New Member Spotlight on KFE Ltd

Nikki Williams C.F.S.P., from our newest FEA member, KFE Ltd, has kindly given us some insight into why they have joined. 

Tell us about how your business got started.
It all started with fish and chips! My parents, Paul and Avril Williams, owned several chippies, and it was whilst they were at The Boundary in Market Deeping, Peterborough, that a chance encounter led Paul to undertake training across the country, helping operators fry on the new high efficiency frying ranges that were being imported from Holland.

Paul was so impressed with the ranges that in 1996 he launched KFE from his bedroom above The Boundary, becoming the sole supplier of the Kiremko brand of fryers from Holland. Kiremko was, and still is, the most powerful and efficient frying equipment on the market and, as such, is the frying range of choice for hundreds of leading fish and chip operators.

From here, we have expanded the company to include other leading equipment brands, such as Allegro, Perfecta, Smitto and Adieu.

This year sees us take a new direction as we launch Qook! bespoke commercial kitchens in the hospitality industry. This follows Qook!’s success in Europe, with customers including the 3-star Michelin restaurant Inter Scaldes in Kruiningen, The Netherlands.

What do you love most about the foodservice equipment industry?
The opportunity to enhance kitchen efficiencies. This allows chefs to focus on their primary goal: creating amazing food and showcasing their exceptional culinary skills.

What is the biggest challenge for your business right now?
The tough economic climate of the past 12 months. High utility bills, high interest rates, and a challenging lending environment has made it difficult for many operators to invest in the equipment needed to advance their businesses. However, the last few months have brought some positive developments. Interest rates have been cut for the first time in four years, the British Business Bank has launched its Growth Guarantee Scheme to make lending to small businesses more accessible, and a survey we conducted in June shows a return of optimism. In fact, 75% of the operators we surveyed plan to invest in their businesses over the next 12 months.

What are the drawing factors for joining FEA?
The extensive knowledge and expertise the FEA offers to both individuals and businesses. I initially approached FEA to complete the Certified Foodservice Professional (CFSP) course, which broadened my knowledge in a new sector for KFE. Through that course, I discovered the valuable networking opportunities and the wealth of information shared on a weekly basis by the FEA and I knew it was something KFE had to be part of.

Anything you want to add?
We are just really excited about attending our first FEA conference in November, meeting other FEA members and getting Qook! commercial kitchen equipment out there in the foodservice market. Qook! is a high-end brand and we can't wait to showcase it. Additionally, we have an exciting chef trip to Holland in the coming weeks, where we will take some of the UK’s leading chefs to see Qook! kitchen suites in action. One highlight of the trip will be visiting the impressive 3-star Michelin restaurant Inter Scaldes, which I mentioned earlier.

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• Beverage
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