business, but purchasing is really very simple. We negotiate

deals on behalf of our customers, and whilst that might seem like a very broad discipline, it’s the same as any other trade or specialism. Like any product or service – when you want the highest standard of service it is always in your best interests to work with an expert.

In terms of a business model, again ours is relatively straightforward – in general, the more we buy on behalf of our customers, the more negotiation power we have with our suppliers, to offer best-in-market commercial deals to our customers. We build relationships with suppliers to deliver a wide range

of products to our customers at truly competitive prices, without sacrificing quality. Ensuring that we work with trusted, quality suppliers who offer the best products and customer service is always of the utmost importance to us.

S AV I N G T I M E .

One of the main benefits of working with a purchasing partner for business owners is time saving. When you look at the maths, the amount of time that is spent on supplier management, the sourcing, selection and approval of goods, invoice queries and everything in between, is really quite vast and partnering with a purchasing group can alleviate this.

Research conducted by Beacon revealed that almost half of business owners in the hospitality sector saw time as a major challenge and a massive 80% faced serious issues when working with suppliers directly. Furthermore, 28% of business owners find that they have a lack of time for supplier reviews and price re-negotiations, leaving them unhappy with the cost of products and services, but with no easy way to improve the situation. Furthermore, 16% of those asked are frustrated by the poor quality of suppliers and 15% think they use too many suppliers, which has a knock on effect on the amount of time spent on administration and paperwork. Looking at these figures, it’s clear just how much a business like Beacon can help.

Feature

Purchasing:H O W I T W O R K S A N D W H Y I T P A Y S

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choose to take a generic approach to all customers, which may suit businesses that require an off the shelf service, but this is not the service we offer at Beacon. Essentially, it’s important to choose a purchasing company that fits with yours. Flexibility, supplier choice and breadth of services are all important aspects to consider when choosing a purchasing partner. At Beacon, we boast the scale and leverage, which allows us to offer the best choice and value for money to our customers.

13

Furthermore, working with a purchasing group gives business owners peace of mind that any price increases have been checked by an expert in that field and justified by a team of professionals who know their industry in depth. This means that they can be confident that they will always get the best value for money when working with a company like Beacon.

P U RC H A S I N G P OW E R .

We find that smaller businesses tend not to have the same time, resource or accessibility to gain category and market knowledge in a wide range of key supply areas, so benefit from partnering with

a purchasing organisation giving them the buying power of a large group or organisation. The same can be said when it comes to evaluating and benchmarking suppliers – smaller businesses may not always have the capacity to do this.

At Beacon, we are in a unique position to be able to be flexible and adapt the services offered to different customers in order to fit alongside their business strategy and look to take a consultative approach wherever possible. Further to this, our Design Service is an example of the comprehensive business support available to Beacon customers looking for expert help and advice. By working with the design team, you not only have access to the purchasing expertise of Beacon to source items from beds to curtains and carpets, but also the interior design knowledge of our strategic design partners, Dakota House of Design and Dulux Design Services – an integrated approach we know benefits our customers.

H OW D O P U RC H A S I N G O R G A N I S AT I O N S D I F F E R ?

Purchasing organisations massively differ, mainly in their approach. Some will

To find out more about how Beacon can help improve your profitability and help

you save time, call 01904 695 588

or email support@beaconpurchasing.co.uk

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15%T H I N K T H E Y U S E T O O M A N Y

S U P P L I E R S , W H I C H H A S A K N O C K O N E F F E C T O N T H E A M O U N T O F

T I M E S P E N T O N A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

80%O F B U S I N E S S E S H A D M A J O R

I S S U E S W H E N W O R K I N G

W I T H S U P P L I E R S D I R E C T LY

Image Credit: BEST WESTERN Castle Green Hotel Grounds and Hotel

What's#T REN D I N G?

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Your guide to new launches and trends

Pitmaster’s perfect BBQ beverage

With the American BBQ food trend set to become even more popular in 2016, our trusted supplier Inverarity Morton brings you a selection of Pitmaster Wines, made to provide the ideal accompaniment to classic ribs and slaw.

D ES IG N T REN D 2016: M A SCU L IN E U T I L I T Y This interior look focuses on fine materials, craftsmanship and functionality. Hardwearing, natural materials like stone, leather, real wood and metal are prominent, while hints of steam punk are starting to creep into the limelight, combining the usability of modern technology with the design aesthetic of the Victorian era. World-class wall coverings in Marble, Teak, Concrete Dark, Nile Croc and Molten from Tektura, part of Beacon Design Services, can help you to achieve this look.

W ith every issue of BECKON, the #Trending column brings you products and services from our trusted network of suppliers that we think are destined for

big success over the coming year. It’s just one way we’re helping our customers stay up to date with the latest market trends across all our categories.

#T R E N D I N G

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Tasty glasses from LockhartWith the UK’s craft beer market growing at 80% year on year, and microbreweries popping up all over the country, these glasses from our trusted supplier, Lockhart, are perfect for tasting sessions. Using chalk, you can write the names of the beers (or the tasters!) on each glass. The product provides a rustic platform to present a selection of craft beers to the discerning taster.

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Workwear inspiration from Simon JerseySimon Jersey is set to launch a brand new collection of beauty uniforms that will help salon and spa teams create a stylish new look for the season. The new Simon Jersey jumpsuit has been designed to flatter a range of figures. It uses a new easy-care polyester/spandex mix fabric that gives a soft and smooth feel with superior softness and flexibility – delivering a professional look that’s both practical and stylish in the workplace.

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ClickShare: The one click wonderWe’ve all been in that annoying position – you’ve prepared a presentation for a big meeting but the technology fails and you can’t connect with the projector or TV screen. The unique ClickShare Button gives you the simplest and fastest access to the meeting room screen so you can quickly communicate your vision. Tipped to take the meetings market by storm in 2016, ClickShare technology is available through our trusted supplier, Airwave.

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5 Re-launch of a classicTetley is re-launching its Fruit and Herbal range this November, retaining a few of the classic blends and adding a few new flavours; Lemon & Ginger, Mint Fusion, Raspberry & Pomegranate and Green Tea with Mango. With a Great Taste Award to its name already, this new range will really help to refresh your hot beverage menu.

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COU P D E PAT ES PRE T ZEL BU RG ER BU NSBritain has grown to love burgers in recent years and the trend is showing no sign of slowing down with more burger chains and street food outlets popping up all over the country. In response, our trusted supplier Coup de Pates brings you their latest culinary creation, Pretzel Burger Buns; soft pre-sliced pretzel lye rolls with surface cut – perfect for vendors seeking their slice of the burger market.

Flat iron: A new steak from Bidvest FoodserviceCustomers always welcome a twist on a classic – and it doesn’t get much more classic than steak. Bidvest Foodservice has added Beef Flat Iron Steaks to their range, an ideal option full of flavour and suited to a variety of menus and culinary styles.

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E V ERY BU RG ER N EEDS A S I D E OF FR I E STap into the gourmet burger trend with McCain Signatures Skin on Julienne Fries, a versatile accompaniment to the UK’s latest street food trends. McCain Signatures Skin on Julienne fries are the perfect partner to McCain Signature Sweet Potato Fries, which can be sold as an upgrade option to generate additional revenue for you and your business.

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Spice up your menu with Chai LatteThis exotic and heady combination is Chai Latte as it should be – made authentically with loose-leaf Assam tea leaves. Twinings Bollywood Chai combines the flavours of traditional Indian spices blended with almond and honey to transport your taste buds to India. Simply add hot frothy milk for an indulgent treat or throw in a shot of gingerbread syrup to give it a festive twist. It’s a high quality drink that’s sure to sell well as Chai continues to grow in popularity.

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To purchase any of these products and find out about other industry trends, call us on 01904 695 588 or email support@beaconpurchasing.co.uk

When Apple goes on mainstage to launch a new product it attracts global news. That was the case when, in its traditional Autumn/Winter slot in the technology diary, Apple revealed a new, oversized iPad Pro complete with stylus and its upgraded iPhones. The talking point, however, was TV.

After being left trailing in the TV market by rivals such as Amazon, Apple’s statement illustrates how the behaviour of broadcasting is changing.

There is an expectation among guests now that they will be able to effortlessly use the technology in their hotel room for personal use, to work efficiently and to gain access to their own online content.

Together with our supplier Airwave, Beacon is able to offer modern and efficient solutions to our customers that cater to those new media demands.

LY N K S I N C A N D R E AC H T EC H N O LO G I E S .

Lynk Sinc and Reach technologies provide your guests with the information and entertainment they need, when they need

it. The easy-to-use solutions give hoteliers the ability to deliver branded information directly to their guests via in-room Smart TVs, as well as including the usual apps such as television on demand, YouTube and Facebook and the option for the guest to securely push content from their mobile device to the screen.

W I-F I W I N N E R S .

A recent study from London’s Amba Hotel found that 67% of potential hotel guests said that free and efficient Wi-Fi would make them more likely to choose their accommodation, rather than a good location. Today’s media and tech-savvy hotel guests demand access to a wide variety of entertainment systems and the ability to connect easily with people and content while away from home.

Fast internet connection is now a standard guest expectation and is so important that it is starting to influence booking and potential rebooking decisions. Poor or unreliable access to the internet can mean the difference between a guest staying with you or with a competitor. It can have that much impact on the bottom line.

But it’s not just in-room or general areas where Wi-Fi connection needs to be strong and reliable. Conferencing rooms also need to make the right and lasting impression.

W I R E L E SS SH A R I N G S YS T E M S .

For hotels offering conferencing facilities, Barco’s ClickShare and Peerless AV’s HDFlow 3 are two prime examples of how to retrofit a wireless sharing system to an existing conference room. The systems offer cross platform connectivity and ease of use for delegates, allowing them to effortlessly share content from any device.

Consumables:A P P S , A P P L E A N D

T H E F U T U R E O F T V

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Feature

ConsumablesT ECH N OLOGY

To get advice about how you can improve the

technology you already have in your establishment, contact a member of the Beacon team on 01904

695588 or email support@beaconpurchasing.co.uk to

discuss your technology and connectivity requirements.

Image Credit: Airwave

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Liz Snowball, Senior Consumables Buyer at Beacon, takes a look at the current marketplace and how Beacon customers can boost their broadcasting offering and meet the demands of today’s app savvy travellers.

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With England and Wales on alert that the lower legal drink drive limits adopted in Scotland will flow south

soon, Beacon’s Deputy Head of Purchasing and drinks specialist, Leanne

Jarrett, discusses the lessons learned in Scotland and

how businesses can prepare to manage the behavioural change that takes place both

sides of the bar.

I n February 2015, two months after the drink drive limit in Scotland was

lowered, Beacon conducted research among its Scottish customer base to see exactly how the changes in legislation had impacted them and how they were adapting to the new laws.

The results made front page national news as businesses reported sales being down 60% and concerns about the lack of time they were given to prepare for the new legislation.

Since then we have worked alongside our Scottish customer base, in partnership with our suppliers, to help them adopt and adapt to the changes.

Overleaf is some Beacon insight into how you can minimise

dramatic changes in drinking behaviour and keep customers safe on the roads at the same time.

S I ZE I SN ’ T E V E RY T H I N G .

Research from the Campaign for Real Ale in August 2015 revealed that people are now less likely to opt for a pint and are more likely to choose a half instead. Although at first glance this may seem like a negative for hospitality business owners, the rise in popularity of craft beer and real ale means that bars and restaurants are now able to offer a wider range of products, in smaller serving sizes, which comply with the drink driving laws.

Article continues on page 19 >

Exclusive

Drink Drive Regulations: L O O K I N G T O T H E

F U T U R E A N D A D A P T I N G T O T H E C H A N G E S

ExclusiveD R I N K

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FeaturesD R I N K

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M AT T H E W C L A R K ’ S ‘ O N E S TO WATC H ’

Low and non-alcoholic drinks are a simple and efficient way to maintain sales behind the bar. Several of our suppliers now offer a variety of low alcoholic beers to appeal to a range of consumer tastes and preferences. Expert drinks supplier

Matthew Clark has given Beacon exclusive insight into its most popular low alcohol products for 2015:

1. BrewDog Nanny State – ABV 0.5%

With eight different speciality malts and grains, Nanny State will definitely

tantalise your taste buds.

2. Erdinger Alkohol Frei – 0.4%

A refreshing isotonic drink, which provides the body with essential

vitamins and minerals.

3. Krombacher Non Alcoholic – 0.5%

A low alcohol beer with all the depth and flavour of a classic

Krombacher Pilsener.

Continued from page 17 >

The same can be said for wine: by serving a higher quality and wider variety of wines, in smaller sizes, the customer can still choose to drink whilst adhering to the lower limits.

B E B E E R B O L D.

Beer has been seeing a resurgence in popularity, with its market share increasing 1.3% in 2014, its first rise in 20 years. You can tap into this trend without fear of going over the limit by serving an improved range of low or non-alcoholic beers.

C H A N G E B E H AV I O U R S .

Our research has shown that Scottish businesses have seen traditional drinkers are now more open to overnight dinner options to ensure they stay safe on the road. For establishments that have the facilities to do so, consider up selling by introducing special offers on overnight stays for customers. We also know that some hotels have introduced later check out times to give their guests peace of mind when getting back on the road the following morning. Reception teams are also pro-active in providing breathalysers, which is something Beacon can help you source.

O F F E R YO U R C US TO M E R S SO M E T H I N G U N I Q U E .

Some of our customers in Scotland have introduced innovative solutions to ensure they and their guests remain compliant with the law.

One Beacon customer invested in a minibus service to transport their customers home. They said:

“The change in the law was initially quite frightening for us as a rural business. For the city centre pubs, it wasn’t much of an issue as people can easily get to and from the pub in a taxi. For us, it was much more difficult for people to get here without driving themselves, so we were quite concerned at first that our customers would all but disappear. This was the first thing we had to consider: how can our customers get here, enjoy a drink and still get home safely?

“We decided to invest in a minibus, so that we could transport our customers to their front door. Not only did this allow our customers to enjoy a drink safe in the knowledge that they could return home safely, but it has so far proven a cost effective, long-term solution for us.”

It seems likely that the regulations that are currently in place in Scotland will come into effect in England and Wales in the near future, following lobbying by The Police Federation earlier in 2015. With this in mind, it is worth preparing early, to make positive changes to align your business with the new laws.

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Beacon remains at the forefront of any changes in legislation that effects

businesses in the hospitality, leisure and healthcare sectors

- including drink driving regulations. Businesses

considering making changes to their drinks offering

should contact the Beacon team for tailored advice and

information.

Call 01904 695588 to speak to a member of the team or email support@beaconpurchasing.co.uk

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B E E R H A S B E E N S E E I N G A R E S U R G E N C E I N

P O P U L A R I T Y, W I T H I T S M A R K E T S H A R E I N C R E A S I N G

1.3% in 2014 I T S F I R S T R I S E I N 2 0 Y E A R S

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Feature

FeatureFOO D

L ast December saw new legislation come into place enforcing all EU businesses in the foodservice sector

to make customers aware of the inclusion of 14 ingredients known to trigger allergies. The changes led to widespread media coverage with arguments on both sides. On one hand the changes were called “a matter of life and death”, on the other top chefs such as Albert Roux and Thomasina Miers, the founder of Wahaca, warned that the rules would damage the restaurant industry.

Soon after the legislation came into place, in March 2015, the high profile and tragic death of a customer from a peanut allergy in an Indian restaurant made headlines and highlighted the devastating effects that can come from not adhering to the new legislation. The restaurant owner was charged with manslaughter by gross negligence – the first time a restaurant owner has faced such a charge.

“A Matter of Life and Death"F O O D L A B E L L I N G

L E G I S L A T I O N O N E Y E A R O N

T H E A L L E R G E N S I N C LU D E D I N T H E

E U ’ S R EG U L AT I O N S I N C LU D E:

Celery, cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds,

soya and sulphur dioxide.

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Over the next few pages Emma Warrington, Senior Food Buyer at Beacon, shares her advice on adhering to the food allergens legislation and staying on top of future legislation updates.”

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Over the next few pages Emma Warrington, Senior Food Buyer at Beacon, shares her advice on adhering to the food allergens legislation and staying on top of future legislation updates.

Since 13th December 2014, businesses including restaurants, pubs and cafés have been required to track allergenic ingredients that go into their dishes, as outlined by the EU. These 14 allergens need to be identified clearly on both food and drinks menus.

As the deadline for the legislation approached, we found that many of our customers were not aware of the expectations and impact it would have on their businesses, or what new processes they needed to enforce within their businesses. It is no wonder therefore that almost 12 months on; there are still some businesses in the foodservice sector that are not complying with the legislation. Research conducted by The Royal Society for Public Health found that more than two thirds of takeaways are breaching the new laws, with half of fried chicken, fish and chips, Chinese, pizza and sushi shops unable to state whether their food contained an allergen. Furthermore, this year, there has been a number of reports of allergy related deaths, despite the introduction of these laws, so it is of utmost importance that business owners

in the hospitality sector ensure they are fully compliant, and request help and support from suppliers if they have any concerns.

I N T E R N A L CO M M U N I C AT I O N .

It is essential that all staff are fully conversant with the new legislation and business owners need to ensure they understand the consequences if their establishment does not comply accordingly. We would suggest spending some time with all your staff to allow them an opportunity to ask questions and to ensure they are confident answering customer questions. Furthermore, training regarding the legislation should now form a key part of your new staff induction programme so that everyone within your business is aware of the rules.

The online course from www.allergytraining.food.gov.uk covers everything that employees within the foodservice sector need to know about the legislation. It may be beneficial to you and your workforce to elect a member of your team to become your in-house ambassador for the legislation so they can share the most important points from the online training with the wider team.

Furthermore, ensure your chefs are aware that they need to minimise the risk of cross contamination by using a separate area of the kitchen to handle non-allergen containing dishes. It is also advisable that chefs expand hygiene measures in the kitchen, as this is an aspect of the new rules that isn’t yet regulated, but could be in the future.

CO N S I D E R N E W M E N U I T E M S .

Work with your chef to identify any allergens in new dishes by breaking the recipe down to its raw ingredients – this process is important for current menu items too if your recipes, suppliers or ingredients have changed. By identifying individual ingredients for each item on the menu, it is easy to create a simple table of allergens for each new dish, which can then be shared with your waiting staff. This knowledge is essential for your staff when presenting or promoting new dishes or specials to customers and all staff should know where they can find this information if needed.

Article continues on page 22 >

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B Y I D E N T I F Y I N G I N D I V I D U A L I N G R E D I E N T S F O R E A C H I T E M O N T H E

M E N U , I T I S E A S Y T O C R E AT E A S I M P L E TA B L E

O F A L L E R G E N S F O R E A C H N E W D I S H

FeatureFOO D

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Continued from page 21 >When considering allergens used in your dishes, it is important to decide whether to include a ‘free from’ offering on your menu. Coeliac disease now affects at least 1 in 100 people in the UK, so developing gluten free dishes for your menu or specials board will ensure people can enjoy a wide choice of dishes at your establishment, not just one option.

TO O L S O F T H E T R A D E .

Many of our suppliers have developed guides to understanding the legislation, which have been created to assist customers with the legal requirements. For example, one of Beacon’s suppliers, Bidvest Foodservice launched a QR code reader called Rapid Ingredients Checker (RIC) to coincide with the enforcement of the new laws, which enables customers to find out what’s in their dishes and provides everything including ingredients, nutritional information and allergen details. Other Beacon suppliers including Brakes, Bibendum and Windsor Foodservice have product databases available for all customers to support them to make sure they are completely compliant with the rules. We work directly with our suppliers to ensure any changes to allergens in food are communicated directly to our customers.

N U T R I T I O N A L C H A N G E S – G E T A H E A D O F 2016 L EG I S L AT I O N .

As part of the new Food Information Regulation Laws, nutritional labelling will become compulsory for most pre-packed foods from 13th December 2016. It is possible to make a voluntary nutrition declaration before 13th December 2016, however if business owners choose to do so, it is vital that they comply with all labelling regulations set out in December 2014. If a nutrition and/or health claim is made, or if vitamins and/or minerals are added to foodstuff, then business owners must ensure they meet all relevant labelling provisions.

Although there is no requirement for a nutrition declaration to be given for foods sold non-prepacked, a caterer can choose to voluntarily label their menus with nutritional information to sit alongside allergen information, therefore offering the consumer as much information as possible. We are seeing that many high street brands are doing this as a way to target health conscious customers.

If a business chooses to display the nutritional information, it must adhere to the FIR format requirements:

• Energy in both kilojoules (kJ) and kilocalories (kcal)

• Energy (kJ and kcal) + fat + saturates + sugars + salt

• Full nutrition declaration (Energy + fat + saturates + carbohydrate + sugars + protein + salt)

The legislation is complex and, as we’ve seen, it can often take a long time for all necessary information to become available to business owners. In some areas, the rules are open to interpretation, so we would recommend speaking to the local environmental health team or trading standards committee if you are unsure whether you are complying.

We appreciate that any change in legislation can seem complex

and it’s often hard to know where to look for help. Find out more about our suppliers in the

directory at the back of this issue of Beckon, speak to

our team today on 01904 695 588 or email

support@beaconpurchasing.co.uk to see how Beacon can help.

1 in 100P E O P L E I N T H E U K A R E N O W

A F F E C T E D B Y C O E L I A C D I S E A S E

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B U I L D I N G M A I N T E N A N C E

B&Q PLC (TradePoint)

One of the UK's largest maintenance suppliers, offering Beacon customers up to 43% savings on standard prices.

Screwfix Direct Ltd

Screwfix is the UK's largest supplier of trade tools, plumbing, electrical, bathrooms and kitchens. With over 11,000 products

stocked in each store and available for next day delivery. 5% discount for all Beacon customers.

Wolseley UK

Plumb Center and Parts Center, one of the UK's largest plumbing wholesalers, offering bespoke pricing for Beacon customers.

C A T E R I N G E Q U I P M E N T

Bidvest Catering Equipment

One of the UK's leading catering equipment suppliers, providing quality catering equipment to businesses in hospitality, healthcare

and leisure sectors. 

Brake Catering Supplies

Brakes Catering Supplies provide Beacon customers with the most competitive terms and service for the supply of catering equipment

throughout the UK.

Francis Catering Equipment Ltd

Designers and suppliers to the food service industry since 1973. Francis Catering work with a whole spectrum of clients from

individual items, to a full refurbishment. Available at discounted rates for Beacon customers.

SupplierD I R E C T O R Y

Lockhart Catering Equipment

Lockhart Catering Equipment offers great incentives to working with them through Beacon with free delivery on all orders over £75.

Fantastic pricing available via Beacon terms.

Wrapfilm Systems

Wrap Film Systems is an award winning market leader in supplying both branded and private label cling film and aluminium

foil products for the hospitality, leisure and healthcare markets.

C L E A N I N G

Diversey (Sealed Air Corporation)

Diversey, part of Sealed Air, continuously innovate to deliver superior cleaning solutions to meet the needs of customers.

With a comprehensive range of best-in-class hygiene offerings and excellent support services, they provide

an integrated hygiene solution.

Ecolab

Ecolab are world leaders in cleaning and hygiene products, providing cleaning and sanitation solutions for food safety, infection

prevention and public health. Offering Beacon customers up to 20% off standard prices. 

Kimberley-Clark Ltd

Offering innovative, environmentally responsible solutions that help customers reduce consumption leading to reduced waste. Kimberly-Clark Professional offer some of the world's leading brands in hand

hygiene and tissue markets.

Ozone Clean Ltd

Ozone Clean manufacture and supply equipment utilizing unique ozone generating systems which rapidly and permanently remove

lingering and objectionable odours in 15 minutes. 

C O N S U M A B L E S

Hunters & Frankau Ltd

Hunters & Frankau is the UK’s leading independent cigar importer. With national sales and distribution cover, they offer all trade

accounts an unmatched range of Havana Cigars and other fine cigar brands from many different countries.

D E S I G N

Chelsom Limited

Since 1947 Chelsom has successfully designed and created quality decorative hotel lighting and lighting for commercial

contracts worldwide.

Dulux Decorator Centre (ICI Paints)

Ordering from Dulux couldn't be better for Beacon customers. Not only do Dulux have a dedicated Beacon contract price list but they

offer a Beacon Price Guarantee on selected core lines.

Kohler Mira

Mira Showers provide expert advice to Beacon customers in design and specification of showers and washroom control in addition to price support available through

Wolseley/Plumb Center distributors.

Mattison Contract Beds

Mattison is one of the industry’s leading manufacturers of contract beds, with over 150 years of experience. Mattison Contract Beds offer Beacon customers a 7.5% minimum discount off their trade

list price.

Portobello Art Ltd

Portobello Art Ltd has long been recognised as a leading supplier of decorative wall art and mirrors to the hotel and leisure industry

worldwide. Supplying and installing artwork on a regular basis for many major hotel groups. Offering Beacon customers a wide

variety of products at prices to suit their budgets.

SupplierD I REC TO RY

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Beacon carefully selects suppliers for their expertise and experience across the sectors in which our customers operate. We are proud to be working alongside some of the best businesses in the marketplace, to give our customers peace of mind that the Beacon supplier portfolio will not only provide you with excellent service and competitive commercial terms, but also give you more time

to run your business, knowing that our team of Category Buyers is continuously monitoring supplier performance.

Our supplier portfolio is constantly growing and developing. For the very latest list of Beacon suppliers please visit www.beaconpurchasing.co.uk – alternatively Beacon customers can log into My Beacon to see detailed information, including

commercial terms, promotions and how to open an account with individual suppliers.

Below is an overview of all of our current suppliers and what they can do to help your business.

For a complete list of suppliers and to find out how you can work with them, through Beacon, call 01904 695 588 or

visit My Beacon.

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SupplierD I REC TO RY

Respa

Respa are one of the largest and technically advanced bed and mattress spring manufacturers in the British Isles. Beacon customers benefit from up to 15% discount on list prices. 

Roca Group

Roca specialises in the design and production of products for bathroom spaces as well as ceramic floorings and wall coverings.

Tektura plc

Having worked with interior designers for over 45 years, Tektura wall-coverings are used in most major hotels, leisure and

commercial interiors throughout the UK and overseas.

D R I N K S

AB InBev

InBev UK is the largest brewer in the world and makes many of the UK's best-loved drinks including Budweiser, Stella Artois and

Becks. Available at preferential rates through Beacon.

Accolade Wines

Grow your wine sales with Accolade Wines, a global wine company with some of the world’s best-known brands, sold in over 80

countries.

Beverages Direct Ltd

Distributors of high quality coffee machines, service and branded beverages and ingredients, with 5% off coffee machine rental

exclusively for Beacon customers.

Britvic Soft Drinks

Nobody knows the soft drinks category better, with a vast array of market leading products such as Pepsi, R Whites, 7UP, Tango, J2O,

Robinsons Fruit Shoot and many more!

Brodie Melrose Drysdale & Co Ltd

Leading suppliers of coffee to the UK's hospitality, leisure and healthcare sectors, offering a range of fresh roast and ground

coffees, finest teas and infusions, as well as a selection of bedroom

hospitality products.

Carlsberg UK

Carlsberg UK produces and sells some of the UK’s best known and most loved brands. Enhanced discounts are available to

Beacon customers.

Coca-Cola Enterprises

Provision of a wide variety of beverages for every occasion, available at preferential rates through Beacon distributors.

Forth Wines

Forth Wines offer an unparalleled range of wines from around the world, along with an enviable selection of premium spirits

and beers.

SupplierD I R E C T O R Y C O N T I N U E D .

Heineken UK

Heineken is the world’s international brewer, with operations in 71 countries globally. Passion for quality and innovation are at

the heart of how they build great brands, and delight consumers. Heineken in the UK offer Beacon customers enhanced prices.

House of Townend

House of Townend is a national, independent specialist wine and champagne merchant, based in Yorkshire, offering award winning

wines to Beacon customers at preferential prices.

Jacobs Douwe Egberts Pro GB Ltd

Jacobs Douwe Egberts Pro GB Ltd, offer high quality coffee and equipment solutions to the UK's hospitality, leisure and healthcare sectors. Blending, roasting and packing over 100 different coffee

products for the Hotel market.

Magners' GB Ltd

Magners GB Ltd is the home of Irish Cider. Beacon customers benefit from flexible pricing on core lines through Beacon

distributors.

Matthew Algie

Matthew Algie is one of the UK's leading suppliers of ethically sourced, triple certified and organic coffee to the hospitality, leisure and healthcare sectors. All of which is freshly roasted in the UK.

Tea and coffee machines, barista training courses and resources are also available.

Matthew Clark Wholesale

Matthew Clark Wholesale are a national drinks wholesaler, with over 200 years experience supplying drink products and hospitality

training to customers nationally.

Molson Coors Brewers Ltd

Molson Coors Brewing Company offer enhanced Beacon prices that reflect the full Beacon buying power, therefore giving Beacon

customers a better deal.

Ooberstock Ltd

Specialist wholesale drinks supplier, Ooberstock provide top brands across beers, wines, spirits and premium fine wine and champagnes

to hotel and leisure businesses. Fantastic price savings available through Beacon.

Oranka Juice Solutions

Oranka Juice Solutions are a leading international supplier of fruit juice, cold beverages and dispensing systems. Award-winning

suppliers of juices to the UK hospitality and healthcare markets and owners of the Hydration Station.

R. Twinings & Company Limited

Twinings have been recognised as the tea experts for over 300 years, offering specially negotiated prices on one of the UK's most

recognised brands to Beacon customers.

Tchibo

With a range of coffee machines and products for front of house, back of house, in room or conference and banqueting areas, Tchibo have the equipment and expertise to help you manage and improve

your coffee offering across your whole estate.

Tetley (TATA Global Beverages)

With multiple global brands, Tetley Tea delight more than a million people every day through good-tasting natural beverages.

One of the UK's most recognised brands, giving Beacon customers access to specially negotiated prices.

E L E C T R I C A L

Airwave

Airwave are leading suppliers of Hotel TV Systems, Hospital TV systems, Digital Signage, Information Channels, Digital Satellite

and Movie Systems.

Avinity

Experts in B2B e-commerce, rewards and recognition, prize management, sales promotions, procurement, brand experience and

fulfilment solutions.

City Electrical Factors

UK's largest Electrical wholesaler and supplier with 400 local branches. Dedicated Beacon pricing available.

Electric Center

Light and lighting specialists for commercial lighting, halogen lighting, low voltage lamps, interior lighting and outdoor lighting.

Mico Lighting Ltd

More than just a distributor of lamps and fittings, Mico's expert team work with businesses to create energy saving, innovative

solutions. Free site surveys and lighting audits available on request for Beacon customers.

Toshiba TEC

Toshiba TEC is the world's most trusted provider of industry-targeted solutions that help increase the value of ideas and

information.

F A B R I C S

Kobe

Kobe’s fabric collections are renowned for their high level of sustainability, Easy Care and permanently inherent flame retardancy. Preferential rates available to Beacon customers.

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For a complete list of suppliers and to find out how you can work with them, through Beacon, call 01904 695 588 or

visit My Beacon.

Panaz

A specialist in their field, Panaz combine impeccable quality and uncompromising performance. Their fabric portfolio is highly individual, comprehensive and diverse, catering for a variety of

applications within the hospitality and healthcare sectors.

Robena Contract Furnishings Limited

Robena have been manufacturing curtains and soft furnishings for the contract market for over 30 years. Beacon customers enjoy

preferential rates with this quality supplier.

Skopos Fabrics Ltd

Skopos Fabrics Ltd has offered contract furnishing fabrics and weaves for nearly forty years. Specialist healthcare and hospitality designers have an unrivalled understanding of

specific sector requirements.

F L O O R I N G

Hammer Carpets

Hammer Carpets manufacture custom designed Axminster, Colortec, and Graphic tufted carpet from their factory in Denmark.

Karndean Flooring

Karndean Design Flooring is the proven choice for the high footfall demands of hotels, restaurants, bars and leisure facilities.

OW Hospitality Limited

OW Hospitality is a design resource and manufacturer of fine custom woven Axminster carpets, Area Rugs and

Hand Tufted Carpets.

Welwyn Design Leisure

One of the largest commercial flooring companies in the UK, with a management team with over 85 years’ experience within

the flooring industry.

F O O D

Adelie Foods

Adelie Foods is a top three UK sandwich manufacturer with customers including Sainsbury’s, Boots, Starbucks and a wide range

of food service and convenience retailers.

Bidvest Foodservice

One of the UK's leading food wholesale suppliers, covering the UK, working with over 400 Beacon customers.

Bonne Maman Conserve

The Bonne Maman preserve range brings style and delicious taste to any breakfast table, afternoon tea table and many other occasions.

Brake Bros Ltd

National supply of food wholesale for every catering requirement available at Beacon negotiated pricing.

Campbell Bros Ltd

Campbell Brothers supply quality meat, fresh fish and seafood and produce to professional kitchens throughout Scotland, all at

specially negotiated Beacon prices.

Classic Fresh Foods Ltd

Suppliers of high quality fresh produce, chilled ,frozen, dry goods and dairy products throughout London and surrounding areas to

hotels, restaurants and bars.

Country Fresh Foods

Country Fresh Foods is a family run business, passionate about supplying the finest products to the restaurant and hotel trade

throughout Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.

Coup de Pates

Coup de Pates, formally Delice de France, baking and pastry experts, has a contract price list in place with discounts of up to

60% available for Beacon customers.

D & D Dairies

Provision of sustainable cream, milk and cheese to the Perthshire, Tayside, Fife, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling areas.

Dairy Crest Limited

Dairy Crest works in partnership with Beacon and conducts quarterly price reviews guaranteeing stability in pricing in a volatile

market place.

Delifresh Ltd

Delifresh are passionate about fresh produce, dairy, cheese and speciality flavours. Delivering into kitchens throughout the North

of the UK on a daily basis.

Direct Seafoods

Award-winning provider of fish and seafood to the hospitality, healthcare and leisure markets.

Fairfax Meadow Europe Ltd

With a rich history going back over 40 years, Fairfax Meadow is the butcher that goes above and beyond, providing butchery

products nationally.

Forteith Foodservice

One of Scotland's leading food wholesale suppliers, delivering quality produce to Beacon customers.

Graham's The Family Dairy

Scotland's largest independent dairy - producing milk, cream, butter, ice-cream and now Scottish cheddar cheese.

Halls Direct Ltd

Halls Direct is an established supplier of quality chilled and frozen goods to the catering and retail food businesses.

Harvey & Brockless Limited

Harvey & Brockless are a speciality fine food company, working with artisan food producers across the globe to provide top quality

ingredients throughout the UK.

JM Breckenridge

Suppliers of quality fresh produce to the West of Scotland and the Highlands and Islands. Guaranteed best prices available

through Beacon.

Kellogg's

Kellogg's are the UK’s leading provider of cereals, snacks and healthy snacks. Kellogg’s are committed to providing consumers with a wide choice of quality food products that can be part of a

balanced diet and meet their varying taste requirements.

KP Snacks

KP is home to some of the most iconic British snack brands, producing a wide variety of delicious snacks for the UK's retailers. KP are proud to boast that millions of people enjoy their products,

every day.

M J Birtwistle & Co Ltd

Butchery experts for the Hospitality Sector, available at preferential rates for Beacon customers.

M&J Seafood Limited

Award-winning provider of traceable fish and seafood to the hospitality, healthcare and leisure markets. You’ll never get a better

deal from M&J Seafood than through Beacon.

Mark Murphy & Partner Ltd

Fruit and vegetables, fine foods and dairy produce to the Scottish region. Guaranteed best prices available through Beacon.

McCain Foods Ltd

As well as being a household retail brand, McCain Foods serves thousands of pubs, restaurants, hospitals and schools

across the country. 

Mondelez

Mondelez International brands have been in the UK for nearly 200 years, as part of both Cadbury and Kraft Foods. Mondelez

are home to an unrivalled portfolio of brands including Cadbury, Belvita, Philadelphia, Oreo, Green & Blacks, Trebor, Maynards

and Bassetts.

Nestle UK Ltd

Nestle offer a complete solution for every type of need within the Hospitality industry, helping you grow your operation with culinary

and beverage brands, products, systems services and expertise

Premier Foods

Premier Foods is one of Britain's largest food producers with a number of key lines and specialist pack formats for caterers and foodservice operators. Trusted brands include Sharwood’s, Bisto,

Bird’s, Batchelors, Homepride, McDougalls, Ambrosia and Angel Delight.

Reeves Butchers Ltd

Extensive experience in supplying the finest meats to discerning clientele, including hotels, restaurants, public houses, golf clubs, schools and nursing homes. Reeves Butchers Ltd offer prices to

Beacon customers that are not available outside of the Beacon arrangements.

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For a complete list of suppliers and to find out how you can work with them, through Beacon, call 01904 695 588 or visit My Beacon.

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SupplierD I REC TO RY

Reynolds

Reynolds is one of the leading fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers and food wholesalers to the UK foodservice industry.

R&J Yorkshire's Finest

R&J Catering Butchers pride themselves on quality, supplying the choicest fresh meats and poultry in the north of England for more

than 30 years from their farm in the Yorkshire Dales. They are proud to supply some of the finest restaurants across the region.

Rule of Crumb

Providing a one stop solution for all your gluten free needs. Rule of Crumb has a range of main course items, snacks and breads to

cover all the needs of a Coeliac customer.

Sheringhams Fine Foods Ltd

Based in London's famous New Covent Garden Market. Sheringhams are providers and suppliers of fresh fruit,

vegetables, dairy, frozen and dried goods.

Total Produce UK

Total Produce UK has become one of the UK's largest and most accomplished fresh produce providers. Guaranteed best prices

available through Beacon.

Unilever Food Solutions

Unilever Food Solutions is a specialist provider of modern professional ingredients and services, offering price support on

global brands.

United Biscuits

United Biscuits produce some of the best known and loved sweet and savoury snacks, with products ranging from biscuits and

crackers to cakes and baked snacks.

Windsor Foodservice

Total food solutions for caterers. One of the UK's leading food wholesale suppliers, covering the UK, working with over 200

Beacon customers. 

Woodward Foodservice Ltd

With a range of catering supplies and equipment, Woodward supports businesses with a full foodservice solution across

hospitality, leisure and healthcare markets

.

F U R N I T U R E

Bourne Furniture Ltd

Experts in the provision of furniture to suite your chosen interior design, for all areas of your business, large or small.

Burgess Furniture Ltd

Burgess Furniture listen to Beacon customer needs and work collaboratively to create bespoke design solutions. Available with up

to 38% off list price.

CFG Furniture Ltd

CFG Furniture is one of the original UK contract furniture suppliers to the hospitality and leisure industries. With over 40 years experience they remain in the forefront of quality, design,

innovation, service and supply.

SupplierD I R E C T O R Y C O N T I N U E D .

Curtis Furniture

Curtis has been manufacturing furniture, chairs and soft furnishings for hotels across the UK. Curtis are pleased to offer significant

discounts for Beacon customers.

Ellis Furniture Ltd

Ellis Furniture is a 120 year old, family run, British manufacturer of quality contract furniture for the hospitality and residential sector.

Matrix Fitness

Matrix has been producing premium fitness equipment since 1975 and is the fastest growing manufacturer of fitness equipment in the

world. A truly global company with 19 subsidiaries worldwide.

Target Furniture

Target Furniture has a long established reputation for providing a comprehensive range of high quality goods and services to

the contract market, whilst providing excellent value for money. Offering discounts to Beacon customers.

Whitaker Services

Whitaker Services is one of the UK’s leading furnishing and furniture manufacturers for the Healthcare Sector, offering Beacon

customers 10% discount on trade price list

.

G U E S T A M E N I T I E S

Aslotel Ltd

Industry leading guest amenity supplier, providing high quality affordable solutions to Beacon customers.

Bunzl Guest Amenities

Market leader in supplying innovative guest amenities to the hospitality sector throughout the UK.

Gilchrist & Soames

Industry leading guest amenity supplier, providing high quality affordable solutions to Beacon customers.

L I N E N

Berendsen PLC

Berendsen provide industrial laundry services for hotels, hospitals and workwear in London and nationwide across the UK.

Bourne Textile Services

Providing a reliable and cost-effective linen service to hotels and restaurants of all sizes in a large area from our base in

South Lincolnshire.

Chester Textile Services

Chester Textile Services is a market-leading supplier of linen services to the UK hospitality sectors.

Fishers Services

Providing industrial workwear rentals services to hotels and restaurants, workwear, cleanrooms and healthcare

throughout Scotland.

Lissadell Liddell

One of the most recognised luxury linen brands in the world. Unrivalled expertise in bed, bath and dining linen.

Mitre Furnishing Group Ltd

Mitre, specialist fabric and linen suppliers, offer Beacon customers special pricing on selected core items with discounted rates available

on their full catalogue. 

Stalbridge Linen Services Ltd

Johnsons Stalbridge Linen Services provides a linen hire and laundry service to the catering, hotel and leisure industries. Offering

preferential rates to Beacon customers.

N O N - F O O D

D I S T R I B U T O R &

M A N U F A C T U R E R

Alliance Disposables

Leading UK wholesale supplier of catering equipment - glassware, crockery and kitchen equipment, at specially

negotiated Beacon prices.

Bunzl Catering Supplies

Bunzl Catering Supplies is the leading distributor of catering disposables, food packaging and hygiene products in the UK, all

available at preferential Beacon pricing.

Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Services

Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies is the UK's largest supplier of janitorial, cleaning, hygiene and associated products, available at

preferential Beacon pricing.

Countrywide Healthcare Supplies

As one of the largest independent distributors to care homes in the UK Countrywide Healthcare Supplies recognise the need

to provide our customers with good quality products at competitive prices.

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For a complete list of suppliers and to find out how you can work with them, through Beacon, call 01904 695 588 or

visit My Beacon.

27

SCA Hygiene Products Ltd

SCA is a global hygiene company that develops and produces personal care products, tissue, publication papers and solid-wood products. SCA has many brands including Lotus Professional®,

TENA and Tork.

Swan Mill Paper Company Ltd

Swan Mill Paper Company are the UK’s largest manufacturer of disposable napkins. Offering paper tableware, Christmas products

and catering accessories to suit all occasions and budgets.

P R O M O T I O N A L P R O D U C T S

Peeks the Event Makers

Everything you need for your celebration or event. Choose from a huge range of party supplies, fancy dress, table decorations and

seasonal supplies. Next Day Delivery available.

S I G N A G E

Lakeside Signs Limited

Lakeside Signs offers a unique approach to signage to help your business stand out. Lakeside design, manufacture and install interior and exterior signs throughout the UK and Ireland.

Omega Signs Limited

Omega Signs, providers of professionally designed and crafted business signs for commercial, retail & leisure. Delivering signage to some of the UK’s top brands and specialises in the hotel and

leisure industry.

Taylor & Pickles Ltd

Taylor & Pickles are specialist sign suppliers operating on a national basis. A multi disciplined sign company, producing signage schemes

across hospitality, healthcare and leisure markets.

S T A T I O N E R Y A N D P R I N T

Badgemaster Ltd

Award-winning badge-makers to the hospitality industry with 10% off for Beacon customers.

Colourbond (The Printers) Ltd

Competitive and high quality printing solutions for your business, with in-house finishing and design services.

Office Depot UK Limited

World class providers of office furniture and business technologies, available at outstanding pricing for Beacon customers.

Ryedale Group

Ryedale have more than 55 years experience in printing, specialist printing, marketing, manufacturing and supply chain management.

Ryedale provide a fresh approach to customer engagement.

U T I L I T I E S A N D S E R V I C E S

Barclaycard

Barclaycard, part of Barclays Retail and Business Banking, is a global payment business. Offering merchant services to

Beacon customers.

BOC Sureserve

BOC Sureserve is the leading dispense gases supplier in the UK, with up to 50% off list pricing for Beacon customers.

Calor Gas

Calor Gas' aim is to enable you to get on with your business without having to worry about your fuel supply. 50% off tank rental

offered to Beacon customers.

Daisy Group Plc

Daisy Group provides business broadband, phone lines and calls, VoIP, telephone systems, cloud and hosting services in the UK and

supply chain management.

ICB Group

ICB Group is a chartered insurance broker who’s premium service brand is founded on three core values, quality professional service,

delivery of results and excellent relationships. 

Initial UK

Initial UK are committed to keeping you healthy by providing high quality hygiene products and services, that minimise your risk of

exposure to bacteria and other infectious micro-organisms.

Jelf Insurance Partnership

Jelf is a leading consultancy providing expert advice on insurance, employee benefits, healthcare and financial planning for hospitality

businesses and individuals.

Kaba (UK) Ltd

Kaba is a world leader in access control solutions for the hospitality sector.

Managed Waste Solutions Ltd

Expert suppliers of waste management solutions to Beacon customers across the UK in healthcare, hospitality and

leisure sectors.

Olleco

Olleco supply quality cooking oils, recycle waste food into renewable energy and convert organic waste into green fuels. Expert

suppliers of waste management solutions to Beacon customers across the UK, in healthcare, hospitality and leisure sectors.

PHS Group Ltd

Leading UK workplace services supplier, specialising in washroom services, mats, water coolers, plant rental, data shredding and much more. You won’t get a better price from PHS Group's portfolio of

products direct. 

Pyrotec Fire Protection Ltd

Pyrotec offer the best in fire safety. Qualified, competent and professional, offering a high standard of service to Beacon

customers for more than 10 years. With fire safety suited to individual requirements you can be confident Pyrotec will keep you

compliant, safe and secure.

Rentokil Pest Control

As Britain's leading provider of pest control, Rentokil technicians have the expertise to protect businesses across the country from

pests and other problems. Rentokil provide fast, reliable and effective solutions to pest infestations of any kind.

The Energy Desk

Reduce utility bills with TED, the end to end energy management company delivering gas and electric purchasing

services to reduce your commercial fuel cost. Helping every size of company in every location reduce their energy consumption

and use it more intelligently.  

The Safer Group Ltd

Specialists in online food safety training, The Safer Food Group offer a range of courses at best-in-market prices.

Waterscan Ltd

Waterscan provide specialist water management solutions. Working with clients to identify inefficient use of water to offer

bespoke strategic solutions to reduce their water cost and radically improve efficiency. 

W O R K W E A R

Alexandra

Purchased through Office Depot for Beacon customers, Alexandra is the UK's leading supplier of uniforms to the

healthcare, hospitality, leisure and catering industries.  

Simon Jersey Ltd

Simon Jersey are one of the pioneers of the corporate clothing industry, with over 40 years of experience designing market

leading innovative uniforms that project a strong brand image for clients and a focus on customer service excellence.

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For a complete list of suppliers and to find out how you can work with them, through Beacon, call 01904 695 588 or visit My Beacon.

G E T I N T O U C H T O D A Y

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