ur ni tu re , C edic at al s er u in he ro m b p m m du & ient, e ic c Chi Fro nt al ts lled ze n M F so rnitu ft re fu , rn be is d hi s ng C at er in g ni eCl c uc C Fr nt an p di C hi sh dse a t ca at lle oze & in p in an l s d g in l s eri Fo nFu C g P g & up ng osdo rnit he A Am C Pro m ft u r e h bi e du pl E fu , m e m c rn be &i & nt ic ts C ies qu is d C ,F a C Fu hi s h l r l i e i o ng r p lle z l M a e so nitu e d m A n n an ft re m e e fu , & in di C bi rn be n e & ca at & ing is d C g C nt, t hi s ng he Pro hilledFrozCle l s eri Ch P m du Fo en an up ng em rod ic c od & in pl E i u ie q ca al ts Fu C g P s A ui l Newsletter Volume 5 2015 Spring/Summer 2015 is set to be significant year for AJ Purchasing as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and the expansion of the firm. We have recently welcomed Alan Briggs to the team as our Business Development Manager who brings with him over 40 years of experience in the food industry and a passion for helping clients to save money. He is responsible for identifying new clients who can benefit from our services and working with existing clients to help them achieve maximum cost savings. Alan explained one of the best parts of the job is helping clients to see the benefits of using a dedicated purchasing partner. “Since I’ve joined the team at AJ Purchasing I’ve supported care homes across the East Midlands and the UK to save money on all their food and cleaning bills,” he said. “A lot of people I speak to in the first instance haven’t considered working with a purchasing partner or struggle to see the benefits. I’ve personally helped one organisation save a staggering 20% on their annual food expenditure and often achieve an eight to 10% saving for many customers. YEARS AJ PURCHASING SERVICES Purchasing specialists and advisers to the care sector firm. I’m confident his experience and knowledge across the catering industry will prove a great asset to our team. “With over 50 years’ combinedAJ PURCHASING SERVICES expertise in the food purchasing industry we can continue to offer excellent rates for our customers who want the best value for money, without compromising on quality. “Reaching 25 years in business is a testament to our loyal and supportive customers, many of whom have been with us since the firm was established.” “If you would like any purchasing support, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01522 244 680 or email [email protected]” Steve Gibson, Director of AJ Purchasing, also commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Alan to the Contact us today: 01522 244680 | [email protected] | www.ajpurchasing.com Your Purchasing Partners! Are you; • Looking to save money on your nursing/medical/janitorial and cleaning products? • Seeking ways to reduce costs by a review of what you buy but don’t know where to start? • Wanting a ﬁrst class reliable service? We’d love to talk to you, call us on 01226 719090 to ﬁnd out how working with Countrywide and AJ Purchasing can save you money Countrywide Healthcare Supplies, Countrywide House, Springvale Road, Park Springs, Grimethorpe, Barnsley S72 7BA e: [email protected] w: www.countrywidehealthcare.co.uk DELIVERING QUALITY FOODSERVICE SOLUTIONS TO CARE & NURSING HOMES We help our customers to develop varied and nutrional menus to meet residents’ dietary requirements using our established care product range, over 40 years’ expertise and nutritional software. For more information, contact Neil Perry on 07889 457057 or [email protected] AJ PURCHASING SERVICES YEARS AJ PURCHASING SERVICES Boosting protein intake can improve health of residents Protein isn’t just for bodybuilders and athletes. As we age, we actually need to eat more protein per pound of body weight but typically, many older people don’t eat enough protein The consequences of insufficient protein intake in older people are far reaching: • A decrease in muscle tissue, leading to slower metabolism • Skin becomes more fragile • Wounds are slower to heal • Poor immune function Tips for improving protein intake of residents • Ensure each vegetarian meal provides a source of protein (cheese and milk don’t count when in a meal as they’re used in such small amounts, so try to include pulses, • Increased frailty beans, nuts or meat alternatives) • Longer recovery from illness • Encourage residents who always eat toast or cereal for breakfast to try some scrambled or Protein sources Protein can be found in many foods, such as meat, fish, pulses, eggs, nuts, dairy products and meat alternatives (soya or Quorn). Residents who don’t eat meat or fish or those who regularly opt for low protein meals may be at risk of inadequate intake. Pay particular attention to vegetarians and those who select mostly low protein foods such as toast, cereal, pasta or soup. Claire Baseley is a Registered Nutritionist with many years of experience of working with care home catering teams, helping them to achieve to best nutritional offering for their residents. Web www.clairebaseley.co.uk Email [email protected] Tel 07753 744819 poached egg, baked beans on toast, a yoghurt or a glass of milk • Offer high protein, nourishing snacks, mid- morning and –afternoon; examples include yoghurt, cubes of cheese and vegetable sticks with dips like hummus • Increase the protein content of soups, stews and casseroles by adding beans, lentils or vegetarian mince • Eggs are versatile and cheap – they are great hardboiled and sliced as finger foods in a buffet and can accompany a salad or go in a sandwich; omelettes are nourishing and can incorporate vegetables for added nutrients • Serve fruit or hot puddings with custard to boost the protein content or make a rice pudding with added milk powder Contact us today: 01522 244680 | [email protected] | www.ajpurchasing.com 17th March St. Patrick’s Day 29th June - 12th July Wimbledon Fortnight 15th March Mothering Sunday 1st - 5th July Henley Royal Regatta 5th April Easter Sunday 4th July US Independence Day 23rd April St. George’s Day 11th-17th May British Sandwich Week 18th - 24th May National Vegetarian Week 14th July Bastille Day (France) 12th - 19th - July British Golf Open 16th - 20th - July Ashes Test Match at Lords 9th - August National Rice Pudding Day 21st June Father’s Day 31st - August Summer Bank Holiday 16th-20th June Royal Ascot 15th - September Battle of Britain Day al ts ille ze & in 24th June Midsummer’s Day We cover a range of services from a large number of local and national suppliers and can offer reliable supply and competitive pricing in the following areas: M 19th June National Care Home Open Day What we do ed C ic a a t www.nutritionandhydrationweek.co.uk Spice up your menus with a theme day catering idea… 16th - 20th March NACC Nutrition & Hydration Week hi s a n n Why not join in and get involved with the Nutrition & Hydration Week 2015, visit the website for information on good practices, downloadable material and ideas on how you can get involved. Forthcoming Key Events Diary 2015 ed C ic a C al s ter le u in an p g & ing plie Eq s u F C The focal national event and highlight of the week will be a Worldwide Afternoon Tea on Wednesday 18th March. Service providers in both health and social care settings are invited to share Afternoon Tea with those entrusted to their care, no matter where they care for them, demonstrating a united effort and commitment to improving nutrition and hydration. M The 16th – 22nd March 2015 marks this year’s Nutrition & Hydration Week. In its fourth year, the event raises awareness and improves understanding of the vital importance of good nutrition and hydration in care settings and illustrates how, by making changes to eating and drinking habits, people can improve their quality of life. M ed C u P Am ip C ica ate so rnitu he ro bi m l s ri ft re e fu , m d & nt, e le u rn beC ic u C F n c h ro t an pp is d le Hydration Matters! •Ambient, Frozen & Chilled Food •Fresh milk •Fresh meat products •Fresh fruit and vegetables •Catering Equipment •Cleaning Products •Medical supplies •Furniture, beds & soft furnishing •Laundry •Utilities •Stationery •Waste Management •Uniforms We can also provide the following services: •Benchmarking •Product sourcing •Menu Advice •Invoice verification •Order templates Contact us today: 01522 244680 | [email protected] | www.ajpurchasing.com