Tag: #hospitality

Ecofil Expands into Hospitality Market

Ecofil, Ireland’s leading provider of sustainable bottle filling stations, has officially announced its expansion into the hospitality sector with the launch of a new premium range of bottle coolers and water dispensers, unveiled at the Irish Hotel Federation (IHF) Showtel 2026 Conference which took place last week in Killarney.

The new range marks a strategic evolution for the Irish water solutions provider, which has spent recent years establishing its market-leading outdoor brand, Iconic V. Today, the Iconic V bottle-filling station is recognised as the number one outdoor hydration solution on the island of Ireland, with more than 20 local authorities selecting Ecofil as their preferred supplier of public water equipment.

Peter Wynne, Managing Director of Ecofil, said, “Following the success of Iconic V in the outdoor environment, we are now bringing that same focus on sustainability, design and reliability to the hospitality and wider business sectors. This new range allows us to deliver tailored, high-performance water solutions that meet the specific operational needs of hotels, restaurants and commercial clients.”

During his visit to Showtel, Mr Wynne travelled to the historic Garnish Island, where Ecofil has recently installed another Iconic V outdoor water station. The installation forms part of an ongoing collaboration with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to help eliminate single-use plastic bottles from protected heritage sites.

Mr Wynne added, “Working with the OPW on treasured locations such as Garnish Island is both a challenge and a privilege. These projects reflect our commitment to sustainability and to protecting Ireland’s natural and historic environments.”

Ecofil confirmed that additional innovative products will be introduced in the second half of 2026, further strengthening its position as a leading Irish provider of sustainable water solutions. Ecofil continues to invest in innovation, sustainability and Irish manufacturing as it expands across both public and commercial sectors.

As part of the ERG Group, Ecofil will also benefit from ERG’s long-established reputation within the Irish hospitality sector. With a trusted customer base of over 1,000 clients, ranging from independent pubs to large hotel groups, ERG provides Ecofil with immediate access to established relationships where credibility and service standards are already recognised.

Toast announces 120 new Dublin jobs

Toast, the cloud-based restaurant technology platform, announces plans to create 120 new roles in Dublin thanks to a multi-year R&D investment project. This new project is supported by the Irish government through IDA Ireland.

The investment will drive platform innovation with a strategic focus on AI and represents the next phase of Toast’s expansion in Ireland. The investment, which will create 120 new roles at Toast’s Dublin headquarters, will allow the company to advance its work in AI innovation to embed intelligent agents across the platform, enhance AI-powered productivity for its R&D teams, and unlock global scalability for its customers worldwide.

Toast’s technology is developed to seamlessly connect every aspect of Irish hospitality businesses, from kitchen to customer. Toast is the restaurant technology partner of choice for many of Ireland’s leading hospitality businesses, including Bewley’s, Kicky’s, OAKBERRY, and the Eclective Hospitality Group.

The new, multi-year R&D program will accelerate Toast’s AI-forward vision for the hospitality industry, with the company’s Dublin team leading the charge on critical aspects of this innovation.

At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to reimagining how technology empowers the hospitality sector. Toast is focused on embedding intelligent, autonomous AI experiences across its platform to help businesses work smarter, serve guests better, and make faster, data-driven decisions

To support this transformation, the company is modernising its global platform architecture – investing in modular, scalable systems built for new regions, verticals, and customer segments. These enhancements aim to strengthen Toast’s cloud foundations for AI readiness, resilience, and rapid global expansion.
Internally, Toast is also harnessing AI to change how it builds, deploying advanced AI-powered productivity tools to accelerate product development and increase engineering velocity.
Together, these efforts mark a major step forward in Toast’s mission to create an intelligent, scalable platform that powers the future of hospitality worldwide.

Toast first established an engineering presence in Dublin in 2017 and has since grown to include teams across all key business functions. The company is recognised as a Certified Great Place to Work in Ireland.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said: ‘’Toast’s decision to expand its R&D operations in Dublin and create 120 new high quality roles is a clear vote of confidence in Ireland’s position as a global hub for innovation and technology. This investment, with a strong focus on AI, aligns with our national ambition to lead in digital transformation. I thank Toast for their continued commitment to Ireland and wish the team the best for the future.’’

“From our early feasibility work to this new investment, IDA Ireland has been instrumental in helping Toast scale and innovate in Ireland,” said Dave Fleming, Global Head of Engineering  & Ireland Site Leader. “This programme represents a step-change in the scope and ambition of our Irish operation, as our Dublin team will spearhead end-to-end platforms for our global customers, leveraging AI to shape the next generation of technology for the hospitality sector.”

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: “This decision by Toast to develop their R&D offering with a focus on AI in Dublin is a testament to Ireland’s reputation as a global leader in technology and innovation. The creation of 120 new jobs in Dublin will help strengthen Ireland’s capability for AI development, which is a key focus in IDA Ireland’s strategy for 2025-2029. I would like to wish Toast every success with this R&D project.”

Toast teams up with Eclective Hospitality Group

Toast the cloud-based restaurant technology platform, today announced that Eclective Hospitality Group, Ireland’s largest hospitality group, has implemented Toast across its portfolio, highlighting Toast’s growing role as a trusted partner in Ireland as the company celebrates 3 years in market.

This new collaboration sees Toast’s technology platform deployed across 25 Eclective venues, including iconic brands like Angelina’s, Elephant and Castle and Wowburger.

Toast’s technology seamlessly connects every aspect of Irish hospitality businesses, from kitchen to customer. Eclective will utilise Toast technology to strengthen operational flexibility, provide greater ease of use and responsiveness, improve staff efficiency, and enhance the overall guest experience.

“As Ireland’s largest hospitality group employing 850 people across 27 venues, we need a technology partner that can scale with our ambitions while understanding the unique demands of running a restaurant in Ireland,” said Dave Mongan, COO at Eclective. “Toast eliminates the complexity of managing multiple systems across our portfolio. Toast gives us the tools that power service and allows us to focus on what matters most – creating exceptional experiences for our guests. This partnership positions us perfectly for our next phase of growth.”

“Delivering a great guest experience requires a restaurant to have exceptional tools and technology,” added Daniel Hanigan, Executive Chef at Angelina’s. “By leveraging technology like Toast’s Kitchen Display Systems to improve efficiency in the kitchen, our team will have more time to focus on creating exceptional food experiences.”

“Partnering with an ambitious, forward-looking organisation like Eclective represents a defining moment in Toast’s journey here in Ireland,” Ana Munoz, GM of International at Toast said.

“Working with a group of this scale and caliber is a testament to the depth and presence we’ve built in the local hospitality community over the past three years. We know that Irish restaurants want both great technology and a provider who truly understands them, and we’re the ideal choice for growing restaurant groups here and across our other international markets.”

Toast is the restaurant technology partner of choice for many of Ireland’s leading hospitality businesses, including Bewley’s, Kicky’s and OAKBERRY.

Toast’s presence in Ireland includes Customer Support, Research and Development, and Sales and Marketing teams in Ireland, and is recognised as a Certified Great Place to Work in Ireland.

Toast supports many Irish communities through Toast.org, the company’s philanthropic arm. Some of Toast.org’s programmes in Ireland over the last 3 years include a €50,000 donation to Airfield Estate for a new community garden that supports local food education. Toast.org’s continued community investment reflects Toast’s on-going commitment to supporting communities that make Irish hospitality thrive.

New Square tech to transform Irish retail and hospitality

Square has announced the launch of Square Handheld, its most powerful, portable point-of-sale device ever. Combining a sleek, durable design with comprehensive, versatile software, Square Handheld enables sellers to manage everything from payments to back-of-house operations right from their pocket.

Power Meets Portability

Built for fast-moving and operationally complex businesses, Square Handheld is ergonomic and pocketable, at just 315 grams and 15.7mm thick. It’s IP54-rated and durable, standing up to water splashes and dust. With a large 6.2″ Corning® Gorilla® Glass touchscreen and a battery that powers a whole day, Square Handheld is packed with advanced features, including:

  • Full payments functionality to capture tap and chip and pin transactions, and seamless integration with Square’s ecosystem of software, making managing a business easier than ever

  • Barcode scanning for speedy checkouts, gift card scanning, and inventory management

  • A 16 MP camera for capturing photos of newly stocked merchandise and updating item libraries

It’s portable, reliable, and powerful. With Square Handheld, sellers and their staff gain the mobility, speed, and efficiency essential to keep operations steady and deliver high-quality customer experiences — whether they’re restaurateurs that need to take tableside orders and manage their floorplan from the palm of their hand, or retailers managing large inventories and letting shoppers check out anywhere on the store floor.

Adaptable Software for Every Type of Business

Square Handheld is powered by the new unified Square Point of Sale app, bringing years of commerce innovation and technology leadership into a single, powerful hub for running any size or type of business. The redesigned software provides sellers with seven different modes that lets them customise their experience with industry-specific features — such as Full Service mode, Quick Service mode and Retail mode — and the ability to easily add or switch between modes when their operations require different or expanded capabilities. Device-specific features like quick settings for easy adjustments and push alerts for timely notifications mean Square Handheld can fit into and improve any in-store workflow, especially for food and beverage sellers, and retailers, which drove 78% of Square’s gross payment volume (GPV) in 2024 in the EU. From bustling full service restaurants, to multi-location quick service restaurants and coffee shops and sprawling garden centres, Square Handheld gives sellers of all sizes a powerful solution to keep commerce moving.

Designed to Drive Commerce

Square Handheld builds on the company’s legacy of hardware design excellence that began over a decade ago with the iconic ‘little white reader’ and permeates throughout Square’s entire portfolio of devices – from two generations of Square Stand, to Square Register and Square Terminal. Representing the company’s unique ability to elegantly marry form and function, Square Handheld is one of the thinnest and lightest handheld point-of-sale devices on the market, offering a purposefully engineered solution that’s not only built for today’s business needs, but designed to evolve and grow with sellers as commerce transforms in years to come.

“Running a business, especially a restaurant or retail store, has never been more demanding: every second counts, every team member must find ways to be more productive, and every customer has increasingly higher expectations for when and how they’re serviced,” said Thomas Templeton, Block’s Head of Hardware. “Square Handheld fuses Square’s industry-leading design with powerful commerce software to deliver a dynamic device that empowers sellers to keep pace with the breakneck speed of modern business — whether they’re a full-service restaurant looking to provide seamless tableside service across multiple dining areas, or a boutique looking to give its clients a refined checkout experience anywhere in-store.”

Square Handheld starts at 199€ + VAT and to help sellers get the most out of it, Square has partnered with industry-leading accessories manufacturer Belkin to offer premium protective cases. The Belkin SheerForce cases, which come in grey and black, complement Square Handheld’s sleek design, and add further defense against accidental drops and scratches. Thoughtfully designed to improve device grip while maintaining Square Handheld’s pocketable profile, the Belkin SheerForce case starts at 39€ + VAT.

New Software Launches to Make Operations Even More Smooth

Square has made a number of new tools available to help sellers simplify ordering and the guest experience:

  • Combos – sellers can create pre-defined flexible bundles of items sold together at a fixed price

  • Modifier set ordering – sellers can reorder their modifier sets directly from their Dashboard, creating customisable menus and a smoother ordering flow

A number of software launches will be introduced in the coming weeks to create smarter table service and staff operations for sellers:

  • House accounts – allows sellers to enable buyers to aggregate purchases into an account and settle the bill later.

  • Seat management – allows servers to track and organise guest movements across the restaurant, streamlining service operations and improving bill management.

  • ResDiary integration – syncs the seller’s booking platform with Square for Restaurants POS. Table spend and order details automatically flow back into ResDiary, helping operators better manage service and track performance. Deposits taken via ResDiary are also applied to orders in Square when a guest is seated.

To learn more about Square Handheld and the Square ecosystem of business solutions, visit squareup.com/ie/hardware/handheld.

“Sustainable Refrigeration for Hotels & Restaurants”

The hospitality industry stands at a pivotal moment in its environmental journey. With refrigeration systems typically accounting for 15-25% of total energy consumption in hotels and restaurants, the transition to sustainable cooling solutions represents one of the most impactful steps operators can take towards carbon neutrality, whilst simultaneously reducing operational costs.

Traditional refrigeration systems rely heavily on synthetic refrigerants with high Global Warming Potential (GWP) and energy-intensive operations that contribute significantly to both direct and indirect carbon emissions. However, the emergence of natural refrigerants, energy-efficient technologies, and integrated sustainable cooling solutions now provides hospitality businesses with compelling alternatives that deliver superior environmental performance alongside exceptional operational benefits.

The convergence of tightening environmental regulations, rising energy costs, and increasing guest expectations for sustainability makes the transition to eco-friendly refrigeration not just environmentally responsible but strategically essential for competitive hospitality operations. Properties that embrace sustainable refrigeration today position themselves advantageously for the low-carbon future whilst enjoying immediate operational benefits.

At EnviroFWA, our extensive experience implementing sustainable refrigeration solutions across the hospitality sector has demonstrated their remarkable potential to transform both environmental impact and operational economics. These advanced systems represent far more than equipment upgrades—they’re strategic investments in sustainable competitiveness that deliver measurable returns through reduced energy consumption, enhanced efficiency, and improved environmental credentials.

Understanding Refrigeration’s Environmental Impact

Modern hospitality refrigeration systems contribute to environmental impact through two primary pathways: direct emissions from refrigerant leakage and indirect emissions from energy consumption. Traditional systems using synthetic refrigerants such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) can have Global Warming Potentials thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide, making even small leaks environmentally significant.

The F-Gas Challenge and Opportunity

The EU F-Gas Regulation phase-down schedule is progressively reducing the availability of high-GWP refrigerants whilst driving up their costs. This regulatory pressure creates both compliance challenges and opportunities for forward-thinking hospitality businesses to transition to sustainable alternatives before regulatory deadlines force reactive responses.

Commercial refrigeration services that incorporate F-Gas compliance planning help hospitality businesses navigate this transition strategically whilst optimising both environmental and economic outcomes.

The phase-down schedule means that high-GWP refrigerants will become increasingly expensive and scarce, making early adoption of natural refrigerant systems a hedge against future cost inflation whilst providing immediate environmental benefits.

Energy Consumption and Carbon Footprint

Beyond direct refrigerant emissions, refrigeration systems’ energy consumption represents their largest environmental impact. Traditional systems often operate at efficiencies well below modern standards, consuming excessive energy while contributing to grid-based carbon emissions.

Sustainable refrigeration systems can reduce energy consumption by 25-40% compared to conventional systems whilst providing superior temperature control and reliability. These efficiency improvements translate directly into reduced carbon emissions and lower operating costs that compound over the system lifetime.

The integration of sustainable refrigeration with renewable energy systems creates opportunities for near-zero operational carbon emissions whilst providing exceptional economic returns through reduced energy costs and enhanced sustainability credentials.

Natural Refrigerant Technologies: The Sustainable Solution

Natural refrigerants including carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia (NH3), and hydrocarbons offer zero or minimal Global Warming Potential whilst providing excellent thermodynamic properties for efficient refrigeration operation. These proven technologies eliminate the environmental concerns associated with synthetic refrigerants whilst often delivering superior energy efficiency.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Refrigeration Systems

CO2 refrigeration systems provide exceptional environmental performance with a Global Warming Potential of just 1, compared to thousands for traditional HFC refrigerants. Modern CO2 systems deliver excellent energy efficiency whilst providing superior temperature control across diverse hospitality applications.

Transcritical CO2 Systems represent the cutting edge of sustainable refrigeration technology, operating efficiently across all climate conditions whilst providing both refrigeration and heating capabilities through heat recovery integration. These systems excel in applications requiring multiple temperature zones such as large hotel food service operations.

The reliability and safety of CO2 systems make them particularly suitable for hospitality applications where system downtime can immediately impact guest services and revenue streams. CO2 systems require minimal safety precautions compared to toxic refrigerants whilst providing exceptional operational reliability.

Hydrocarbon Refrigeration Solutions

Hydrocarbon refrigerants, including propane (R290) and isobutane (R600a), offer exceptional energy efficiency with zero Ozone Depletion Potential and minimal Global Warming Potential. These natural refrigerants provide excellent thermodynamic properties whilst being readily available and cost-effective.

Propane Systems deliver outstanding energy efficiency for commercial refrigeration applications whilst requiring smaller refrigerant charges than traditional systems. The reduced charge quantities minimise both environmental impact and system costs whilst providing superior performance.

Safety considerations for hydrocarbon systems focus on proper installation and maintenance practices that prevent refrigerant accumulation in enclosed spaces. Professional installation and regular maintenance through planned maintenance programmes ensure safe operation whilst maximising efficiency benefits.

Energy Efficiency Technologies: Maximising Performance

Sustainable refrigeration encompasses not just natural refrigerants but also advanced technologies that maximise energy efficiency whilst reducing operational costs. Modern systems incorporate variable speed compressors, advanced controls, and heat recovery capabilities that dramatically improve overall performance.

Variable Speed Drive Technology

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on refrigeration compressors enable precise capacity modulation that matches cooling demand whilst eliminating the energy waste associated with on/off cycling. VFD technology can reduce compressor energy consumption by 20-35% whilst providing superior temperature control.

The integration of VFD technology with advanced control systems enables refrigeration systems to respond dynamically to changing load conditions whilst optimising energy consumption across all operating conditions. This capability is particularly valuable in hospitality applications where cooling loads vary significantly with occupancy patterns and seasonal conditions.

Smart Control Integration enables refrigeration systems to coordinate with other building systems including HVAC, lighting, and renewable energy generation to optimise overall facility energy consumption whilst maintaining optimal food storage conditions.

Heat Recovery and Integration

Advanced refrigeration systems can capture and utilise waste heat for domestic hot water production, space heating, and other thermal applications. Heat recovery can improve overall system efficiency by 15-25% whilst reducing the energy required for water heating and space conditioning.

Integrated Heat Pump Systems combine refrigeration and heating functions in single systems that provide both cooling for food storage and heating for domestic hot water or space heating. This integration maximises energy efficiency whilst reducing equipment requirements and installation costs.

The coordination of heat recovery systems with air conditioning systems creates comprehensive thermal management that optimises energy utilisation across all building systems whilst maintaining optimal environmental conditions.

System Design and Integration Strategies

Sustainable refrigeration implementation requires a comprehensive system design that considers both immediate operational requirements and long-term sustainability objectives. Effective design integrates refrigeration with broader building systems whilst optimising performance across diverse operating conditions.

Load Matching and Right-Sizing

Proper system sizing ensures optimal efficiency whilst avoiding the performance penalties associated with oversized or undersized equipment. Hospitality refrigeration loads vary significantly with occupancy patterns, seasonal variations, and operational schedules, requiring careful analysis to optimise system capacity.

Modular System Design enables capacity matching through multiple smaller systems rather than single large units. This approach provides redundancy for critical applications whilst enabling more precise load matching and improved part-load efficiency.

The integration of refrigeration load analysis with broader energy management enables comprehensive optimisation that considers all building systems whilst prioritising critical food safety requirements.

Temperature Zone Optimisation

Modern sustainable refrigeration systems can serve multiple temperature zones efficiently through cascade systems or CO2 transcritical applications that provide excellent performance across diverse temperature requirements. This capability enables comprehensive food storage solutions whilst maximising energy efficiency.

Centralised vs. Distributed Systems require careful analysis to optimise both energy efficiency and operational reliability. Centralised systems offer superior energy efficiency and maintenance accessibility, whilst distributed systems provide redundancy and flexibility for diverse applications.

The selection between system architectures should consider both immediate operational requirements and long-term expansion plans whilst prioritising energy efficiency and environmental performance.

Maintenance and Operational Optimisation

Sustainable refrigeration systems require specialised maintenance approaches that preserve both environmental and efficiency benefits throughout their operational lives. Proper maintenance maximises system efficiency whilst ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and safety requirements.

Preventive Maintenance for Sustainability

Sustainable refrigeration maintenance focuses on preserving refrigerant integrity, maintaining heat exchange efficiency, and optimising control system performance to ensure continued environmental and operational benefits. Regular maintenance prevents refrigerant leaks that compromise both environmental performance and system efficiency.

Refrigeration servicing programmes tailored for sustainable systems address the specific requirements of natural refrigerant systems whilst ensuring optimal performance throughout system lifecycles.

Leak Detection and Prevention becomes even more critical with sustainable systems where refrigerant costs may be higher and environmental stewardship requires absolute minimisation of emissions. Advanced leak detection systems enable proactive maintenance that prevents losses whilst maintaining system performance.

Performance Monitoring and Optimisation

Continuous monitoring of sustainable refrigeration systems enables ongoing optimisation that maintains peak efficiency whilst identifying opportunities for further improvement. Modern monitoring systems track energy consumption, temperature performance, and system efficiency in real-time.

Data Analytics enable the identification of performance trends that indicate maintenance requirements, optimisation opportunities, or operational adjustments that improve both efficiency and sustainability outcomes.

The integration of refrigeration monitoring with broader building management systems creates comprehensive energy management that optimises performance across all facility systems whilst maintaining critical temperature control requirements.

Financial Analysis: The Business Case for Sustainable Refrigeration

The transition to sustainable refrigeration delivers compelling financial returns through multiple benefit streams, including energy cost reduction, refrigerant cost savings, maintenance optimisation, and operational improvements. Comprehensive financial analysis demonstrates the strong business case for sustainable technology adoption.

Energy Cost Savings and Payback

Sustainable refrigeration systems typically reduce energy consumption by 25-40% compared to conventional systems, delivering immediate operational cost savings that continue throughout the system’s lifetime. For a typical hotel with comprehensive food service operations, annual energy savings often exceed £5,000-£12,000 depending on system size and operational patterns.

Payback periods for sustainable refrigeration upgrades typically range from 3-6 years for complete system replacements and 1-3 years for major component upgrades or retrofit applications. Government incentives and grants for sustainable technology adoption can significantly improve payback periods whilst reducing initial investment requirements.

The avoided costs of high-GWP refrigerant purchases as F-Gas regulations drive price increases provide additional financial benefits that improve the business case for natural refrigerant adoption.

Operational and Maintenance Benefits

Sustainable refrigeration systems often provide superior reliability and reduced maintenance requirements compared to conventional systems. Natural refrigerants eliminate many of the complications associated with synthetic refrigerant handling whilst providing excellent operational characteristics.

Extended Equipment Life results from the superior thermodynamic properties of natural refrigerants and the reduced stress on system components from efficient operation. Sustainable systems often achieve 15-25% longer operational lives whilst maintaining peak performance throughout their service periods.

Reduced refrigerant costs and simplified regulatory compliance provide ongoing operational benefits that compound over system lifetimes whilst reducing administrative burdens associated with synthetic refrigerant management.

Implementation Strategy: Transitioning to Sustainable Cooling

Successful sustainable refrigeration implementation requires systematic planning that addresses technical requirements, operational considerations, and regulatory compliance whilst minimising disruption to ongoing operations. Phased implementation approaches enable a gradual transition whilst building expertise and optimising outcomes.

Assessment and Planning Phase

Comprehensive sustainable refrigeration programmes begin with detailed assessments of existing systems, operational requirements, and sustainability objectives. Professional assessment identifies optimal technologies whilst evaluating implementation strategies that maximise benefits whilst minimising disruption.

Energy Audits quantify current refrigeration energy consumption whilst identifying specific opportunities for efficiency improvement and environmental impact reduction. Detailed analysis enables prioritised improvement programmes that deliver maximum benefits with available resources.

Regulatory compliance analysis ensures that sustainable refrigeration programmes address current and anticipated F-Gas requirements whilst positioning properties advantageously for future regulatory developments.

Technology Selection and Design

Sustainable refrigeration technology selection requires careful evaluation of operational requirements, environmental conditions, and integration opportunities with existing building systems. Professional design ensures optimal technology selection whilst maximising both environmental and economic benefits.

Natural Refrigerant Selection depends on specific application requirements, safety considerations, and operational preferences. CO2 systems excel for larger applications with diverse temperature requirements, whilst hydrocarbon systems provide excellent efficiency for smaller applications.

System design integration with electrical systems ensures optimal power quality and reliability whilst supporting variable speed operation and advanced control capabilities that maximise sustainable system benefits.

Installation and Commissioning

Professional installation of sustainable refrigeration systems requires specialised expertise in natural refrigerant handling and system commissioning. Proper installation ensures optimal performance whilst maintaining safety requirements and regulatory compliance.

Staff Training on sustainable refrigeration operation and maintenance ensures that efficiency benefits are maintained throughout system lifecycles whilst building internal expertise that supports ongoing optimisation efforts.

Commissioning procedures verify optimal system performance whilst establishing baseline measurements that support ongoing monitoring and optimisation programmes.

Regulatory Compliance and Future-Proofing

Sustainable refrigeration implementation must address current regulatory requirements whilst anticipating future developments that may affect system selection and operation. Proactive compliance planning ensures long-term viability whilst avoiding reactive responses to regulatory changes.

F-Gas Regulation Compliance

The F-Gas Regulation phase-down schedule creates both compliance obligations and strategic opportunities for hospitality businesses. Early adoption of natural refrigerant systems eliminates future compliance concerns whilst providing immediate operational benefits.

Quota System Implications mean that high-GWP refrigerants will become increasingly expensive and scarce as phase-down targets reduce availability. Natural refrigerant systems eliminate exposure to these cost increases whilst providing stable long-term operating costs.

Professional regulatory compliance planning ensures that sustainable refrigeration programmes address all relevant requirements whilst optimising both environmental and economic outcomes.

Future Regulatory Trends

Emerging environmental regulations increasingly focus on comprehensive lifecycle impacts, including energy efficiency, refrigerant environmental impact, and overall system sustainability. Sustainable refrigeration systems position properties advantageously for future regulatory developments whilst providing immediate benefits.

Carbon Pricing mechanisms increasingly make energy efficiency and low-carbon refrigeration economically compelling beyond their direct operational benefits. Sustainable systems provide a hedge against future carbon costs whilst delivering immediate environmental benefits.

Industry sustainability standards and certification programmes increasingly recognise sustainable refrigeration as an essential component of comprehensive environmental management programmes.

Case Study: Sustainable Refrigeration Transformation

A prominent Scottish hotel and conference centre recently implemented a comprehensive sustainable refrigeration programme that demonstrates the transformational potential of natural refrigerant systems. The 150-room property with extensive food service operations replaced aging HFC systems with advanced CO2 refrigeration throughout.

Results achieved within the first 18 months included:

  • 38% reduction in refrigeration energy consumption compared to previous systems
  • £8,500 annual energy cost savings across all refrigeration applications
  • Complete elimination of high-GWP refrigerant emissions and associated compliance costs
  • Improved temperature control consistency that enhanced food quality and safety
  • Achievement of environmental certification that strengthened sustainability marketing

The comprehensive system upgrade paid for itself within 4.2 years through energy savings alone, whilst avoiding future refrigerant cost increases and regulatory compliance costs provided additional financial benefits.

Guest feedback highlighted the property’s environmental leadership, with sustainability credentials becoming key factors in corporate event bookings and conference selections.

Integration with Renewable Energy Systems

Sustainable refrigeration systems integrate exceptionally well with renewable energy installations to create comprehensive sustainable cooling solutions. The combination of efficient refrigeration with clean energy generation provides near-zero operational carbon emissions whilst delivering exceptional economic returns.

Solar-Powered Refrigeration

The integration of sustainable refrigeration with solar energy systems creates synergistic benefits where peak cooling demands align with peak solar generation periods. This natural alignment maximises renewable energy utilisation whilst reducing grid electricity consumption.

Battery Storage Integration enables solar-powered refrigeration systems to continue operating during low solar production periods whilst providing energy security for critical food storage applications. Combined systems provide exceptional sustainability credentials whilst reducing long-term operating costs.

Energy management systems can prioritise renewable energy for refrigeration applications whilst coordinating with other building systems to optimise overall energy utilisation and cost-effectiveness.

Staff Training and Operational Excellence

Sustainable refrigeration systems require staff understanding and engagement to ensure optimal performance whilst maintaining the efficiency and environmental benefits throughout their operational lives. Comprehensive training programmes address both technical operation and sustainability awareness.

Technical Training Requirements

Natural refrigerant systems require specialised knowledge for safe and efficient operation. Training programmes should cover system operation, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements specific to sustainable refrigeration technologies.

Safety Protocols for natural refrigerant systems focus on proper handling procedures and emergency response requirements whilst emphasising the superior safety profiles of natural refrigerants compared to synthetic alternatives.

Ongoing training updates ensure that staff remain current with evolving technologies and best practices whilst building internal expertise that supports continuous optimisation efforts.

Sustainability Awareness and Engagement

Staff engagement in sustainability objectives enhances the overall effectiveness of sustainable refrigeration programmes whilst building organisational culture that supports environmental excellence. Training should connect individual actions with broader sustainability outcomes whilst highlighting the business benefits of sustainable practices.

Performance Monitoring Training enables staff to identify optimisation opportunities and efficiency improvements whilst taking ownership of sustainability outcomes that benefit both environmental and operational objectives.

Conclusion: Strategic Investment in Sustainable Competitiveness

Sustainable refrigeration represents a fundamental transformation in hospitality cooling that delivers compelling benefits across environmental, operational, and financial dimensions. The convergence of regulatory pressure, technological advancement, and market demand for sustainability makes sustainable refrigeration essential for competitive hospitality operations.

The most successful hospitality businesses recognise sustainable refrigeration as strategic investment that provides competitive differentiation whilst delivering measurable returns through reduced operating costs, enhanced efficiency, and improved environmental credentials. By implementing comprehensive sustainable refrigeration programmes, operators achieve long-term competitive advantages whilst contributing to broader environmental objectives.

At EnviroFWA, our comprehensive approach to sustainable refrigeration helps hospitality businesses navigate the transition to eco-friendly cooling systems whilst maximising both environmental and economic benefits. From initial assessment through system selection, installation, and ongoing optimisation, we provide the expertise and services needed to achieve sustainable refrigeration excellence that supports long-term business success.

Ready to transform your refrigeration costs whilst achieving your sustainability objectives? Contact our team today to discover how sustainable refrigeration technology can enhance your operational excellence whilst delivering measurable environmental and financial benefits.

Which Businesses Need Cybersecurity the Most? A Sector-by-Sector Guide

Cyberattacks are no longer rare events – they’re an everyday threat, and the cost of each breach is climbing fast. In the UK alone, over 38% of small businesses reported being targeted by a cyberattack in the past year, with many facing significant financial and reputational damage. At Support Tree, we’ve seen firsthand how vulnerable organizations can be when cybersecurity isn’t a priority. In this article, we’ll explore which industries are most at risk, why they’re targeted, and what steps businesses can take to protect themselves.

Why Cybersecurity Matters for Every Business?

Cybercrime isn’t reserved for big corporations with vast databases and deep pockets. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are often prime targets because hackers know their defences are usually weaker, and a single breach can cause devastating consequences.

Criminals don’t discriminate by size; they look for opportunity. For many SMBs, that opportunity comes in the form of outdated software, untrained staff, or a lack of robust security measures. The result? Cyberattacks can halt operations, drain bank accounts, and damage hard-earned reputations.

Some of the most common threats include:

  • Phishing – fraudulent emails or messages designed to trick employees into revealing passwords or payment details.
  • Ransomware – malicious software that locks you out of your systems until a ransom is paid.
  • Insider threats – intentional or accidental data leaks caused by staff or contractors.
  • Data breaches – unauthorized access to sensitive customer, financial, or intellectual property data.

The truth is simple: in today’s digital landscape, every business is a potential target. Taking action before a threat materializes is not just smart — it’s essential for survival.

High-Risk Sectors for Cyberattacks

Some industries are targeted more aggressively than others because of the type of data they hold, the financial reward for criminals, or the potential disruption an attack can cause. While no sector is immune, understanding where the highest risks lie can help businesses prioritize their defences.

Sector Why They’re Targeted Examples of Attacks Compliance / Key Risks
Financial Services Direct access to money and high-value personal data. Data breaches at banks, fintech platform hacks, and insurance fraud cases. PCI-DSS for payment security, FCA guidelines for financial conduct.
Healthcare Patient data is highly valuable on the black market. NHS ransomware incidents, private clinic data leaks. Loss of patient trust, disruption to critical services.
E-Commerce & Retail Payment card theft and account takeovers. Online store breaches, fraudulent transactions. Risks peak during major sales events like Black Friday.
Manufacturing & Supply Chains Ransomware can halt production and operations. Cyberattacks on suppliers are causing production delays. Industrial espionage, theft of trade secrets.
Professional Services Store sensitive client and financial data. Law firm data leaks, insider data theft. Insider threat risk, professional reputation damage.

Businesses operating in these sectors cannot afford to take cybersecurity lightly. The combination of high-value data, financial incentives for attackers, and regulatory pressure means prevention is far more cost-effective than recovery.

Overlooked but Vulnerable Sectors

When people think of cyberattacks, they often picture large corporations, banks, or hospitals. But some of the most vulnerable targets are in sectors that don’t make the headlines. These industries can be easier prey for cybercriminals because they often lack the same level of security resources as bigger players.

Here are a few examples where risk is high but awareness is low:

  1. Charities & Nonprofits
    • Why at risk: Often run on tight budgets with limited IT investment.
    • Typical threats: Phishing emails aimed at staff and volunteers, breaches of donor databases, and ransomware disrupting fundraising events.
    • Impact: Loss of donor trust, reputational harm, and reduced ability to operate.
  2. Education
    • Why at risk: Schools, colleges, and universities hold vast amounts of personal data on students, parents, and staff.
    • Typical threats: Ransomware shutting down systems, leaks of student records, and phishing attacks on staff.
    • Impact: Disruption to learning, safeguarding concerns, and compliance breaches.
  3. Hospitality
    • Why at risk: Booking platforms and payment systems store valuable customer and financial data.
    • Typical threats: Point-of-sale (POS) system hacks, booking system breaches, and card data theft.
    • Impact: Loss of customer confidence, direct financial loss, and damage to brand reputation.
  4. Local Government
    • Why at risk: Councils and local authorities manage critical public services and store sensitive citizen records.
    • Typical threats: Ransomware attacks causing service shutdowns, breaches of public databases, and phishing targeting officials.
    • Impact: Public service disruption, political fallout, and exposure of personal data.

The common thread across these sectors is the assumption of low risk a dangerous mindset that makes them attractive to attackers. Even with smaller budgets, implementing basic cybersecurity measures can dramatically reduce exposure.

Consequences of Poor Cybersecurity

Failing to protect your systems and data can have far-reaching effects, often more damaging than the initial attack itself. Understanding these consequences is the first step in appreciating why prevention must be a business priority.

  1. Financial Loss
    • Direct costs: ransom payments, fraud, stolen funds.
    • Indirect costs: legal fees, system recovery, and hiring specialists to repair the damage.
    • Example: A ransomware demand might be £50,000, but the true recovery bill can run into the hundreds of thousands once lost revenue is considered.
  2. Legal Penalties
    • Non-compliance with regulations like GDPR, PCI-DSS, or sector-specific rules can lead to hefty fines.
    • Example: Data breaches involving personal information can result in penalties up to 4% of annual global turnover under GDPR.
  3. Reputational Damage
    • Customers lose trust when their data is compromised.
    • Negative media coverage can harm a brand’s image for years.
    • Example: Studies show that up to 60% of small businesses close within six months of a major breach due to lost customer confidence.
  4. Operational Downtime
    • Cyberattacks can bring daily operations to a standstill.
    • Example: Manufacturing firms hit by ransomware have had to halt production for days or even weeks, leading to missed orders and broken contracts.

The reality is that the cost of prevention is far lower than the cost of recovery. Every business, regardless of size or sector, should view cybersecurity as a fundamental part of its risk management strategy.

Essential Cybersecurity Measures for All Businesses

No matter the size or industry, every organization can take practical steps to strengthen its defences. These measures don’t require a massive budget, but they do require consistency and commitment.

  1. Implement Strong Password Policies
    • Require complex, unique passwords for all accounts.
    • Enforce regular password changes and ban password reuse.
  2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
    • Add an extra layer of security to logins, even if passwords are stolen.
    • Prioritize MFA for email, banking, and administrative systems.
  3. Regularly Back Up Data
    • Store backups securely, offline or in a protected cloud environment.
    • Test backups periodically to ensure they can be restored quickly.
  4. Train Employees on Cybersecurity Awareness
    • Provide regular training on spotting phishing emails, social engineering tactics, and safe internet use.
    • Encourage a “stop and check” culture before clicking links or opening attachments.
  5. Secure Endpoints and Networks
    • Use antivirus, anti-malware, and firewalls on all devices.
    • Keep all software and systems updated with the latest security patches.
  6. Control Access to Sensitive Data
    • Restrict permissions so employees only access what they need.
    • Monitor and review access rights regularly.
  7. Consider Cyber Insurance
    • Provides a financial safety net in case of a breach.
    • May also include access to rapid incident response services.

 

Cybersecurity is not a one-time project but an ongoing process. By embedding these practices into daily operations, businesses can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a target and be better prepared to respond if an attack does occur.

Cybersecurity is no longer an optional extra – it’s a core part of doing business in the digital age. Whether you’re running a financial institution, a local charity, or a growing e-commerce store, the risks are real, and the consequences of inaction can be devastating.

The good news is that you don’t have to tackle these challenges alone. At Support Tree, we help businesses of all sizes assess their vulnerabilities, strengthen their defences, and respond effectively to incidents. The earlier you act, the more control you have over your security and your future.

Don’t wait for a cyberattack to force your hand. Start by reviewing your current protections today, train your team, and put robust safeguards in place. Your customers, your reputation, and your bottom line depend on it.

Ordú to create 10 new jobs as it secures €1.5M partnership with Lazenby Group

Ordú, a leading Galway-based provider of advanced online ordering systems for the food service industry, today announces a new €1.5 million investment in its partnership with Lazenby Group.

Over the next three years, this collaboration is forecasted to generate €9 million in additional revenues for Ordú. This investment will cover the recruitment and support of staff, including the creation of 10 new jobs in product development within the next 12 months, and the rollout of new technologies.

Established in 1963, Lazenby Group is a leading global kiosk manufacturer, serving various sectors with clients such as the NHS, Holiday Inn, Disney, Nestle, and Greggs. Known for its premium, high-quality and innovative solutions, including the industry-disruptive self-sanitising Safe-Touch™ kiosk technology, the company has set new benchmarks for hygiene and efficiency in retail, hospitality, healthcare, aviation, and more.

Lazenby Group sought a software partner to streamline its operations to enable growth plans across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Ordú was selected for its cutting-edge software and established market presence in Ireland and the UK. Additionally, targeting the pharmacy sector, where Ordú is also expanding into, was a key focus.

Moreover, Ordú’s software incorporates a smart upselling engine, driving a notable 20% increase in order value. By integrating Ordú’s software, Lazenby Group can expand its market reach significantly, with the capacity to manufacture and sell 3,500 kiosks annually, a significant increase from their previous annual sales of 2,000 kiosks.

Furthermore, this partnership facilitates the expansion of Ordú’s service offerings across various sectors including fast food, hospitality, pubs and restaurants, retail, and pharmacies. With an impressive client roster including Pita Pit Ireland, PG Chips, Four Lanterns, and CBE in Ireland and the UK, Ordú is positioned to introduce its technology to a much wider audience. The incorporation of Safe-Touch™ kiosks with self-sanitising kiosk technology marks a pioneering initiative in Ireland.

Ordú recently won silver in the Best in Retail and Consumer Goods category at the 2024 Digital Media Awards for its work in boosting operational efficiency for large retail businesses.

Andrew Dewdney, CEO of Ordú said: “Joining forces with Lazenby Group, a leader in kiosk technology, marks a pivotal moment in Ordú’s growth trajectory. Our partnership will not only elevate Ordú’s service portfolio but also introduce innovative solutions like Safe-Touch™ to our clientele, enhancing in-store customer experiences and upholding impeccable hygiene standards in the post-pandemic landscape. As we expand our team and merge our areas of expertise, we’re committed to enhancing our product and service capabilities, ensuring a seamless and safer digital journey for our valued customers.”

Steven McWilliam, Commercial Manager of Lazenby Group, said: “Ordú’s impressive customer base and industry expertise make them an obvious partner for us in Ireland. This collaboration holds tremendous potential and strengthens Lazenby Group’s foothold in the QSR hospitality sector. We are delighted to partner with an ambitious company like Ordú to bring our products to market. By streamlining our operations, this partnership enables Lazenby Group to deliver superior solutions, enriching our customers experience and driving revenue growth.”

Toast Launches Digital Technology Platform for Hospitality Businesses in Ireland

Toast (NYSE: TOST), the all-in-one digital platform built for restaurants, today announced that its technology is now generally available in Ireland. Toast customers in Ireland will be able to benefit from a range of technology to help them seamlessly connect their entire business operations covering front of house, kitchen, payments, and restaurant partner integrations, alongside access to a customer services and sales team based in Dublin.

“This announcement signals our intent to continue investing in our presence in Ireland, a country that we’ve been proud to call our first European home, since 2017,” said Jen DiRico, Senior Vice President & General Manager of International, Toast. “For the last six years, we’ve been growing our team of customer service, technology, and restaurant experts right here in Ireland, preparing for today’s exciting announcement. In that time we’ve worked with many leading Irish hospitality businesses to understand how we can help similar restaurants in Ireland improve service, support staff, cut costs, and increase efficiencies through our technology.

“Today, we’re thrilled to announce that our technology, built for restaurants by restaurant people, is formally rolling out across Ireland. This announcement marks an important milestone for Toast as we bring our platform, trusted by approximately 79,000 restaurant locations in the U.S., to restaurants across Ireland.”

BANG Restaurant Partners with Toast

Toast’s Ireland team has been working with select hospitality businesses, including BANG restaurant and wine bar in Dublin, to custom build its technology to meet the unique needs of Irish restaurants.

“Since integrating Toast into our restaurant, we’ve seen the overall efficiency of the business improve and it’s a much easier place to run. By implementing tableside ordering with Toast handhelds alongside a kitchen display system (KDS), BANG has seen ticket turn time improve, meaning the dishes are coming out faster because the orders are going in faster,” said Joe Barrett, Owner of BANG restaurant and wine bar, Dublin. “The system has not only improved the front-of-house operations, but it’s eliminated many hours a week in terms of admin work. Their on-the-ground support team is incredible, and Toast completely understands every aspect of the restaurant business and how to help.”

All-in-One Technology Tailored for Irish Restaurants

Toast’s all-in-one product suite has been tailored to help Irish restaurants thrive by providing technology focused on streamlining operations, growing revenue, empowering staff, and improving the bottom line. Using Toast’s platform, restaurants in Ireland can benefit from:

  • Point of Sale (POS), Software, and Payments Together: By integrating POS, software, and payments in one, Toast provides enhanced customer service compared to the traditional model of non-integrated or semi-integrated payments. Toast’s platform also offers a seamless payment experience for both guests and staff, with reliable, accurate, and automated payment reconciliation.
  • Toast GoTM Handheld Mobile POS Devices: Toast handhelds put the power of a POS in the palm of a server’s hand, allowing servers to fire orders directly from the table to increase throughput and order accuracy, all while allowing for greater efficiency, to cover more tables during a typical shift by eliminating the trips back and forth to a central POS terminal.
  • Kitchen Display Systems (KDS): Toast KDS increase kitchen efficiency and productivity by converting legacy paper tickets into digital tickets that won’t get lost; allowing for more clearly visible modifiers or changes; and helping improve communication between front and back of house. Toast KDS also provides valuable productivity metrics into item-level prep times to identify and improve bottlenecks in the kitchen.
  • Robust Cloud-Based Reporting: Easy to use, fast reporting from Toast allows operators to keep tabs on their business from anywhere, with real-time restaurant specific reports across sales, labour, product mix, and beyond, across one location or many.
  • Growing Partner Ecosystem: Toast is rapidly expanding its international partner ecosystem of robust integrations with best-in-class technology providers across reservations, inventory, labour management, online ordering and delivery, loyalty, guest engagement, and more.
  • Ireland-based Service and Support: From onsite installation and training to 24/7/365 award-winning customer support, Toast offers local service and support that’s custom built for the demanding needs of the fast-paced hospitality industry.

Toast established its European presence in 2017 with the opening of its first Dublin office, an R&D Centre of Excellence. Toast has since added functions in Ireland, including sales, marketing, and customer support in the last year and moved to a larger location in Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green in 2022.

Irish food app’s explosive growth helps hard-hit hospitality industry during COVID-19 recovery

An Irish food ordering app has seen its revenue rocket by more than 400% in the last year as part of its mission to help the local hospitality industry recover from the impact of the pandemic. Dublin headquartered Bamboo also experienced an uplift in customers of 230%, with orders rising by 136% in the 12 months to July 2021.

Bamboo allows customers to order and pay from hundreds of restaurants, cafés and hotels across Ireland seamlessly through its app and suite of ordering tools. Bamboo gives hospitality businesses a platform to offer advance ordering and contactless pickup for their customers.

To help fuel its growth, Bamboo has agreed a new partnership with Square, the globally trusted software, payments, and hardware solution.

The partnership with Square, the first of its kind in Ireland, will help Bamboo increase its support of local hospitality businesses by introducing Square’s point-of-sale technology to help manage orders and payment processing.

The new technology will be a major driving force in helping to increase sales for Bamboo’s partners across Ireland.

One of the many venues to benefit from Bamboo’s partnership with Square is On The Go Coffee Co. in Buncrana. Andrea Kelly, Owner of On The Go, said:

“Being a part of the Bamboo platform means we can offer a click and collect service to our customers without the hassle and cost of investing in additional technology. Bamboo’s partnership with Square will make our experience with the app even better, giving us access to world-class payments technology that will really help our business continue to grow.”

In addition to the point-of-sale technology, Bamboo’s partners will also be able to leverage Square’s vertically integrated restaurant technology to help them get online and easily manage orders from the Bamboo platform. Ireland’s leading food truck manufacturer https://vstreetfood.com/food-trucks/ireland/ swears by this app and has said; “this app has truly changed the food truck industry in Ireland”.

Nicholas Harris, Head of Partnerships at Square UK, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Bamboo and understand the huge demand in Ireland for safe and seamless mobile food ordering. We know that together, we can provide the tools to help F&B businesses adapt and grow as they look toward the future after an unpredictable year.”

 With hundreds of venues in Ireland relying on Bamboo to order ahead for a contactless pick up, it is now accelerating hiring and investing heavily in on-boarding new restaurants, cafés, bars and hotels as it introduces the next generation of in-venue dining to Ireland.

Conor Moules, Country Manager at Bamboo, added: “Our partnership with Square is the latest in a long line of amazing things that are happening at Bamboo, all designed to help our partners reach more customers and increase their sales. Teaming up with Square will not only help our partners, but it’s also a clear signal of Bamboo’s intent to dominate the Irish food apps market; something we’re well on our way to achieving after a trailblazing period of growth in the last 12 months.” 

Square’s suite of products are designed to seamlessly work with each other to save businesses time and money, reduce inefficiencies from managing multiple systems, and help sellers grow their businesses in the future.

Additionally, Square offers fair, transparent, and merchant-friendly pricing for business software and payment processing without requiring long-term contracts or extra fees. Square takes care of fraud prevention, dispute management, security, and compliance at no additional cost. Businesses can access their funds as soon as the next working day and only pay a transaction fee when they accept a card or mobile payment.