Two of the UK’s leading foodservice equipment manufacturers have joined forces and called for the supply side of the industry to come together and support their joint initiative to create a pool of redundant or quality second hand catering equipment that could be made available for UK registered charities at no cost.
Hobart and Meiko are asking foodservice manufacturers, distributors, kitchen houses and other suppliers to identify surplus catering equipment that could be made available to support genuine charities that otherwise have no means of purchase.
“All manufacturers and distributors have, to a greater or lesser extent, some items of equipment that are redundant but otherwise perfectly serviceable,” says Meiko UK MD Bill Downie. “While there may be some value that could be recouped via the second hand or scrap metal market, we would rather see this equipment put to good use to support genuine charities in the UK which receive little or no public funding.
Hobart’s David Riley, Director, Warewash UK, said: “I am in full agreement with Bill. Throughout my career in catering equipment as a distributor and now as a manufacturer, I have seen serviceable equipment go to waste. In this day and age I appreciate that the economic environment is not conducive to charity donations; however, it is precisely those market conditions that make doing your bit for charity even more valuable. By supplying suitable charities with otherwise redundant equipment we can make a difference without affecting the general equipment market.”
The initiative originated from informal discussions between Hobart and Meiko. It calls for the establishment of a central database of equipment, with the administration to be handled centrally and funded by contributions from supporters of the scheme. A deadline of Monday September 2nd 2013 has been set for the receipt of expressions of interest, after which a working party will be set up to create the initial framework for the organisation.
“Many UK catering equipment suppliers and distributors already support charities, either with direct support or via fundraising, but what we are asking for is that everybody involved in the equipment supply side of the industry comes together to create a professionally run, nationally recognised service that lesser known community based charities can turn to for support, said Bill Downie.”
David Riley adds: “So we are looking for support from like-minded manufacturers, distributors, service/install organisations and consultants to join us in establishing the offer of a full range of services to deserving causes.
“Of course starting an initiative like this will need some volunteer work and some finance. Bill and I have agreed to start the fund rolling with a joint donation of £5,000 to assist the set-up of the charity.
“One thing we are struggling for is a name for the charity that accurately reflects our intentions; we look forward to hearing from you with your suggestions and your commitment to help ignite our idea.”
More information from:
Meiko UK Limited, 393 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 4UF
Email: MeikoUK@meiko-uk.co.uk
Tel. 01753 215120
Website: www.meiko-uk.co.uk
Hobart Head Office, Southgate Way, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, PE2 6GN
Tel. 0844 888 7777
Website: www.hobartuk.com