Flying the flag for SMI at the Houses of Parliament

Our business development manager Ross Clarke proudly flew the flag for SMI at the Houses of Parliament for the Cold Chain Federation's 'Securing Our Future: The Cold Chain as Critical Infrastructure' event.

“It was great meeting new and existing contacts, while celebrating all the efforts the CCF and all of us as members are doing to keep the cold chain moving, ensuring we as consumers have food on our plates,” he said.

“It was also great hearing what companies are doing to reduce food wastage, something we at SMI are doing in a big way for our customers!”

The event came just hours after the UK Government announced it had reached a new deal with the EU, which was largely welcomed by the Cold Chain Federation - particularly around current border restrictions on medium risk food products being simplified.

However, it said the new EU/UK extension of the current fishing from 2026 to 2038 deal was disappointing and would certainly have a detrimental effect on UK fishing communities.

"Veterinary certification costs and procedures, introduced as a result of Brexit, have had a hugely negative effect on food producers and hauliers. Any measure that simplifies food movement between the UK and EU without compromising safety is welcome," it said.

Phil Pluck, the federation's chief executive, added: "A relaxation of veterinary certification is a very welcome move for the cold chain sector and for food producers. If this transition is handled efficiently, then it bodes well for a journey back to common borders on food movement. For forty years food movement across the channel between the UK and mainland EU has been efficient, cost effective and safe.

"The current arrangements have not improved food safety but have created a massive administrative and cost increase. This seems like a good first step towards a more pragmatic and shared food movement protocol."