News

How Retailers Can Solve the GDPR Puzzle

On 25 May 2018 the greatest sea change relating to personal data in the digital age will come into effect. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will give citizens greater control over their data and will enforce data seekers such as retailers to be more open, transparent and secure when handling an individual’s personal information. The penalties for non-compliance are severe, with potential fines running as high as €20m, or 4%...

The Darwin £10 note is almost extinct – Are you ready?

The Bank of England will withdraw legal tender status of the paper £10 note featuring Charles Darwin at 23:59 on Thursday 1 March 2018. With 6 weeks to go, all businesses that handle cash need to plan and prepare for the change. After 1 March 2018, businesses and the public no longer have to accept the Darwin £10 note as payment or in change and the new polymer note...

Small Businesses In The UK Worth An Average of £90,000 – Map

Is your business losing value?? LONDON, UK – Thursday 9 November 2017 – The average UK small business is worth £90,000 in 2017 – down £4,000 on 2016 – according to research by online business transfer agent Bizdaq. – UK small business values dropping – the average value of a small business has fallen from £94,000 in 2016 to £90,000 in 2017 – South outperforms North – small businesses...

Asian Curry Awards 2017 winners

Restaurant Owners and their families, Industry Stakeholders and  VIP guests attended a glittering gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Sunday 12th November, to honour the winners of the 7th Asian Curry Awards, organised by the Asian Catering Federation. The awards were co presented by BBC Master Chef’s Greg Wallace and BBC and former Sky TV news anchor Samantha Simmons. Michelin-starred Benares’ Atul Kochhar was named Chef of the Year.  Another Michelin-starred establishment, Quilon scooped the...

Greg Wallace and Samantha Simmonds to host Asian Curry Awards 2017

The Asian Catering Federation has announced that BBC MasterChef presenter Greg Wallace and TV news anchor Samantha Simmonds will co host its Asian Curry Curry Awards 2017, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair on Sunday 12th November. Samantha has been a popular guest at the awards over the years.  This will be Greg’s first appearance. A former greengrocer, Wallace built up a business with a £7.5 million turnover,...

Nominate your Town “Capital of Christmas”.

As a business play a part in your local community and get involved nominate your local town to become #CapitalofChristmas 2017! Have your own event or event take part in other community events and join in on the festive season! The search has begun for the ‘Capital of Christmas’, with a campaign to find the UK’s most festive town or village. Launched by www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk, the biggest website for family days...

Don’t miss out on Apprenticeship Levy benefits

Global talent acquisition and management specialist, Alexander Mann Solutions, has asked employers to proactively consider how the Apprenticeship Levy could benefit their businesses. The suggestion comes after West London College published data suggesting that just over a third (37%) of eligible firms fully understand the initiative, with 80% of respondents believing that businesses must be better engaged in using the Levy. The findings support Alexander Mann Solutions’ own research in this area....

Bangladesh Caterers Association Announces This Year’s Search For Britain’s Best ‘Curry House’ and ‘Chef of the Year’

On 4 October, 2017 at the Palace of Westminster, Grimond Room in Portcullis House Dr. Rupa Huq, MP hosted the Bangladesh Caterers Association (BCA), who will announced this year’s exciting search to find Britain’s best ‘Curry House’ and ‘Chef of the Year’. The winners will be announced at a special star-studded event on 19 November at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, London. These Awards are now in its 12th...

Mobile ordering platform launched by award-winning Indian restaurant chain: Akbar’s 

Since it opened the doors of its first branch in 1995, Akbar’s has been a venue driven by the determination of its owner Shabir Hussain. His drive to be the best led him to launch the Indian restaurant chain’s own online and mobile ordering platform, powered by Preoday. The Akbar’s app is available for download on the Google Play and App Store now. The restaurant, named “Brand of the Year 2017” at the Asian Food &...

International Sushi Day takes place on Sunday June 18th 2017

Last year was the launch to search and find Great British Sushi, which resulted in delights such as Deep Fried Haggis Onigiri and Cream Tea Sushi Scones. This year, as the Brexit process begins, Yutaka is challenging people throughout the UK and Europe to create sushi that reflects the EU. We have kick-started things with five European favourites that have been given a Japanese twist: • German Bratwurst Nigiri...

Enrich and finish your sauces for up to 50% less by switching from butter to MEADOWLAND Professional*

Meadowland Professional performs just like butter in finishing applications*, because it’s made with a blend of buttermilk and vegetable oils. Whether it’s Dal Makhani or Tikka Masala, Meadowland Professional is ideal for enriching and finishing a wide range of Asian sauces and will give your dishes the same great buttery taste* – for up to 50% less! You can try before you buy too, with a FREE 10 x 250g...

MOBILE CATERERS… FESTIVAL SEASON IS ONLY AROUND THE CORNER

-With festival season approaching, Lolly offers the essential mobile catering start-up check list- The Association of Independent Music Festivals has previously cited that: “Each visitor spent more than £466 on average at independent music festivals in 2015 (including the ticket price). It’s a fact, festival goers are spending more money on food and drink, and festival catering has transformed beyond recognition over the years. The final result is a...

Have you got the Chef Factor? #XFactor Can your business #Win the #Competition?

Just Eat launches search for singing restaurant staff to star in The X Factor adverts Nine local restaurants available on Just Eat will win nationwide exposure on ITV Just Eat, proud new sponsors of The X Factor, is calling on takeaway restaurants across the country to showcase their hidden superstars. The company, a leading global marketplace for online food delivery, is giving chefs and delivery drivers from restaurants on...

What are you doing for London Food Month?

London Food Month The annual, month-long festival will celebrate the city’s diverse and influential food scene this June This exciting event is certainly one for every foodie’s calendar. London Evening Standard Food Month, as the name suggests, will be a month-long, city-wide festival celebrating the capital’s diverse and influential food scene, and plans to encompass every corner of the capital. The dynamic festival will bring together the best of London’s culinary scene. From...

Takeaway & Restaurant innovation Expo – 26th & 27th September 2017, ExCeL. London

We are dedicated to being the essential business tool to all Asian caters, offering industry news, interviews and advice from top chefs and restaurateurs, alongside boosting ideas from the world of food and drink. This year we are proud to be in partnership with Takeaway & Restaurant Innovation Expo which is THE event to help you boost profits, build your brand, grow your business, learn about the latest innovations...

#Leeds International #Festival Launches this #weekend

#leedsinternationalfestival Leeds International Festival hits the city this weekend and is already promising to make its mark. This new, ambitious and exciting cultural festival, celebrating the international appeal of Leeds’ rich and vibrant portfolio, sees the city showcase its music, moving image and tech credentials. Leeds city centre will come to life over a nine-day period from Saturday 22nd April 22nd-Sunday 30th April, with 35 events and 327 speakers and acts....

#Liverpool Restaurants Need to Stock up on #Tea

Liverpool is officially the TEA DRINKING capital of the UK, #Nationalteaday on the 21 April 2017 Liverpool is officially the TEA DRINKING capital of the UK, according to a new study. Researchers took an in-depth look into the hot beverage habits of the nation and discovered the average Brit will consume a staggering 66,685 cups of tea – and 50,589 cups of coffee over their lifetime. But it was...

Yutaka Sushi Valentine’s Treat for Two

Valentines Sushi Pizza for two:   2 Yutaka Nori Sheets 250g Yutaka Sushi rice 3 tblsp Yutaka Rice vinegar Yutaka Silken Tofu 2 tsp Yutaka Yuzu Yutaka Tamari soy sauce (to serve) 2 tblsp sugar 1 tsp salt Smoked Salmon Cucumber (optional) 2 red peppers Mayonnaise in a squeezy bottle (optional) Cornflour Yutaka Wasabi paste (to serve)     For guacamole   2 large tomatoes 2 medium avocados Juice...

Viiking Ventures secures Booker and Makro distribution for Indian craft beer

  Within days of appointing Ben Parmar, the former Cobra Channel Controller, as MD of Goa Premium Beerimporter Viiking Ventures UK, the company has announced that wholesalers Booker and Makro are to stock its craft beer. The gluten-free pilsner is being trialled in 650ml bottles and 500ml cans for three months – at Booker outlets in Acton, Brighton, Croydon, Dagenham, Nine Elms, St Pancras, Sidcup, Southend, Medway and Wimbledon...

KINGFISHER BEER LAUNCHES NEW ASIAN CIDER INTO THE UK ON-TRADE

Kingfisher Beer Europe Ltd announces the launch of Peacock Cider, a new cider brand created specifically to pair with Asian food.  The launch brings an opportunity for the UK’s 12,500 Asian restaurants to capitalise on the growing popularity of cider with UK consumers. Created in collaboration with cider experts Aspall, Peacock Cider is an easy drinking apple cider that has been designed to complement the vast flavours in Asian...

How to Make 2017 a Successful Business Year, According to Top Accountants

Graham Purvis, Managing Director of UK200Group member firm Robson Laidler Accountants, said, “There is still much uncertainty around where Britain fits in the world following Brexit. Up until the High Court’s ruling that Brexit cannot begin without MPs’ backing, Theresa May was expected to trigger Article 50 before the end of March 2017, formerly starting the two-year exit programme. Although the Government is now set to appeal the decision...

Visit the Great Hospitality Show Birmingham

  Expand Your Visit See Two Shows! ONE ticket will give you FREE entry to the Great Hospitality Show, and the January Furniture Show. Not only will you get to see all that’s NEW in hospitality and catering, you will also get to see all that’s NEW in furniture and interior furnishings. The January Furniture Show Showtimes Sun 22 Jan: 9.30am – 6pm Mon 23 Jan: 9am – 6pm...

#LEEDS NEW CHINESE IN TOWN MANS MARKET

Expect the unexpected… For several months, an exciting new restaurant venture set to launch in Leeds has been shrouded in mystery, with the minimal information drip-fed through social media platforms only adding to the enigma. However, as the saying goes – good things come to those who wait, and the wait is almost over. Mans Market opened for business on 7th November and promises to make you fall in...

Alliance online!

Alliance Online is the UK’s premier independent supplier of wholesale catering equipment and disposables to the hospitality industry and public sector. The company delivers to sites up and down the country, and has branches as far north as Glasgow and as far south as Southampton. Alliance specialises in the sale and distribution of only the highest quality items, stocking respected brand names like Dudson, Steelite, and Huhtamaki, to name...

A cast of excellence in the sign of “natural cooking”.

Cast iron is a material that retains heat better, it spreads slowly and distributes it in a perfectly homogeneous. Ideal for cooking foods such as meat, fish or vegetables in a short time, low-fat, is excellent partner of healthy and natural cuisine , in tune with the new trends in contemporary taste. By expert processing of the material by methods that combine the ancient tradition of craftsmanship and the innovative drive of...

National Minimum Wage: How Does the Increase Affect You?

As the National Minimum Wage for young people in the UK has been increased by the government, the UK200Group warns SME business owners about the changes, what they mean for employers, and some of the most common mistakes made by business owners. The UK200Group is the UK’s leading membership association of independent quality-assured accountancy and law firms, and its member firms act as key business advisers to around 150,000...

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival Gets Shaking with Captivating Cocktails and Mesmerizing Bites

Lots to inspire you! The 8th annual CCB (Asia) Wine & Dine Festival will be staged at the Central Harbourfront event space from 27-30 October. As the opening event for Hong Kong Great November Feast – a whole month of wine events, street carnivals and gastronomic indulgence – in the Elite Dining Week, this year’s Wine & Dine Festival promises to provide visitors and residents with an unrivalled epicurean...

The Migrant Business Show comes to the UK

The Great British Business Show has formed a partnership with London’s leading business event supporting Migrant Entrepreneurs. The Migrant Business Show will be taking place at Olympia London on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 November 2016. Over 25,000 businesses will soon congregate at London’s Olympia for one of Europe’s fastest growing business shows. The Great British Business Show will see over 350 exhibitors and feature 250 seminars with talks...

The Takeaway & Restaurant Innovation Expo 2016

ORDER YOUR FREE ADVANCE TICKET NOW The countdown is well and truly on for Europe’s leading event for takeaway and restaurant owners. In just over a month’s time, on September 27th & 28th, ExCeL London will be opening its doors for the show’s fourth edition, and we would love to tell you a bit more about what to expect at this FREE, unique, and unmatchable exhibition…   Firstly, in...

MP event sees #businesses pledging to hire more employees with #disabilities

Diversity consultancy, The Clear Company, has hailed the success of a recent event hosted with Weaver Vale MP, Graham Evans, which saw more companies committing to become Disability Confident employers. The event brought together charities, leading disability experts and government officials in one place in order to better provide organisations with information on not only the business benefits of employing individuals with disabilities, but also what help is available...

Asian Restaurant possibilities: Landmark London pub & theatre up for sale

Over the last couple of years so many iconic pubs have turned into Asian Restaurants could this distinguished location be the next! A rare opportunity to own a piece of history and a landmark of London culture has arisen with the Old Red Lion pub and theatre coming to market via Christie & Co.. Located in the heart of Angel, the Old Red Lion public house is a Grade...

Vote Leave Result: What Can #SMEs Expect?

As part of its commitment to the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) business community, the UK200Grouplaunched its Campaign for Clarity ahead of the EU referendum. The UK200Group asked its members and their clients to contribute their most important business questions to a document that was then submitted to Vote Leave. The answers were received on May 12 2016 and are documented in the report. The UK200Group, established in 1986,...

The Curry Industry has lost one of it’s greatest advocates: Peter Grove

  Restaurant industry pays tribute to “curry legend” Peter Grove   The Indian restaurant sector has paid tribute to the sad news of the sudden death of Peter Gove, founder of National Curry Week and the Curry Tree charitable foundation.   Peter suffered a fatal heart attack on 15th June whilst on holiday on Gran Canaria with his wife Colleen. He was 74.   Born in Hornchurch, Essex in...

#SAKE EXPERIENCE – #Japanese Flavours brought to the UK

Looking for some new sake flavours for your restaurant then head towards Olympia London! One of Europe’s largest public sake-tasting events, SAKE EXPERIENCE will return to this year’s tenth HYPER JAPAN Festival 2016 at Olympia, London. The area within the HYPER JAPAN festival will once again invite people to come and taste the finest sake brews on offer. The best breweries from all across Japan will be presenting their various premium...

21% of Brits would not #dine #out, in order to pay their #broadband bill

I bet restaurant owners didn’t realise that you are competing against broadband as well as all the other restaurants in your locality! Research released today from thinkbroadband.com, the UK’s leading independent broadband news and information site, has revealed 46 per cent of people would sacrifice their gym membership rather than their internet connection. When asked what expenses they would be willing to cut back on, keeping fit topped the...

Father’s Day: Encourage your daughters to join your trade! #jobsforthegirls

The Asian Catering Industry are finding staffing tough in the last couple of years! Electricians are encouraging their daughters to join the trade, the Asian catering industry could benefit from such action! Dads encouraged to discuss their trade this Father’s Day Dads have an important role to play in shaping the career choices of their daughters – particularly in the trades sector • Three quarters of Electrician dads would...

Running a Business is #Stressful

Often running your own business your are the cook, cleaner, accountant, shopper, marketeer, waiter, and much more! People around you may not realise the stress that you bare, and even you yourself may not be aware of the long term effect of all the daily burden a business can have on you! Heart Research UK’s weekly Healthy Tip – Speak up about stress in Men’s Health Week #MHW2016 Men’s Health...

#EU #Voting: As a small business #SME are you voting to remain or leave the EU

Top 30 SME EU Referendum Questions Answered by Remain and Leave Campaigns There is one word that runs any economy – and that is confidence Ahead of the EU referendum on 23 June, a panel of business leaders met to launch a report detailing the top 30 questions asked by SMEs and the respective answers of the official Remain and Leave campaigns. Let us know your decision as a...

Umami #Celebrates First Anniversary with Brand New #Menu Launch #Birmingham

Umami Indian Kitchen has had a successful year after opening its Harborne village restaurant in May 2015. With its modern take on Indian dishes and warm hospitality, Umami is celebrating its first year anniversary with a brand new menu, which launches on 22nd June. Born in Mohali, India, talented Head Chef Mandeep Bajwa has been devoted to Indian cuisine for the last 27 years, beginning his career as a...

New Gin Map of Scotland launched for World Gin Day

The map includes nine Scottish gins created in the last year with two, McQueen and Persie, launching just last week. The map is a celebration of Scottish gin which has rocketed in popularity in recent years, threatening to overtake whisky as Scotland’s national drink. Gin Map of Scotland In time for World Gin Day on 11th June, the Map aims to encourage gin lovers to be adventurous with their...

Buddha Bar Winner of #Best #Restaurant & #Bar For The Third Time In a Row!

Buddha Bar Restaurant London never ceases to impress – winning an incredible Best Restaurant Bar third year in a row at the London Bar and Club Awards 2016 last night. On Monday evening the managing director, Stefan Stefanov took his team to the London Bar and Club Awards at the Intercontinental Park Lane. For the third time, Buddha Bar Restaurant London didn’t come home empty handed and took home...

The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards – First British Bangladeshi chef to win the prestigious award!

CRAFT GUILD OF CHEFS ANNOUNCES WINNERS FOR ANNUAL ‘CHEF’S OSCARS’ The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards recognised the crème de la crème of the UK chef industry in a glittering ceremony at the Lancaster London Hotel last night. Ethnic Chef Award was given to  – Chad Rahman, Executive Chef at Chez Mumtaj. Chad Rahman is overjoyed, ” I am deeply honored and humbled to be the recipient of this coveted award...

UK PUBLIC MAKE FOOD HYGIENE NO.1 PRIORITY WHEN EATING OUT

No matter how good your food is, or how much you pride yourself on excellent customer service, if there is any doubt over your food hygiene customers will steer clear. A recent survey confirms that UK consumers are united in not tolerating poor food hygiene ratings and simply won’t visit places that have had food safety issues, no matter what type of restaurant they are.   Some 61% won’t...

Japanese Restaurant Awarded AA Rosette

Well done to, Harajuku Kitchen in Edinburgh who is celebrating after being awarded a coveted AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence. Revered AA Inspectors award rosettes to “the best restaurants serving food prepared with care, understanding and skill, using good quality ingredients. These restaurants will be achieving standards that standout in their local area… guests should be able to eat in with confidence and a sense of anticipation.” Harajuku Kitchen...

Restaurant owner convicted: This is not a reflection of restaurants across the UK!

A restaurant owner convicted of manslaughter, by not following correct procedure for health and safety within a catering business is not a reflection of UK’s restaurant and catering sector. The restaurant industry is ever increasingly more accountable to all of its stake holders, businesses have never needed to be as transparent in their everyday activities as they are today. The need to follow health and hygiene procedure has made...

Food for thought as seafood supplier benefits from Asian restaurant growth

  A global seafood manufacturer has announced over £5.7m of sales, just three years after launching its UK division in Wolverhampton.   Star Agro Marine Foods, which supplies sustainable shrimp and an increasing range of white fish, has seen orders increase by £2.3m this year, with its products now sold under private label brands into a host of Asian restaurants, including the Bilash, Tipu Sultan and Shere Khan.  ...

Trade association recognised for their commitment to improving business for mobile caterers in Primary Authority Awards 2016

Nationwide Caterers Association named Best Business in the Primary Authority Awards 2016 Kings Norton-based Nationwide Caterers Association (NCASS) has been named as the winner of the Business category in the Regulatory Delivery’s Primary Authority Awards. The awards are designed to recognise outstanding work by those involved in the Primary Authority scheme and to celebrate frontline success. NCASS won the Business category, highlighting their commitment to helping mobile caterers comply...

Save your customers time with an ordering app for your business!

Waiting in a takeaway queue is something customers don’t really want to do. An app could get you more customers with the ease of use, and it’s really the way forward for consumers and businesses. Research reveals people save over 2 hours a week due to apps! Since apps can be used on the go, in-between jobs and with less distraction than when using a desktop computer, the new catalogue...

Businesses need to embrace people technology, not fear it, according to talent experts

Organisations are failing to embrace technology to improve hiring and people management processes, potentially at the cost of corporate finances. That’s according to global talent acquisition and management providers, Alexander Mann Solutions. At a time when wastage in the hiring process is high – with the company’s 2016 Global Recruiting Survey revealing that a staggering three quarters of candidates targeted do not meet specific role requirements – the talent...

“Don’t buy cheap!” urges Cyrus Todiwala

Owners of nearly 1,000 Asian restaurant attending restaurant road shows were urged not to buy cheap and to up their game in terms of health, hygiene, nutrition and quality, if they want to survive in today’s competitive environment with changing consumer tastes. The ‘Nutrition and Hygiene’ road shows were hosted in Bristol and Edinburgh, by the Asian Catering Federation’s (ACF) in association with JUST EAT. Renowned chef Cyrus Todiwala,...