Erudus Out & About: September & October 2024

Erudus User Forum

What

Our annual event bringing together all types of Erudus Users, so we can share what we’ve been working on over the past year, give some sneak peeks at new features and enhancements coming to the platform, share exciting news and updates on the business front (as well as some impressive facts and figures). We also took the opportunity to get some Erudus feedback from attendees - what’s working for them, what isn’t, what they’d like to see from us and how we can better collaborate.

Hot items on the agenda were our API upgrade and our new tools for helping customers comply with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) targets.

Where

Center Parcs, Sherwood Forest

When

18th September

Who

Key members of the Erudus team - spanning multiple departments, and an impressive cross-section of Erudus users - a mix of Manufacturers, Wholesalers and Integration Partners. We also had guest speaker Rob Mannion of Saas digital ordering platform b2b.store share his insight on unlocking the power of WhatsApp as a sales tool.

The pics

BFFF Technical Conference

What

A jam-packed day of informative and in-depth discussions hosted by the trade association for frozen food, the British Frozen Food Federation. Attendees had the chance to share thoughts, network with other delegates and tap into the expertise of some great exhibitors, as well as listen to guest speakers share expertise on subjects such as where we are as a nation as regards food security and where we should be focussing our energies in influencing the new Government, and de-risking and building resilience from ‘The Microbial Threat'. Themes and topics for the day included management and control of risks, food waste, plastic reduction and allergens and food hypersensitivities.

Where

The conferencing facilities at the YMCA Village, Newark on Trent

When

24th September

Who

British Frozen Food Federation members from all corners of the industry - particularly those in technical roles. And the diverse range of guest speakers included Professor Simon Pearson, Founding Director of the Lincoln Institute of Agri-Food Technology (LIAT), world-renowned food quality and safety professional Dr Jeff Banks, Simon Williams, CEO of Anaphylaxis UK, Andrew Chinnery of Excelerate - pallet wrap providers with a solution to save energy, manage temperature control and condensation build-up, add stability and minimise product damage, food waste guru Helen White, Associate Director of Tetra Tech, Charlotte Slack of Company Shop (part of the Biffa group) and Georgios Tetradis-Mairis from Nomad, who shared the results from their 18-month study on frozen temperatures.

The pics

Booker Catering Show

What

A major food industry event put on by market leading wholesale provider Booker, their Catering show is dedicated to food, drink and everything Catering and took place across 5 halls in the famous venue. There were food tastings, product demonstrations, a dedicated street food zone and an own brand showcase hall, amongst other attractions.

Where

Silverstone Circuit

When

25th September

Who

A huge cross-section of the food industry - over 300 suppliers were showcasing their products, as well as Chefs and master butchers giving demonstrations on the dedicated stages to the hundreds of Caterers and hospitality professionals in attendance.

And of course, team Erudus was there at our very own stand, where the star attraction was our “Spin to Win Allergy” game, which saw lucky entrant Ghafoor Faroo win a luxury food hamper - hand delivered by Erudus’s own Iain Maddison.

North East Chamber of Commerce Digital Forum Series Part 3

What

The third event in the Digital Forum Series, hosted by the North East Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by business software company Sage - this time focusing on how digital technology can help businesses transition to net zero. Starting with the statement "By 2040 digital activities are expected to create 14% of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions. That's the size of the USA's emissions today”, attendees and guest speakers delved into and explored the environmental challenges of the digital age, and shared insight on the matter.

Where

The Curve boardroom, Teesside University

When

2nd October

Who

Co-chairs Wendy Shearer and Gill Hunter hosted Chamber members from the local area keen to learn more about net zero emissions and explore and discuss the potential of emerging technologies for their business and employees.

The speakers included Pulsant’s Helen Munro - covering how energy efficiency is critical, with 95% of energy used by IT systems rejected as heat.

The pics

IFST (Institute of Food Science and Technologies) Autumn Conference

What

With an agenda designed to be both educational and practical, the conference delved into the daily challenges related to food safety, affordability, and authenticity, while also exploring potential solutions and future directions. There was also a highlight on cutting-edge science and technologies from a diverse array of disciplines, and all attendees received a CPD certificate. As with all IFST Conferences, the event presented a unique opportunity for delegates to meet and connect with experienced food sector professionals and grow their network.

Where

Cloth Hall Court, University of Leeds

When

14-15th October

Who

Those studying and in technical food roles from around the country, and industry speakers from the areas of policy, technology, academia, and international organisations. These included Peter Littleton - Technical Director, Christeyns Food Hygiene Ltd, Thammasat University, Thailand’s Professor Chris Elliott, Karin Goodburn - Director General, Chilled Food Association, the Food Standard Agency’s Head of Regulatory Reform, Innovation and Engagement Emma Barton, Nik Watson - Professor of Artificial Intelligence, University of Leeds and Consultant Cheryl Lockett of Arthur Branwell & Co. Ltd.

The pics