A refreshing and transparent approach to supplying essential catering products is revolutionising the way venues tackle an increasingly unpredictable consumer market.
Innovative Tyneside-based company Clear Cool offers rental, direct purchase and lease purchase solutions to the licensed trade and retail.
And its flexibility and range are proving increasingly popular as bar, restaurant and café owners look to pivot in the face of rising inflation and a challenging cost of living crisis.
“We know the licensed trade inside out and therefore we understand that traditional service level agreements simply aren’t good enough,” said Barrie Webster, Head of Commercial, Clear Cool.
“As an example, if your glass washer goes down on a Friday afternoon we will endeavour to fix or replace it the same day.
“Our technicians work 364 days a year from 9am to 9.30pm and we pride ourselves on our customer service.
“If you rent a product from us, we can change, upgrade or downgrade it for you at any time.
“Our dedicated account managers will help your venue determine exactly what you require and the option to rent, purchase or lease purchase is proving particularly appealing in the current climate.”
Clear Cool, a division of Newcastle-based national company The Rudd Group, works with a wide range of clients including Boost Juice Bars, English Lakes Hotels and Blackrose Pubs.
In addition to supplying state-of-the-art equipment, the firm has introduced its own bespoke range of Clear Cool consumables including detergents and Rudd’s Roast coffee beans.
And an eye-catching one-stop solution to efficient back of bar management is further evidence of The Rudd Group’s determination to disrupt the UK’s leisure industry — hot on the heels of a £2m investment in digital growth.
“Clear Cool makes it easier than ever for venues to run things smoothly and efficiently behind the scenes,” explained Nick Rudd, Managing Director, The Rudd Group.
“It’s now possible to rent or buy your machine from us and enjoy peace of mind knowing it will be serviced by our experienced team of technicians.
“You’ll never find yourself without a working machine and our team will deliver your detergents and consumables direct to your door.
“All of our customers require essentials such as ware washing detergent and line cleaner and we’ve been able to create our own quality range of consumables at great prices.
“Price-wise we know we can compete with cash and carries but we can also bring the product to our customers’ doors.”
In addition to Clear Cool, The Rudd Group oversees Bob Rudd (gaming and amusement machines), Innstay (tills, entertainment systems and CCTV) and Sherlock Amusement Sales.
The group employs 145 staff across the UK with 41% of its employees based in Newcastle.
A 123-vehicle fleet operates out of six depots nationwide including sites in Leeds, Nottingham and Birmingham.
And Clear Cool is looking to appoint Business Development Managers in both Leeds and Nottingham in order to meet the demand of venues across the country seeking to capitalise on the first restriction-free summer in two years.
Barrie added: “Clear Cool is a unique proposition for any hospitality venue. We can provide the exact equipment you require on a small weekly rental and that option remains incredibly popular.
“It includes full servicing and gives peace of mind that your back of bar machinery will be in working order during busy periods.
“Our work with juice bars and cafés has encouraged us to increase our product range — especially when it comes to ice makers.”
Although Clear Cool has experienced a significant upturn in direct purchases following the easing of coronavirus-related restrictions, its flexible rental model remains a market leader.
Benefits of going down the rental route include: small weekly payments; full servicing and warranty included; service covered by Clear Cool’s own team; ability to upgrade or downgrade at short notice; and a 12-month minimum rental period.
Barrie and Business Development Manager Jamie Hoffman both come from catering backgrounds and lead a team dedicated to delivering sustainable solutions to a range of clients.
“We know things haven’t been easy for our colleagues in the licensed trade and retail sector during the last two years,” added Nick.
“The cost of living crisis coupled with rising inflation suggest things aren’t going to get any better any time soon and that’s why Clear Cool — and The Rudd Group — will continue to focus on doing everything possible to help our clients ride the storm.”