Latest News from Bettavend

The Honeypot Carol Concert 2009

– a seasonal success with packed pews and mulled wine

Once again, the Honeypot Carol Concert was a resounding success, raising £9,500 for this local charity dedicated to supporting children with difficult lives. 

Held on the 1st of December in Romsey Abbey and sponsored by Bettavend, this annual event has become a firm favourite with charity members and supporters and Bettavend staff. In front of a packed congregation including Bettavend MD, John Ferguson, Sales Director, Geoff Rouse, and family and team members, everyone was richly entertained by The Romsey Choral Society, classical soloist, Kate Chalkley, Romsey Abbey Choristers and special guest speaker, radio presenter Richard Cartridge. 

Peppered with rousing communal favourites such as Once in Royal David City, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and O Come All Ye Faithful, the concert was both a celebration of the fundraising success of 2009 and an anticipation of an even more successful 2010. 

Perhaps the most poignant part of the evening was a reading given by 19-year-old Karim Williams, an ex- Honeypot child from London, who spoke movingly about his experience of being a Honeypot child and the welcome breaks he enjoyed at Honeypot House. Here he was able to leave behind the cares of a difficult home life and be exactly what he should be: a carefree child with the freedom to enjoy what many take for granted - swimming, cycling, staying up late with hot drinks and goodies, and forming supportive friendships that may last a lifetime with children from similar backgrounds. He had some much-needed fun and relaxation, recharging his batteries before resuming his role of main carer to his mother and younger brother and sisters. Now studying to be a Veterinary Nurse, Karim is living proof that, with the right help, difficult backgrounds can be overcome and are no barrier to realising potential.

Mulled wine in St Nicholas Chapel rounded off the evening congenially, leaving everyone seasonally warmed in body and soul – and Honeypot’s pot thousands of pounds heavier! 

MD, John Ferguson, in coffee-picking mode at Finca El Edén, a traditional family farm for several generations, which has 111 hectares under coffee near Chinchiná. The estate works with sustainable coffee programmes, including the Ethical Trading Initiative, which has higher social criteria and more specific demands than other schemes, and achieves a higher premium for its coffee as a result.

Bettavend tastes sustainable coffee farming in South America

What further proof is needed of a vending company’s commitment to ethical trading than for its MD to hit the sustainable coffee trail in the major coffee-producing Republic of Colombia in South America.

At the invitation of the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia, Bettavend’s John Ferguson spent one week seeing for himself how the FNC are improving the conditions of coffee farming in Colombia.

Founded in 1927, the FNC is helping 556,000 coffee growers and their families to become a competitive and sustainable coffee supplier and keep Colombian coffee as the best in the world.

John began his whistle-stop tour at the Federation’s head office in the centre of the bustling capital city of Bogatá. He then visited the main exporting seaport of Cartagena, the milling plant at Manizales, and finally two coffee producers in the mountains around Pereira.

Inspired by his findings, John comments:

“The country was far more developed than I had imagined; it was wonderful to meet the farmers who work tirelessly to produce that great cup of coffee we take for granted, and it is clear that the FNC is certainly looking after the interests of the Colombian farmers, encouraging pro-active thinking and activity that will boost environmental and economic sustainability. I am now looking forward to sharing my first-hand insight from this trip with my staff and customers.”

Bettavend has over twenty years’ experience in delivering high-quality vending solutions and services across the south, with sustainabili-tea and coffee featuring strongly amongst the comprehensive range of products supplied from a selection of freestanding and countertop systems.

Bettavend Win Bidding War

Bettavend is delighted to announce that it has won the auction bid for the sponsorship of Honeypot’s Carol Concert at Romsey Abbey this December. 

The concert will attract an audience of over 500 Honeypot supporters and music lovers. The entertainment is being provided by The Romsey Choral Society, Kate Chalkley and the Romsey choristers, with a special guest reading by radio presenter, Richard Cartridge. 

Bettavend Managing Director, John Ferguson, said:
“As an ongoing and committed supporter of Honeypot, we are delighted to be able to support Honeypot this way and know that the funds raised by this concert will support some of the most vulnerable children in the South East.”   

Honeypot improves the quality of life for vulnerable children and young carers aged 5 – 12 years through the provision of respite holidays at Honeypot House in the New Forest.  Their programme of long-term support also includes regular visits from the Honeypot Playbus and sending each child a present at Christmas. They are currently supporting 800 children. 

Tickets for the concert are available from the fundraising office on 023 8089 0002 or by emailing adrienne@honeypot.co.uk 

There is also still time to place an advert in the event programme please contact Karen Betancourt-Jess to discuss Advertising rates. 

Lymington Community Centre

A toast to Bettavend's talents!

Lymington Community Centre is one of the largest in Hampshire offering a wide variety of classes, clubs, societies and entertainment, including being a licensed venue for marriages and civil partnerships. 

With hundreds of visitors to cater for, this vital community focal point called upon the services of leading regional vending supplier, Bettavend, to strengthen its popular refreshment facilities with the provision of a snack and soft-drink vending machine. Located just outside the bar area, the full-size, freestanding Rondo™ model dispenses a variety of refreshments from crisps, flapjacks and chocolate bars to a selection of soft drinks available in bottles or cans, also supplied by Bettavend. 

Not only does this machine keep its customers happy, but it has also met with a glowing reception from the Manager of the Centre, Penny Bicknell, who has been impressed by Bettavend’s entire service, from initial enquiry through to consultation, delivery, installation and performance:

"Staff members are always very pleasant on the phone and the Showroom is fantastic. I am so pleased I went; it really made a difference and encouraged me to consider other options. The Rep was helpful and knowledgeable. All in all, I am very happy with the service and will buy again!"

And they’re back!

Fitter and richer by over £4,000…

Well, they made it. Eastleigh to Paris by bicycle. Cycling 240 miles over three days. Safely returned with saddlebags heavier by over £4,000. All to help fill a very happy Honeypot. 

Here’s how it all happened, real time… 

MD, John Ferguson and colleague, Nick Maskell, were enthusiastically waved off from their Eastleigh depot by fellow Bettavenders and Bumble, the Honeypot mascot. Business Development Manager,  Dave Badland,  dressed as a gorilla (costume courtesy of Cadbury’s, one of their major suppliers) added a certain hairy humour, but he also drove the Bettavend support vehicle for the trip, making sure the cyclists stayed fed, watered and on course. 

Joined by four fellow cyclists from Romsey Test  Rotary Club, the team left Le Havre via Portsmouth to reach Paris bang on schedule. After an overnight leg-rest, they headed home, arriving saddle-sore but cheered by the thousands they had raised for Honeypot. 

Honeypot’s regional fund-raising Manager, Karen Betancourt-Jess, comments: “We are busy all year helping children and their families through difficult times, including providing respite for carers. This trip is just the latest in Bettavend’s money-raising ventures on our behalf and their efforts will certainly help with escalating costs and the hundreds of Honeypotters we will be helping this year.” 

Bettavend is a committed supporter of Honeypot, a local children’s charity dedicated to providing carefree fun, play and support for vulnerable children in the South East.

And they're off — on a charity cycle trip to Paris!

Just before he took to the saddle, Bettavend's mobile MD, John Ferguson, explains this latest money-spinner on behalf of children's charity, Honeypot...

Paris or buzzt!

Pedalling pounds for Honeypot

In Summer 2009, leading regional vending provider, Bettavend, is staging a 240-mile charity cycle trip to Paris and back on behalf of local children’s charity, Honeypot.

On Wednesday 17th June, Managing Director John Ferguson and three fellow cyclists will set out from Honeypot House, the charity’s New Forest headquarters, to cycle the fifty miles to Portsmouth ferry terminal. Here, a dramatic drum roll by the Cadbury gorilla will launch the cyclists on their continental pedal.

Arriving at Le Havre early in the morning and cycling on average seventy-five miles a day, they will follow the Seine River to reach the capital on Saturday, 20th June.

John Ferguson comments: “Honeypot is busy all year providing holidays, a Playbus, Christmas presents and birthday cards, plus sustained support, for very vulnerable children between five and twelve years. This trip is just the latest in our ongoing schedule of money-raising ventures on their behalf. I am sure our novel and noisy send-off will inspire us to reach Paris on time…”

Bettavend is a committed supporter of Honeypot, a local children’s charity dedicated to providing carefree fun, play and support for vulnerable children in the South East.

> Sponsor John Ferguson on this charity cycle trip

Vending – better for business

Leading regional vending company, Bettavend, proves that vending is a better buy when it comes to saving money for businesses throughout the South – beating more traditional methods of drinks preparation hands down.

Workforces need to be as productive as possible, particularly if there are fewer people to do the work. You have to keep them happy, motivated and effective, not waiting for kettles to boil, or washing up.

“Apply this equation to your company,” says Bettavend Sales Director, Geoff Rouse:

“The hourly pay of an employee multiplied by time during the day/week/month spent making drinks and washing up; multiply this sum by the number of employees in your business and the figure becomes huge.”

The result is straightforward: vending pays, improving performance and productivity whilst addressing the varied tastes of its users.

Coffee combo triumph

Leading regional vending company Bettavend’s Pour Moi vending system is fast proving its claim of providing a coffee shop type beverage at a fraction of the price. Since its arrival in 2008, the Pour Moi is delivering a competitive service to various venues throughout the South.

Happy to prove the point is The Oasis Academy in Mayfield, Southampton. Until the Academy transfers to purpose-built premises in 2011, it is base for approximately 950 students plus staff, and was serviced by a vending machine that sold only forty drinks a week served in small plastic cups. To meet demand, this underperformer was replaced with a Bettavend Pour Moi system which is now busy selling between 200 and 300 drinks served in generous 12 oz cups.

Both Calshot Outdoor Activities Centre and Wildern Leisure Centre echo the Pour Moi success story, proving Bettavend Sales Director, Geoff Rouse, correct in his statement:

“People will pay the right price for the right quality.”

Eight legs and the thirst of thousands?

How Bettavend made a mint for Honeypot.

Cheques totalling £2,350 have helped to swell the coffers of local children’s charity, Honeypot, courtesy of Bettavend, leading regional vending machine supplier and operator.

On 5th March 2009, at Honeypot House in the New Forest, the cheques were presented to Bumble, the charity mascot bee, by John Ferguson and Sales Director, Geoff Rouse. The sum will help keep this Hampshire-based charity in peak form, improving the quality of life of very vulnerable children, between 5 and 12 years from the South East.

For over thirteen years Honeypot has offered sustained support comprising nurturing respite breaks at Honeypot House, a wider programme of long-term support as part of the Honeypot Club, visits from the Honeypot Playbus, and birthday cards and Christmas presents.

In the first of two fundraising ventures, four Bettavend members of staff joined a Rotary Club Charity Walk along the Test Way, a distance of 7.5 miles that left all participants sore of foot but richer in pocket by £350. To support his staff, MD John Ferguson was Safety Marshal for the day but, happily, the event had no need for his attentions.

This was consolidated by Bettavend’s cup promotion, a pledge to donate one penny per cup from 200,000 customised cups sold in their vending machines. Each cup sported the Honeypot bee logo on its side and, well, they sold like hot cupcakes!

An appreciative Karen Betancourt-Jess, Regional Fundraising Manager for Honeypot, sums up:

”With costs sky-high and about 800 children to cater for in 2009, every pound counts in helping us bring sunshine to compromised childhoods. This latest contribution will certainly help put carefree smiles on the faces of boys and girls who otherwise would have to battle on regardless. A big thank you, Bettavend, from everyone at Honeypot!”

The Honeypot Bee makes a buzz on Hampshire's roads thanks to Bettavend

Bettavend Vending Services has some buzzy new signage on its vans in support of local children’s charity, Honeypot.

Bettavend adopted New Forest based charity Honeypot in May and will be fundraising and helping to raise the charity’s profile over the next two years.

Honeypot is a Hampshire-based charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of very vulnerable children, between 5-12 years, from the South East. It offers nurturing breaks at Honeypot House in the New Forest, plus a wider programme of long-term support as part of the Honeypot Club, with visits from the Honeypot Playbus, birthday and Christmas presents.

Bettavend immediately recognised the perfect opportunity for increasing the charity’s profile via its busy fleet of vans which is out and about all day, every day on local roads.

The Honeypot logo now takes pride of place on the rear windows of the company’s fleet of white Citroen Berlingo vans, visible to thousands of motorists in and around Hampshire.

Bettavend Managing Director, John Ferguson, remarks:

“We have had a great reaction to the Honeypot logo on the vans, from customers and passers-by alike who have wanted to know more. A representative from Honeypot came to our offices and delivered a presentation to the staff, giving them the necessary information to forward to anyone who shows an interest in Honeypot.

We are very excited to be working with this very worthwhile organisation, placing the Honeypot logo on our vans is just the start of our ideas for how we are going to raise money and build awareness of the charity.”

Karen Betancourt-Jess, Regional Fundraising Manager, comments:

“We are absolutely delighted to be adopted by Bettavend. They have committed to raising £10,000 over the two years of our adoption which will enable many local children in need to benefit from the Honeypot charity and our programme of support. Having our logo on their fleet of vans is incredible and it will be seen all around the region, and hopefully other businesses and individuals will decide to support us.”

Bettavend are sweetened by Honeypot's dedication

Bettavend Vending Services is celebrating its ongoing business success by adopting the New Forest based children’s charity, Honeypot.

Bettavend, the leading regional vending machine supplier and operator, has supported numerous charity efforts over the years. More recently however they have decided they would like to dedicate its support to one cause and were introduced to Honeypot through a mutual contact.

From a visit to Honeypot House, near Blackfield in the New Forest, Bettavend saw how the charity offers ongoing support and respite for children aged 5-12 who are often young carers or very vulnerable children with a history of abuse, poverty and neglect.

Bettavend has pledged its support to Honeypot for two years and will be fundraising and helping to raise the charity’s profile. The company has already made a start by proposing to place the Honeypot logo and web address on its vans and printing the logo on 200,000 cups and placing them in a range of their vending machines. 1p from every cup will be donated to the charity.

John Ferguson of Bettavend explains:

“We are delighted to be working with Honeypot. The commitment the charity employs to providing a place of rest and relaxation for those children whose worlds are often filled with turmoil is wonderful.

We have a number of ideas for how we can raise money and build awareness of the charity and we will be putting them in to action over the next two years. It is a very exciting new relationship and we are really looking forward to helping Honeypot as much as we can.”

A double celebration for Bettavend

Bettavend Vending Services has two reasons to be celebrating; the expansion of its Chandler’s Ford premises to include a purpose-built showroom and its two year commitment to local children's charity, Honeypot.

To celebrate these two milestones Bettavend held a rather special ‘chimps’ tea-break for its staff and a new friend in their brand new showroom.

Honeypot Ambassador, Hampshire Cricketer Billy Taylor, enjoyed monkeying around with a host of little friends before enjoying a cup of PG Tips from one of Bettavend’s latest vending machines.

“Our new showroom means we can demonstrate all our latest products and machines on our premises in a relaxed and informal environment. The showroom houses many of our free standing vending units including our ‘Coffee House Experience’ Pour Moi, our table top bean-to-cup machines, and our purified water systems”

explains Bettavend MD, John Ferguson.

“PG Tips is just one of our suppliers working hard to achieve fully sustainable products and we can proudly add it to our own range. Our aim is to supply our customers with quality beverages and snacks that really do exceed their expectations of vending services whilst, where possible, encompassing more and more ‘Sustainable Products’”

comments Sales Director, Geoff Rouse.

Bettavend serves hundreds of local businesses, clubs and associations. To ensure excellent customer services it operates a rapid response call out system, and, as its business grows, it is keen to put back some support into the local community – hence the adoption of a local charity.

Billy Taylor took time out from his Hampshire Cricket to make the tea-party:

“Bettavend was introduced to Honeypot through a mutual contact and I’m delighted to be able to celebrate in its new showroom. After a visit to Honeypot House in the New Forest to see how the charity offers respite care to children who are carers, John and his team have pledged their support for two years. We are thrilled with their generosity… and they make an excellent cup of tea!”