VI: What types of solution are available from Pelican in the beverage and catering sector?

SS: We are able to use our experience to source technical parts and fittings, offering alternative solutions, as well as knowing about equivalent parts and materials from other suppliers.

We have also formed the UK scale control alliance, a venture of three other great companies in our sector to supply the correct product at a uniform fair price across the UK using each other as a supply point as required. We hope to take away some of the smoke and mirrors used in the filter world to supply over specified and therefore over priced product.

VI: How has the industry changed in the last few years and how are you responding to the changing expectations of your customers?

SS: Most customers now look for fast delivery as their own stock holding is minimal and we can react to that, we are also developing new products that rationalise the current offerings in the market such as a new connection device for vending machines that incorporates a pressure valve/ safety on off valve and a water block type device.

VI: Are your suppliers supporting you through what has been a testing time for the economy? How difficult was it to start-up in this climate?

SS: Yes very much so which is refreshing, but as I worked previously for 3M and Honeywell these two in particular have been outstanding. Also my long term customer at 3M was McDonald's restaurants and that relationship has been renewed with Pelican now supplying the whole of the UK store base with filters for the post mix systems and other component parts.

VI: Many companies offer either the supply or the fit of filtration systems while you offer both services - how beneficial is this for customers?

SS: The Pelican service is designed as a supplemental service to our customer base who may have cut back on staff and now find they are stretched during times of holiday or sickness. We do not wish to compete with the end user base but rather work with our customers to supply our product and assist with the fitting and commissioning as we have the expertise and understanding of the market to do this.

VI: You also buy and refurbish old coolers. There is a massive green story there isn't there?

SS: Yes. We take old water coolers that are fully functional but have yellowed over time due to UV light (sunlight etc) or been bashed about and we re-panel them, sanitise them to look like new coolers using our new coating process (not painted). This ensures that when the cooler leaves us it looks like a new cooler and is good for many years service again so the green story here is huge and the cost saving is massive, as we only charge £50 plus freight on an exchange program for the service complete. This is as opposed to say £100+ for a new cooler.

Pelican Technical Solutions aims to make the procurement of spare parts, fittings and consumables for your beverage and catering needs as easy and as cost effective as possible. Offering the supply and fit of filtration systems, this is just one example of the company making life that little bit easier.

What's more, its refurbishment of old coolers demonstrates Pelican's commitment to the environment, together with a keen understanding of the cost-saving needs of its customers. Bespoke colours are available on request.

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