Office Workplace Archives - Smart Soda

Office Drinks Station

eonadmin — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 11:11:24 +0000

Choose a Smart Soda Office Drinks Station

and Discover Healthier Beverages for Your Workplace

Are you looking to create a vibrant and health-conscious office environment? Introducing Smart Soda’s Office Drinks Station – a game-changer in the realm of workplace refreshment solutions!

Our cutting-edge technology and innovative beverage offerings are designed to elevate your office experience, promoting well-being, productivity, and a positive company culture.

Why Choose Smart Soda's Office Drink Station?

At Smart Soda, we understand the significance of a reliable, attractive and health-focused office drinks station. We are dedicated to delivering a seamless, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution that exceeds your expectations. Here’s why our smart drinks station is a must-have for your workplace:

Healthier Beverage Choices

Our Smart Soda drinks station offers an extensive selection of healthier drink options all based on alkaline water. Refreshing low or zero calorie, still or sparkling waters, infused with natural flavours and vitamins, providing a wide range of options to cater to your employee’s taste preferences.

Employee Wellness and Productivity:

By providing your workforce with healthier drink choices, you’ll foster a culture of well-being and productivity. Staying hydrated with nutritious beverages can lead to increased focus, enhanced cognitive function, and reduced fatigue, ultimately boosting overall employee performance.

Eco-Friendly Solution:

At Smart Soda, sustainability is a core value. Our Office Drinks Station reduces the environmental impact by utilising state-of-the-art dispensers that eliminate the need for single-use plastic bottles or cans. Together, we can make a positive impact on the environment while offering healthier drink options to your staff.

Customisable and User-Friendly:

Our Office Drinks Station can be customised to match your staff taste preferences. The intuitive user interface ensures that your employees can conveniently select and enjoy their preferred beverages, making it a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Cost-Effective:

Investing in Smart Soda’s Office Drinks Station is a cost-effective solution compared to traditional vending machines or drink delivery services. By providing your employees with healthier drink choices on-site, you’ll reduce the need for expensive single-use bottles and cans, saving your company money in the long run.

Contact Us for a Consultation

Ready to take your beverage service to the next level with our office drinks station? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team of experts will guide you through the available options and help you choose the ideal dispenser for your business. Elevate your beverage service and impress your staff and customers with our reliable and versatile office drinks station.

A Whole New Experience

We provide a whole new experience for healthier soda dispensers for commercial settings. Our drinks platforms blend the carefully crafted, vitamin infused concentrates with alkaline water at the point of dispense, fresh for every customer. This way we remove the distribution, storage and waste disposal of lorry loads of plastic bottles and cans.

Drink delicious and healthier sodas and flavoured waters whilst minimising your ecological footprint.

Are You Ready for Smart Soda?

Then get in touch with one of our friendly, experienced team members to take the first step.

Healthier soda dispensers, with alkaline water are only available from Smart Soda.

The post Office Drinks Station appeared first on Smart Soda.

Commercial Drink Dispensers

eonadmin — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:03:42 +0000

Commercial Drink Dispensers - Enhance Your Beverage Service

Are you looking to enhance your beverage service and provide a convenient, efficient and healthier solution for serving drinks in your commercial establishment? Look no further! Our commercial drink dispensers are designed to meet the needs of businesses like yours, offering a seamless and professional beverage experience for your customers and employees.

Efficient and Versatile

Our commercial drink dispensers are built to handle high-volume settings, ensuring quick and efficient dispensing of beverages. Whether you run a busy restaurant, café, hotel, or office, our dispenser can cater to your demands. With versatile options, you can serve a wide range of flavours for still and sparkling water and sodas, all from a single, centralised unit.

Reliable Performance

We understand the importance of reliability in a commercial setting. That’s why our soft drink dispensers are built with durability and longevity in mind. The high-quality materials and robust construction ensure consistent performance, allowing you to serve refreshing drinks without interruptions or breakdowns. Focus on your business while our dispenser takes care of your beverage needs.

Customisable Solutions

Every commercial establishment has unique requirements. That’s why we offer customisable solutions to meet your specific needs. From different sizes and capacities to adjustable settings, we can tailor our commercial soda machines to match your operational preferences. Stand out from the competition and provide a memorable beverage experience for your staff and customers.

Contact Us for a Consultation

Ready to take your beverage service to the next level with our commercial drink dispensers? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team of experts will guide you through the available options and help you choose the ideal dispenser for your business. Elevate your beverage service and impress your staff and customers with our reliable and versatile drink dispensers.

Why Smart Soda?

Drink delicious and healthier sodas and flavoured waters whilst minimising your ecological footprint.

Are You Ready for Smart Soda?

Then get in touch with one of our friendly, experienced team members to take the first step.

Healthier soda dispensers, with alkaline water are only available from Smart Soda.

The post Commercial Drink Dispensers appeared first on Smart Soda.

Benefits of Post Mix Drink Dispensers

eonadmin — Sun, 14 May 2023 10:05:39 +0000

There is a lot more to Post Mix Drink Dispensers than just fresh, great tasting soft drinks! Here we provide a whole myriad of benefits to you and your staff, by offering a Post Mix Dispenser in your office or workplace.

Post mix drink dispensers are machines that mix carbonated water and syrup to create a variety of plain or flavoured soft drinks, such as cola, lemonade or orange soda. Here are some of the benefits of using a post mix drinks dispenser:

Consistent Quality

A post mix dispenser ensures that every drink is consistent in taste and quality, as the machine mixes the syrup and carbonated water in the correct ratios each time.

Customisable Options

With post mix drink dispensers, you can offer a wide range of soft drinks and flavours that are not available in pre-packaged bottles or cans.

Cost-effective

A post mix dispenser can be more cost-effective than buying pre-packaged soft drinks, especially if you have a high volume of staff and/or customers. The cost per serving can be significantly lower than buying bottled or canned drinks.

Convenience

Post mix drink dispensers are easy to operate and require minimal training. The machine can also be easily cleaned and maintained.

Environmentally Friendly Post Mix Dispensers

Consumer decisions are increasingly influenced by environmental views and ethical standpoints. By using post mix machines, businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and offset emissions. Post mix drink dispensers offer a range of environmental benefits, compared to pre-packaged drinks. Here, we provide a few reasons why:

1. Reduced Packaging Waste

With post mix drinks, there is no need for single-use cans or bottles, which reduces the amount of packaging waste generated. This can help to decrease the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or the ocean.

2. Energy Efficiency

Post mix drinks machines are designed to be energy-efficient, with low energy consumption. This can help to reduce the carbon footprint of your business.

3. Efficient Use of Resources

Post mix drinks machines use concentrated syrup that is mixed with carbonated water on demand, reducing the amount of water used compared to pre-packaged drinks.

4. Recycling

Post mix drinks dispensers are designed to be easily disassembled, and many parts can be recycled. The syrup containers can also be recycled.

5. Transportation

Post mix products are concentrated, reducing transportation related CO2 by up to seven times, providing further environmental benefits.

Importance of Maintenance

It is crucial to ensure that the machine is used sustainably and all components are properly disposed of or recycled to minimise waste. Maintenance is also essential to prevent the wastage of water, energy, and syrup, which can have negative environmental impacts.

Post mix drink dispensers can provide a consistent, customisable, cost-effective, convenient and environmentally-friendly solution for offering soft drinks in a commercial setting.

Why Smart Soda?

We provide a whole new experience for healthier post mix dispensers for the workplace. Our drinks platforms blend the carefully crafted, vitamin infused concentrates with alkaline water at the point of dispense, fresh for every customer. This way we remove the distribution, storage and waste disposal of lorry loads of plastic bottles and cans.

Drink delicious and healthier sodas and flavoured waters whilst minimising your ecological footprint.

Are You Ready for Smart Soda?

Then get in touch with one of our friendly, experienced team members to take the first step.

Healthier post mix dispensers, with alkaline water are only available from Smart Soda.

The post Benefits of Post Mix Drink Dispensers appeared first on Smart Soda.

Healthier Drinks for the Office

eonadmin — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 08:33:54 +0000

As an employer, it’s important to create a workplace environment that promotes health and wellness. One easy way to do this is by providing healthier drink options for the office. In this blog, we provide 5 reasons why employers should prioritise healthy drinks in the workplace.

1. Improved Employee Health and Productivity

Unhealthy drink options like fizzy, high sugar or chemically sweetened energy drinks can cause employees to experience sugar crashes, dehydration, and other health issues. By offering healthier drinks for the office such as our range of low or zero sugar, vitamin infused, alkaline waters and sodas, employees can stay hydrated and alert throughout the day. This can lead to increased productivity, better concentration, and fewer sick days.

2. Positive Company Culture

Providing healthier drink options can help foster a culture of wellness in the workplace. It sends a message to employees that their health and well-being are valued and prioritised by the company. This can lead to increased employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention.

3. Environmental Responsibility

Many unhealthy drink options are packaged in single-use plastic bottles that contribute to the growing problem of plastic waste. By providing refillable water bottles and other eco-friendly drink options, employers can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and reduce their environmental footprint.

4. Competitive Advantage

In today’s job market, employees are increasingly looking for employers that offer health and wellness benefits. Providing healthier drink options in your office can give your company a competitive edge and attract top talent.

5. Cost Savings

While it may seem like offering healthier drinks for your office or workplace may be more expensive, in the long run, it can actually save your company money. Healthier employees mean fewer sick days, lower healthcare costs, and increased productivity.

Providing healthier drink options for your office can have numerous benefits for both employers and employees. By prioritising health and wellness in the workplace, companies can create a positive culture, improve productivity, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Why Smart Soda?

We provide a whole new experience for healthier soda dispensers for the office. Our drinks platforms blend the carefully crafted, vitamin infused concentrates with alkaline water at the point of dispense, fresh for every customer. This way we remove the distribution, storage and waste disposal of lorry loads of plastic bottles and cans.

Drink delicious and healthier sodas and flavoured waters whilst minimising your ecological footprint.

Are You Ready for Smart Soda?

Then get in touch with one of our friendly, experienced team members to take the first step.

Healthier soda dispensers, with alkaline water are only available from Smart Soda.

The post Healthier Drinks for the Office appeared first on Smart Soda.

Case Study | Two Sigma

eonadmin — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 11:18:07 +0000

Overcoming challenges with flexibility and a positive attitude

The provision of drinks and snacks to employees is one of the most enjoyed perks of the job, according to research on staff preferences. An office drinks station in particular, also ticks boxes on the sustainability checklist by reducing waste and recycling. If it saves money and time too then even better.

We wanted to hear from Two Sigma, based in the City of London, about how they were getting on with their new drink’s dispensers. We won’t exaggerate, there were challenges along the way, but our team met them head-on, offering flexibility and a positive attitude to problem-solving.

These are their refreshingly straight-talking words…

How did it all begin, why did you want to look at different options for office beverages?

“For environmental/waste management reasons, we were moving away from single-use plastic water bottles as a firm; in London we decided to explore taking things a step further, because while aluminium cans are highly and efficiently recyclable, aluminium production is very energy intensive – to say nothing of the carbon footprint associated with bauxite mining, and shipment of the finished product.”

How did you find us and what made you contact us?

“We mounted an internet-based search for firms in the sector and requested proposals to compare and evaluate product quality, service levels, and price.”

What were your main criteria for a drinks dispenser and how did Smart Soda fit with your requirements?

“Range and taste of drinks dispensed, ease of use, ease of maintenance, and vitally, compact form factor, to fit into our already-built pantries. Because of a lack of free under-the-counter space, to get the number of drinks to an appealing level, we went with a pair of LILLY dispensers on their own supply cabinets operating in tandem on each floor. A single unit would have been preferable (and presumably more energy-efficient), but the arrangement is satisfactory.”

How would you describe the service you received from Smart Soda and were there any special challenges that needed to be met?

“Good, in terms of product demonstration and sales process, and we appreciated the help with contracting the CO2 supplier.
Installation involved liaising with our contractors who had to make kitchen modifications to accommodate the equipment, which we managed, but we would advise potential clients to ‘spec in’ drinks machines in the initial construction phase wherever possible.”

What are your thoughts on the new beverage machines so far? What do you feel have been the biggest benefits?

“The drinks are proving popular, even among people who had strong views on brand before they tried them. The potential to introduce seasonal variation without too much difficulty is welcome, though we have yet to experiment here. Several staff have praised the environmental initiative, and aside from reducing container waste, there is probably less product waste, too, insofar as you are not tied to 330 ml increments and can pour exactly as much as you wish to drink. Cost savings per drink are clear, but of course, there is substantial construction and installation costs and lease overhead to overcome before we feel the true benefit of them.”

What would you suggest to others thinking about changing from cans and bottles to an office drinks station?

“Staff (particularly young staff) will appreciate the effort being made, though, the verdict being unequivocally in on single-use plastic and going that way for cans. It’s worth doing – and if it’s worth doing at all it is probably worth doing now.”

And finally, is there a favourite flavour?

“I think we have a close running tie between the Cola and Orange Crush flavours here.”

Want to read more?

Two Sigma use a variety of technological methods, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and distributed computing, for its financial trading strategies.

Visit their website here https://www.twosigma.com/

More about Smart Soda

At Smart Soda we offer a healthier drinks option in the form of low sugar or sugar free, vitamin infused, alkaline water-based drinks, using only plant-based, natural Stevia sweetener where required.

We encourage the use of refillable bottles and cups over single use plastic cups. If you think your team could benefit from a more sustainable drinks solution for the workplace, get in touch.

The post Case Study | Two Sigma appeared first on Smart Soda.

Create a More Sustainable Workplace

eonadmin — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 10:36:14 +0000

Simple Steps to Create a More Sustainable Workplace

Little adjustments to your workplace could have a significant environmental impact. Take an idea or two from this blog as any of these simple changes will help you create a more sustainable workplace, and they might just save you money as well!

Energy-efficient lighting

One of the easiest ways to reduce energy consumption at work is by switching to more efficient LED bulbs. LED lighting lasts longer than other types of bulbs, uses less electricity, and doesn’t contain mercury like compact fluorescents do.

You can also save money by installing smart switches that turn off lights when rooms aren’t being used.

Install a water fountain or healthier drinks station

If you haven’t already got one at work, a water fountain or drinks station is a must have for your workplace. Not only a great way to encourage people to drink more but hugely improves sustainability at work. How? By not using plastic bottles or aluminium cans that need to be recycled, or worse still end up in landfill and the sea. It also saves on the cost of running fridges needed to cool all those cans and bottled water.

Switching to a countertop drinks station can be far more energy efficient, plus staff will be better hydrated and more focussed.

Reusable water bottles

While you are at the drinks station filling up, don’t even think about grabbing a single-use plastic cup. Invest in a refillable water bottle to top up with.

Stainless steel straws

If you really must have a straw, get a reusable stainless steel one. Stainless steel straws are durable, easy to clean, and ultimately can be reused and recycled, unlike plastic straws which usually end up in landfill.

Ditch single-use cutlery

Replace with bamboo cutlery or other biodegradable material. Or wash and reuse metal cutlery, just like in the old days! It truly makes a difference, as single-use plastic accounts for a large proportion of the nation’s plastic waste.

Bring a refillable coffee cup

Most coffee outlets sell branded refillable cups, so buy one if you like branded coffee. If you only drink one latte or cappuccino a day, this could save at least 230 plastic coffee cups going into landfill every year.

Use Tupperware for lunch

If you like to bring lunch to work from home, make sure that it isn’t wrapped in a plastic sandwich bag that could eventually end up in the sea. Reuse plastic containers or invest in some Tupperware.

Bringing your own sandwich to work is a great sustainable switch compared to bought sandwiches sold in plastic packaging.

Use biodegradable bin bags

These are widely available in most supermarkets and from office suppliers with a negligible price difference. Plastic bin bags are horrible for the environment, so opt for bags that will decompose over time.

Get composting

Composting is an interesting way to reuse and recycle. You can compost almost anything that comes out of your kitchen, including food scraps and paper napkins. To get started with composting, there are some things you’ll need, so does require some effort and commitment over the longer term.

If you’re interested in composting at work, there are some great tips here Office Composting – Why It Matters When You’re At Work — Office Compost Program

Start small - aim big

You can make big changes to your workplace, but it’s important to start small. Small changes are easier to implement and build momentum for future improvements. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other members of staff, who will appreciate that you care about the environment and want them involved in improving it!

We hope these tips have inspired you to make a change in your workplace, whether it’s by replacing a few light bulbs or getting a drinks station and using refillable bottles. The more people who are aware of their impact on the environment, the better off we all will be!

To find out more about how an office drinks machine could save money, energy, time and reduce waste – contact our team.

The post Create a More Sustainable Workplace appeared first on Smart Soda.

Case Study | Munro Vehicles

eonadmin — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 17:09:54 +0000

Healthier beverages in a busy workplace

We are lucky enough to work with some truly inspirational businesses and Munro Vehicles is just one example. For those not familiar with Munro, their business is electric vehicles with a distinct feature…

The company manufactures tough trucks for use in heavy duty environments like agriculture, mining, and search and rescue; industries where traditionally diesel engines have ruled. What is also different about vehicles designed by Munro is they are built to last rather than be replaced every 3 years or so.

Obviously, there are options for refurbishment and upgrade in order to benefit customers but sustainability and being aware of their impact on the environment are a large part of the company ethos.

In that respect it seems Smart Soda was a good fit when it came to providing staff with healthier beverages and installing a drinks machine for their workplace. We asked why Smart Soda works for them and how their new beverage machine has been received by the team so far.

This is what Ross Anderson; Co-Founder, told us:

What motivated you to look for a drinks dispenser for your workplace?

“We believe strongly that small comforts at work go a long way. We were stocking cans of juice as a benefit, but this felt wasteful and not particularly economical. Our team drink lots during the day – manufacturing cars is a fair graft!”

What were the important elements you were looking for in a drinks dispenser?

“We were looking for a chilled and carbonated dispenser ideally, with natural ingredients and low sugar and found Smart Soda via a web search.”

What was it about Smart Soda that made you get in touch with us?

“We liked the health focus that Smart Soda appeared to have, and the small Lilly dispenser looked appropriate for our use case.”

How did Smart Soda fit with your requirements?

“Very well. We found a solution for chilled, carbonated, and healthy refreshments for our team that slotted into our existing kitchen space.”

How was the service received?

“Professional, personal, and efficient service from the entire team at Smart Soda.”

Have there been any challenges?

“We had a minor issue shortly after install (caused by a missing part that had to be ordered in). The telephone support from Smart Soda was excellent and an engineer arrived within days to rectify the problem. We’ve had no issues since, but we are confident about anything that comes up being addressed.”

How has the new system been received by staff?

“Very well indeed! Everyone has their favourite go-to and can stay well hydrated. We’ve had feedback that it tastes much fresher than anything from a can.”

Which flavour is the most popular!

“At the moment, cola and orange are tied for top position! We’re changing it up in our next order, we’d like to try all the flavours before settling on our favourites!”

Want to know more about Munro?

Still a relatively new operation, December 2022 saw an event to reveal the 4×4 Munro MK_1.

To find out more visit their website by clicking here.

More about Smart Soda

We encourage the use of refillable bottles and cups over single use plastic cups. If you think your team could benefit from a more sustainable drinks solution for the workplace, get in touch.

The post Case Study | Munro Vehicles appeared first on Smart Soda.

Back to the Office

eonadmin — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 15:30:35 +0000

How to Entice Staff Back to the Office

Polls suggest that more than two thirds of companies are using incentives to entice staff back to the workplace. As working from home has now become the norm for many, what will it take to get your people back in the office? Changes to the work environment with a strong emphasis on health and wellbeing seem to be enjoying the most success. Below are some tried and tested ideas when it comes to making office improvements your staff will love.

Quiet areas

Creating a quiet place for people who don’t feel they want to be engaged for the entire day can offer a calming oasis. Anything from beanbags and comfy chairs to simply enjoy some time out.

Plants

Provided you have enough natural light, plants are a good way to purify the air and improve concentration, allegedly. Also appreciated by workers because they bring joy and improve the look of the office. Just be sure someone remembers to water them!

Get an office drinks dispenser

Hydration is important when it comes to concentration, an office drinks station can also work as a meeting hub where staff from different departments get to cross paths. Previously known as “The Water Cooler Moment”, when staff would often be inspired when informally meeting at the bottled water machine. This opportunity for interaction is a bonus for the company and a big advantage over working from home. As we have moved on and are more sustainable, those “Moments” can now be re-created around a Smart Soda healthier drinks system. Very much the low maintenance and high reward option for valued staff.

Ergonomic seating

Interestingly, it seems that working from home has had a negative effect on spine health, most commonly due to so many people working on the sofa or at a kitchen table. Investing in new ergonomic office seating for your staff could pay benefits in the long term by reducing back pain and ultimately time off work. When people are comfortable and have good, seated posture they tend to be more productive too.

Food

Luncheon vouchers were incredibly successful in their day and let’s face it, who says no to free food? Free lunches and snacks are without doubt considered among the most popular employee perks. Keeping a fresh fruit bowl in the office or having protein bars can be a godsend for staff leaving the house without time to eat breakfast. Knowing nourishment is available can make a morning routine much less stressful. If your budget allows, shouting lunch once a week is a great way to get people together and will be hugely appreciated by your team.

There are plenty of other incentives from bonuses to mentoring schemes that require a higher level of planning, negotiation and investment. The above simply provides more affordable options that can make a big difference. Not sure which of these simple but effective ideas to implement? Why not go for all, as none of them are unlikely to get complaints from your employees!

The post Back to the Office appeared first on Smart Soda.

Invest in Your People

eonadmin — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 13:02:06 +0000

Do you provide quality drinks to your employees?

Vending machines in the office have become an outdated notion and, as your most important resource, your staff deserve better! A coffee machine and water cooler are also considered basic offerings in today’s office culture. Employers are realising that providing quality drinks at work is just one of the investments they can make in their staff. And of course, where there are investments – there are returns.

How can a drinks station increase productivity?

A refreshing drink can keep employees on track by keeping the brain hydrated and improving concentration which potentially, could also lead to increased levels of output. Providing a cold beverage dispensing machine for the office says a lot about you in the eyes of your people. Knowing that you care about their comfort and wellbeing will keep them engaged, happy, motivated, appreciated, creative and productive. At Smart Soda, our office drinks dispensers are changing the way we think about workplace perks.

Taking breaks are an important part of the work routine but they become more enjoyable when accompanied by snacks or drinks. If prior to taking a break there are intense periods of focus, why not reward employees with something deliciously thirst quenching to help achieve greater clarity, better memory function, balance moods and boosts morale.

Enter Smart Soda!

How can Smart Soda improve employee wellbeing?

It is up to your employees what they choose to drink but as their employer it makes sense to encourage a healthy diet. Avoid buying regular, sugary, carbonated drinks which will have a negative impact on their health. Many packaged juices also include a high amount of fructose corn syrup, which can increase the risk for diabetes. Overall, sugar is well known for the peaks and falls in energy which ultimately make people sluggish; not what employers want in the workplace.

By comparison Smart Soda is made with only low sugar or no sugar at all. We choose the plant-based natural sweetener Stevia, over chemical sweeteners. All our drinks are 100% vegan, antioxidant rich, gluten-free and can be boosted with unique functional shots – energy focus, immunity boost or relaxation.

Smart Soda’s delicious range of drinks are infused with vitamins to help stave off illness. Strengthening the immune system with vitamins C, B3, B5, B6 and B12 makes for healthy employees who take less days off sick. The alkaline water we use as a base for all our drinks not only tastes better but has substantial wellness benefits too.

The tastiest office drinks your employees will love!

Enticing people back to the office from working at home was never going to be easy. Installing a soft drinks dispenser for the office is one way you might just win them over. Speak to Smart Soda about workplace drinks solutions and the many benefits of countertop beverage machines for offices and workplaces. Our craft sodas are available as still or sparkling and in an exciting range of flavours all from a post mix dispenser. You won’t be disappointed!

The post Invest in Your People appeared first on Smart Soda.

Team Focus | Richard Macadam

eonadmin — Thu, 12 May 2022 14:20:51 +0000

Building our profile with Workplaces & Contract Caterers

Here at Smart Soda we understand the importance of providing a drinks platform that is innovative, sustainable, compact, healthier and easy for your teams and customers to use. We know we have a great product. But who are the people behind the idea? How did they come about building this disruptive healthier drinks brand in the UK? More importantly – what is their favourite flavour!

Find all the answers and more in a series of short blogs introducing you to the Smart Soda team members. Second up – Richard Macadam, our champion of Smart Soda drinks dispensers into the office, facilities and contract catering environments.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Kent and up until the age of 30 spent much of my life moving around, I went to 9 schools, lived in 4 countries and 10 counties in the UK. I finally settled down in 2005 and live in a small village just outside Petersfield, in the heart of the South Downs and only 6 miles from the beautiful South Coast.

Did you always want to work in the Hospitality Industry?

Yes for sure, from the age of 14. I started working part time and by the age of 18 was running the restaurant in my local hotel. I joined a management training program after my A-levels and spent 4 years at the Grand Hotel in Brighton.

Who has been your biggest influence?

As far as values, relationships, and outlook then my mum for sure, she came from a huge family and so taught me to never take anything for granted, you have to fight for what you believe in. With regards to work ethic and entrepreneurship then its my Dad. He was very focused and driven and has always been a great mentor for me, I have been lucky to have two great parents.

In three words, how would friends describe you?

Determined – Resilient – Loyal

How did your career lead you to where you are now?

I have worked in the drinks industry for the last 5 years and with Ian Webb (our Commercial Director) for much of the last 12 years. We work brilliantly as a team and when the opportunity came along to bring Smart Soda to the UK and Europe I knew it was going to be too good an opportunity to miss.

What are you most proud of achieveing?

In the hospitality and restaurant industry the pinnacle is to achieve a Michelin star. I managed a fantastic country house in Sussex that achieved many awards but for sure the star was the ultimate accolade. I ran a team that have all gone onto to achieve many career highlights seeing them flourish through my mentoring and guidance has also been a personal highlight.

What most interested you in joining Smart Soda?

For me it was the opportunity to bring an innovative product to market, taking it from concept to launch has been both challenging and rewarding. Smart Soda is unique as the worlds first alkaline water, vitamin infused, post mix system. It’s different but tastes amazing! To be part of a business that wants to make a difference to people’s health and also sustainability is really important to me and what makes us so special.

What do you like to do to relax?

Family is everything to me, I am blessed to have a fabulous wife and 2 older teenagers (who still like to hang out with the parents). I love cooking, have a great outdoor kitchen at home with a pizza oven and bbq, love socialising. I live close to the coast and it’s great to have the chance to spend many days at the Wittering’s with friends. I have a loyal springador, Rosie who is a great walking companion.

Favourite sports team?

Rugby has always been a massive part of my life, locally I coached Chichester juniors from under 6 to under 16. On a national basis my team is Northampton Saints, big rivals to my business partner Mark, which always leads to lots of banter in the office.

Favourite Smart Soda flavour?

If you are talking carbonated Smart Slushie, then the Strawberry Watermelon Zero is absolutely amazing, fresh and fruity. As far as sodas, then Orange Crush, has a great smell, lovely light colour and tastes really refreshing.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of a Smart Soda Drinks Dispenser read our blog Office Benefits.

To meet Richard or another of our experienced team, contact us now by clicking the button below.

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