Hubbard Gets Ice Maker Shows on the Road
Training, advice & networking for refrigeration engineers throughout the UK
Hubbard Ice Systems, the UK distributor for Scotsman, has taken its ice machine seminars on the road. The latest, at Bridgend Rugby Club, attracted a 'gate' of 30 delegates from 17 different companies, drawn from Wales and West England. Meanwhile, two Scottish events attracted 25 delegates each. As well as looking at the latest Scotsman ice machines and technology, the seminars give attendees the opportunity to raise any topical issue they like with experts in the field. Plus, with coffee breaks and lunch included, there's plenty of time for 'networking'.
Trevor Fellowes, Technical Manager at Hubbard Ice Systems, leads the events and gives the main presentation on the latest machines, servicing and diagnostics.
"We have held these seminars on a regular basis in our Head Office," he explains. "The reason for turning them into roadshows was to help our distributors and engineers, especially those in smaller companies who are based far from Suffolk and can't spare the time to come to us."
So Hubbard Ice Systems has created travelling events and taken them to Wales and Scotland. Later in 2003 the company plans to run them in South West England, North East England and Central & Western Scotland.
"The idea is not only to train engineers and suppliers about new machines and techniques, but also to talk about how to train the customer, so that they can look after the machines better."
Trevor confirms that it's not all Hubbard and Scotsman: "We're also happy to look at any issue that is troubling delegates - from good hygiene practice to specific technical problems, even with non-Scotsman machines."
He adds that a popular topic for discussion is maintenance of older Scotsman models, since their reliability means that some are still running happily after two decades or more. However, the advances in ice technology, in electronics, hygiene and other aspects, highlight the difference available to those who invest in the latest technology.
'Hank' Hancox of HRS Refrigeration in Cardigan was one who attended the Bridgend event. "It was well worth my time," he said. "They demonstrated the latest technology and gave us an insight into what manufacturers are planning. Also, we're a bit off the beaten path, geographically. Holding a seminar like this locally bring us bang up to speed with the mainstream industry without my having to sacrifice so much time. I very much appreciated the effort Hubbard put in to the event."
John Corcoran, Technical Manager with CB Refrigeration, also attended. "Very informative," he said. "The information was well presented and I'm sure everyone learned from it. It was also a welcome opportunity to talk to our competitors and find out about their experiences. The day was good and we were well looked after."
There is a regular programme of seminars at Hubbard's head office in Otley, Suffolk and the success of the 'RoadShow' versions means that more are planned, including the one in the South West. The seminars are open to all interested parties and are free to attend. For information phone Hubbard Ice Systems on (01473) 890129
