Testimonial – ISA UK, Becketts

ISA Cabinets Chosen for Beckett’s Expansion…

ISA (UK) has successfully completed one of its most prestigious contracts to date – the supply and installation of refrigerated display cabinets to the recently redeveloped and expanded Beckett’s Farm Shop at Wythall, Birmingham.  New ISA and Tasselli cabinets were specified in every retail area including fresh meat, delicatessen, sandwich bar, bakery, hot food, produce, sea food, frozen food and the café.  The cabinets were chosen not only for their “wow-factor”, but also for their superior food storage capability and overall energy-saving potential.

Ian Comer, Retail Director at Beckett’s, explains why ISA cabinets were specified, against stiff competition.  “Beckett’s has been successfully established for many years and, as a result, we have developed a very regular and loyal customer base”, Ian says.  “However, even for these customers, we need to continually create new and exciting reasons for them to visit us, through products, services or facilities.  The new cabinets have certainly met this requirement, proving to be a real hit with our regulars – I’ve lost count of the number of spontaneous compliments we’ve had!” he added.  And, most importantly for Beckett’s, the added interest has converted into improved sales – like for like figures have already shown a significant uplift since the introduction of the new cabinets.

Ian is also delighted with the performance of the new cabinets, particularly the Tasselli Dream serve-overs used for the display of their high-quality, high-value fresh meat.  “We have immediately noticed how well the meat is being kept.  A healthy bloom is maintained throughout the day which makes the meat visually appealing for longer.  Additionally, because of the humidity control, the meat is losing very little weight so we are maximising our profitability,” says Ian.

Energy saving was a major consideration for Beckett’s when specifying the new refrigeration system which, as well as the new display cabinets, also includes new equipment in the cold rooms and a new refrigeration pack.  For the design and installation of the system, ISA introduced Beckett’s to Ultra Refrigeration Ltd, specialists in energy-saving commercial refrigeration systems.  The resulting design required all the cabinets to be fitted with electronic expansion valves and Tektroniks controllers, working in conjunction with a Scutt’s energy-saving inverter pack system which was installed by Ultra.  “The new system promises a 30% energy saving,” says Ian.  “It’s too early to make direct comparisons, particularly as we have increased our area of chilled cabinets by nearly 50%, but it is sure to be a step in the right direction and one which will minimise our energy costs for many years to come.”

In all, ISA (UK) supplied nearly 60 metres of ISA and Tasselli frozen, chilled, ambient and hot food cabinets and counters.  These included Tasselli Dream serve-overs for fresh meat, delicatessen, sandwiches and bakery; ISA Act rear counter multi-decks for fresh meat and delicatessen; ISA Telion multi-deck for sandwich display; Tasselli Palco multi-deck with black interior and mirrors for produce; Tasselli Globe self-serve with black interior for seafood and Beckett’s own-cooked food; ISA Nesos island cabinet for frozen food; a 2.5 metre two-tier heated display and a 1.1 metre pastry cabinet for the coffee bar.  All cabinets were supplied with trim and detailing to match Beckett’s integrated interior design.

The Beckett family has been farming in Wythall for over 70 years and has always sold direct to the public.  Today the farm shop employs four highly skilled butchers, six bakers and confectioners plus numerous trained assistants who offer high quality, local fresh meat, baked goods, greengrocery, preserves, eggs, cheese, deli produce and bespoke sandwiches.  The new Orange Kitchen teaches culinary skills at beginner as well as professional level, with children’s parties a speciality.  Its skilled chefs are now offering ready prepared meals as well.  The newly refurbished all-day restaurant seats up to 140 and prepares meals from the same produce that is offered in the shop.  The separate café bar offers a chance for a quick coffee and pastry, and the newly completed Conference Centre offers full facilities for up to 60 delegates.

ISA (UK) is dedicated to supporting its customers and end-users in the UK, whether for single items or for complete projects.  The company offers not only comprehensive sales and technical support but also customises, delivers, installs and commissions equipment.  These services, together with maintenance programmes, are also available through an extensive dealer network.  The full range of Tasselli and ISA products and shop fittings are supplied exclusively in the UK through ISA (UK), the UK division of ISA S.p.A, Italy.

Installation date: May 2008