Latest News

Equine DNA - Company Statement

20-2-2013

Following the FSA & FSAI announcement of horsemeat being found in meat products, Total Foodservice Solutions Ltd believes that it is important that our consumers have full confidence in the food they purchase.

To ensure customers retain confidence in the integrity of products throughout the food chain, Total Foodservice Solutions Ltd has contacted all relevant suppliers of beef products. Such suppliers to Total Foodservice Solutions Ltd have provided confirmation that their material is fully traceable and that appropriate testing regimes have been implemented to ensure authenticity of all materials supplied to both Total Foodservice Solutions Ltd and Fairway Foodservice Plc. of whom Total Foodservice Solutions Ltd enjoys consortium membership.

Total Foodservice Solutions Ltd will continue to monitor the current situation and will ensure high levels of dialogue is retained with all suppliers of branded and own brand products that contain beef. Total Foodservice Solutions Ltd will collate all such supplier information received over coming days and will, as a matter of duty, communicate any adverse results immediately.

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Early Kick-Off breakfast begin!

29-1-2013

The first initiative of the Huddersfield Town Foundation got off the ground at Christchurch Academy School this morning - the ´Early Kick-Off´ Breakfast Club.

´Early Kick-Off´ is an exciting scheme that will help ensure the young people of Huddersfield and the wider community start their day in the right way - with a healthy nutritious breakfast.

Around 40 children arrived at Christchurch Academy on Monday morning to find Huddersfield Town Foundation Trustees Dean Hoyle, Ann Hough and Club Ambassador Andy Booth serving the breakfasts alongside the school´s staff

Initially ´Early Kick-Of´ will directly benefit around 50 pupils at each of five specially selected primary schools throughout the full 39 week 2012/13 academic year, made possible by generous donations to the Foundation charity and thanks to several Huddersfield Town Club Partners.

Huddersfield Town has joined forces with Total Foodservice, Kirklees College, Kirklees Council, Kid Premiership, Caterers Choice and Stafflex to make ´Early Kick-Off´ possible. Food wholesalers Total Foodservice and Caterers Choice have used their extensive network of contacts to supply the healthy and nutritious breakfast together for the kids - food such as fruits, grains, dairy products and other protein-rich foods - and Huddersfield Town will deliver it to the schools across the region, completely free of charge.

It is then up to the schools and its volunteers to make the breakfasts, but the Foundation´s help doesn´t end there; Club Partner and leading education provider Kirklees College is offering teachers and parents complimentary NVQ courses in food preparation and hygiene to make sure they know the best ways of ensuring their pupils benefit.

Huddersfield Town Foundation Trustee Dean Hoyle commented:

"There are some alarming statistics that have been recently published that show how important the ´Early Kick-Off´ breakfast clubs will be. Across the UK there has been a 233% increase in children relying on charities to be fed and 83% of teachers see evidence of hungry children in their class, so it is only right that we do our part to ensure these kids get a good start to the day.

"It was absolutely fantastic to attend the first ever ´Early Kick-Off´ Breakfast Club this morning; the kids were absolutely tremendous and seemed to really enjoy the food, which makes it all worthwhile.

"I would like to thank all our partners, without whom we wouldn´t have been able to make this possible, as well as everyone that has made a donation to the Huddersfield Town Foundation so far.

"I can´t wait for the next ´Early Kick Off´ breakfast clubs to get underway at our other schools; Old Bank, Hillside Primary, Lowerhouses Junior and Infants and Rawthorpe Junior School.

Visit www.htafcfoundation.com to make a donation to the Huddersfield Town Foundation today!

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Culinary cadets take flight

29-1-2013

Catering supplier Total Foodservice has partnered with a leading hospitality college to put its sales staff through a ´Top Gun´ inspired training academy.

The fourth generation family firm, based on Ribble Valley Enterprise Park in Barrow/Cross Green Road in Dalton, are putting put nine budding "Mavericks" through their paces on a 15-month training programme with Kendal College.

The course will see the cadets achieve an NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration, whilst helping them live and breathe the food industry.
On successful completion of the course, the fully-fledged kitchen commanders will be jetting off to an undisclosed location for a special celebration.
Simon Howarth, managing director of Total Foodservice, said: "This partnership with Kendal College will see our sales team get the tools to not only understand the business side of our customers´ operations, but also get to the heart of the hospitality industry and understand its inner workings. It´s the perfect combination for our business, and I look forward to seeing the impact our high-flying graduates have on their return to base.

"As a business, it is always of paramount importance that we understand the pressures and challenges faced by our customers. Our approach to sales is to ensure that the customer can be innovative with their menus, can create the dishes they aspire to serve, and always have the service that they require."

Over the 15 months, the cadets will journey through the whole catering process, from field to fork, facing lessons in kitchen management and workflow, food safety and hygiene, and food product and barista training. They will also become experts in environmental awareness and sustainability, the challenges the catering industry faces, sales techniques and innovation in business.

Mike Mounfield, Director of Enterprise at Kendal College, said: "The bespoke curriculum for the course was developed to elevate Total Foodservice´s already comprehensive and successful sales operations to instil an appreciation of the industry and what the customer faces day-to-day. We´re sure that our new recruits will finish the course more confident sellers, and able to offer an industry leading sales service to Total Foodservice customers."

Steve Chadwick, one of the selected cadets, said: "We are all very much looking forward to the opportunity to understand our customers´ needs in such an in-depth way and getting to grips with how we can make their operations smoother and allow their creativity to flourish.

"It´s great to work in an innovative business so dedicated to pushing our personal development forward."

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Lancashire Life and Cheshire Life Food and Drink Awards

17-8-2012

A glittering occasion like the Lancashire Life and Cheshire Life Food and Drink Awards, to be held on Monday October 29th, is a huge task to stage requiring expert hands.

In addition to the sterling services of staff at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, where our prestigious event is held, several sponsors from the region´s hospitality industry are involved.

Total Foodservice is one such supporter. This is a fourth generation family foodservice business at the heart of the north west food industry. Total Foodservice works with chefs on new ideas and a product range of over 4000 frozen, chilled and ambient foods as well as non-food and cleaning products. They operate across the north west from premises in Clitheroe.

Maria Moriarty Eames, marketing director of Total Foodservice, said the firm is delighted to be involved in the Awards. "The food and drink industry across the north west is simply outstanding and as a regional supplier who loves to work with local businesses who share a passion for great food and creative menus, we´re excited to be supporting the Lancashire Life and Cheshire Life and Food & Drink Awards.

We are committed to working with the very highest quality local producers and eating establishments and so it is essential we recognise and celebrate those right here on our doorstep," she said.

Maria will be joining other supporters, including Robinsons, at the glamorous black tie event. The Stockport-based brewery is the main sponsor for the third consecutive year.

Guests at the Midland Hotel on Monday October 29 will be treated to a champagne reception followed by a lavish four-course dinner created from the very best local ingredients. The cream of the region´s hospitality industry will also be in attendance.

Find out more:
http://lancashire.greatbritishlife.co.uk/food-and-drink/

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Huddersfield Town partnership pays off at festival

17-8-2012

Huddersfield Town´s official education and training partner, Kirklees College teamed up with fellow club sponsor Total Foodservice to run a stall at one of the region´s favourite events, Huddersfield Food Festival.

Total Foodservice donated cupcakes and other baked delights to the college´s stall, as part of a new partnership between the college and the company which is set to benefit catering students of the future.

Kirklees College and Total Foodservice will be donating all the funds made from cake sales at the Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival to the newly launched Huddersfield Town Foundation.

Representatives from Huddersfield Town brought the club´s cherished play off final trophy to the college´s stall on Friday to attract even more crowds to the popular event.

Kirklees College and Total Foodservice formed their official new relationship thanks to the Huddersfield Town Enterprise Academy and the club´s efforts to connect local businesses to benefit the local business community.

Plans for the foody-partnership include regular competitions for catering students using Total Foodservice´s products, termly competitions, visits to production sites and the development of more excellent connections with the catering industry for the college. These plans aim to maximise student work placement opportunities and broaden career prospects.

The Huddersfield Town Foundation is a registered charity that aims to make a difference in the lives of children and young people in our community.

The vision of Huddersfield Town Chairman Dean Hoyle, the Foundation will use the skillset of the football club and its associated businesses to make that difference.

Find out more:
Huddersfield Town Foundation - http://www.htafc.com/business/HTAFCFoundation/
Huddersfield Food Festival - http://www.htcpl.org.uk/foodanddrinkfestival/

Photo: Mark Davies (HTFC), Jude Flatley (KC), Heather Lumb (KC) and Teresa Whyte (TFS)

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Best of Cumbria on show at astronomic gastronomy exhibition 18.02.12

21-5-2012

Flocks of artisan foodies demonstrated Cumbria´s culinary might at a gastronomy extravaganza held at Kendal College.

Catering wholesaler Total Foodservice, in partnership with the college, introduced over 50 of its specialist suppliers´ product ranges as part of the two-day food exhibition.

From Kendal´s very own Lakeland Vintners wines, to Penrith-based Mr Vikki´s selection of award winning chutneys, pickles and sauces, the range of delectable delights on show was extensive.

Hundreds of chefs, caterers and restaurateurs from across the North of England flocked to see, taste and be inspired by all the culinary delights on show.

Visitors were also able to experience specialities from across the globe, including specialist baking ingredients from Belgium, a Mediterranean delicatessen, and breads sourced from as far afield as Lebanon.

Total Foodservice´s managing director, Simon Howarth, said: "We were overwhelmed by the turnout and the response we received from all those who attended. They seemed genuinely excited to have the opportunity to bounce ideas around with our suppliers, and see, smell and taste products that can inspire their next menu inventions.

"As one of our customers, Kendal College were keen to be involved and offered to host the event in their fabulous hospitality facilities.

"We hope the businesses that visited got some exciting ideas from our extensive product range to take back to their kitchens. We are all about supplying the greatest tools of the food trade, and stimulating chefs across the country to conjure up new-fangled and pioneering masterpieces for their customers."

Mike Mounfield, Director of Enterprise at Kendal College, said: "Working in partnership with leading businesses such as Total Foodservice positions the college and our students at the forefront of the industry, and allows them to develop relationships which could prove invaluable in their future careers.

"To host a trade event at the College was an opportunity not to be missed, and we´ve enjoyed meeting all the suppliers and visitors across the two days."

Total Foodservice is a 4th generation family foodservice business serving the North of England with frozen, chilled and ambient foods as well as non-food and cleaning products. The Company operates from two depots based in Clitheroe in Lancashire and Huddersfield in West Yorkshire. All enquiries should be directed to 01254 828330 or via www.totalfoodservice.co.uk

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Huddersfield Company scores international accolade 09.08.11

21-5-2012

A Huddersfield food company has been awarded a prestigious accolade in recognition of its world-class health and safety standards, with its achievements highlighted at a glittering ceremony in London.

Total Foodservice scored exceptionally well on its health and safety audit, which was overseen by independent judges, leading to the honour being bestowed upon them at the International Safety Awards.

A team of four led by Paul Nowell, who is responsible for the company´s health and safety practices, ventured down to the capital for an evening of celebration at the Grosvenor Hotel.

A certificate recognising Total Foodservice achievement was handed out by Julie Nerney, chief executive of the British Safety Council.

She said: "This year we decided to raise the bar for the International Safety Awards and by doing so we have seen an exceptional standard of applications.

"With over 600 applications from across the world, the win is a true testament to Total Foodservice´s dedication to the health and safety of its workforce."

The International Safety Awards are open to all industries and sectors from across the globe and are independently adjudicated. They are seen as an excellent motivator for businesses looking to attain high standards in workplace health and safety.

The award comes, in part, due to Paul Nowell´s hard work in completing the lengthy and comprehensive paperwork required to apply for the award, although he is quick to share the praise with his entire team.

Paul said: "The award is very hard to achieve, so we are honoured to have earned it, and receive a merit. It´s a credit to all that work in the health and safety team who I know are proud of their achievements."

The International Safety Awards scores companies in 12 categories. Total Foodservice scored an average mark of 75% in each category, and only if they had scored full marks in every category could they have earned a higher accolade.

Paul said: "We were in the company of some very experienced companies, big players in the health and safety industry. When they score they same as you, and it´s cause for huge celebration, you realise you´re doing something right."

Total Foodservice is one of the largest catering wholesalers in the North of England. It was formed in 2002 when two family firms merged, and now delivers a range of over 4,000 ambient groceries, chilled and frozen foods and cleaning materials.

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A first for Harrogate as the Food Angels come to town 11.01.12

21-5-2012

Harrogate´s community will now be receiving fresh, hot meals delivered to their homes for the first time thanks to a newly launched service - Harrogate Food Angels.

The not for profit initiative is set to make an immediate positive impact on those who rely on pre-prepared meals to be delivered to their home. Harrogate Food Angels have already received written support from the Duchess of Cornwall, TV chefs Hairy Bikers and this lunchtime they delivered their first hot meal to the mayor of Harrogate who is also supporting the initiative.

Sue Ullmann, Gill Thrush and Janet Hayhurst from Harrogate Neighbours, the housing association who has been providing care for elderly people in the area for over 40 years, founded the Harrogate Food Angels.

With demand rapidly growing for meals on wheels, the three co-founders decided it was time to combat the frozen, pre-packed meals their clients were receiving from other service providers.

Sue Ullmann Chief Executive of Harrogate Neighbours explains: "Meals on wheels is a lifeline to those who wish to live at home and enables many to remain independent. With quality produce and on site preparation, those we already care for will notice an immediate difference in quality to the frozen pre-heated meals they previously ate. It is essential that the elderly eat healthy and, particularly at this time of year, hot meals."

The pioneering menu has been compiled in conjunction with Chefs from local company Total Foodservice, who provide the kitchen with essential ingredients, locally sourced where possible, for chefs to prepare the multiple-optioned meals and deserts delivered daily to those across the town.

Paul Aisthorpe Commercial Director from Total Foodservice commented "Harrogate Food Angels is an incredibly exciting partnership for us. We are delighted to be able to take such an active part in working with Harrogate Food Angels in starting up this new service as well as supplying fresh, nutritious and local produce to such an essential service in Harrogate."

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Total Foodservice reaches fourth generation

16-5-2012

A historic Huddersfield business has reached a new milestone as the business is handed over to the fourth generation of the family that established the firm back in the 1920s.

Simon Howarth, deputy managing director of catering wholesaler Total Foodservice, is taking the reins of the business as the current managing director David Pratt retires after 40 years in the food service industry.
George Henry Howarth, Simon´s great grandfather, set up the business almost a century ago as a fruit preserver distributing to retail outlets in the Huddersfield area. The business now employs 110 people and has an annual turnover of £15million.

Simon said: "The heritage of our business is a source of great pride. To become the fourth member of my family to lead the business has been a lifelong goal and I´m looking forward to the Challenges this will bring to ensure profitable business for our customers and ourselves for many years to come."

"I´d like to thank David for the exceptional drive he has shown in leading the business over the past 16 years. He will be sorely missed."

In 1990, David joined Howarth Foodservice, as the business was then known, after 25 years of working in various wholesalers in South Wales. He was elected to the board as commercial director in 1992, and became managing director in 1996.

"My time at Total Foodservice has been the most exciting, challenging and enjoyable years of my career. I can leave the firm in the secure knowledge it is at its most successful to date and will continue to grow under the leadership of Simon and the whole Board.

"I´d like to thank all of the colleagues, suppliers and customers I have worked with, past and present, for their friendship and support, and I wish Simon and the team all the success they deserve."

Total Foodservice has recently opened a 36,000 sq. ft., flagship depot in Clitheroe, Lancashire. The firm is well positioned for future expansion.

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Celebrity chef opens fabulous food depot - 28.11.11

16-5-2012

TV´s Great British Menu winner Nigel Haworth was the star guest at the official opening of Total Foodservice´s new multimillion pound depot.

The Michelin-starred Ribble Valley chef joined deputy managing director Simon Howarth to untie the ribbon at the £2.9million Clitheroe property.

They were joined by a host of local food experts and food lovers, including Kendal College principal Graham Wilkinson, who is a former chef to the royal family and was Nigel´s lecturer in college, and Andy Morris Operations Director of Ribble Valley Inns.

Guests at the event were treated a tapas style lunch created by the Total Foodservice area sales managers Paul Thompson and Damian Ely, both trained chefs.

The pair made full use of the Total Foodservice product range to serve up a Lancashire twist on traditional tapas with a spread of 18 tapas dishes, followed by a dessert assiette of Masala Chai Panacotta, Green Tea and Banana smoothies, MonTeaTo and a Spanish cheeseboard.

Paul said: "The pressure was on us, but we relished the opportunity. We wanted to impress Nigel by putting together a great menu."

The new Total Foodservice depot stands at 36,000sq ft on a 1.5 acre site. It took almost ten years to bring from drawing board to reality and includes a wealth of eco-friendly additions which keep energy use low and recycle natural resources.

Simon Howarth said: ´We were delighted to welcome Nigel to our official opening. He has been a loyal customer for many years, so it was an honour to have him involved.

"We gave our guests a tour of the property and explained how the new facilities will help us deliver an improved and more efficient service. We received a lot of compliments on the day, both for the new depot and for Paul and Damian´s food."

Simon added: ´We will be delighted to show any of our customers, old and new, around our new premises over the coming months and invites will be going out in due course."

Total Foodservice is one of the largest independent catering wholesalers in the North of England. It was formed in 2002 when two family firms merged, and now delivers a range of around 4,000 ambient groceries, chilled and frozen foods, non-food and cleaning materials. The company operates out of Clitheroe (01254 828330) and Huddersfield (01484 536688).

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