Meeting International Best Practice
Challenge / Problem
The client wanted to ensure that its warehouse and distribution activities met internationally recognised best practice. Key challenges included:
- Implementing BRCGS requirements without complicating existing systems.
- Integrating new controls with established ISO frameworks.
- Strengthening risk‑based thinking across storage and dispatch activities.
- Supporting a broader organisational mindset shift — viewing packaging materials with the same level of hazard awareness as consumable food products.
Equipping senior management with the understanding needed to confidently lead and train their operational teams.
Client Overview
The client is a well‑established UK supplier of packaging materials, supporting a wide range of industries with reliable and sustainable packaging solutions. The business already operated certified management systems including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and is also a SEDEX member, reflecting strong commitments to quality, environmental responsibility, and ethical supply chain practices.
As customer expectations around product safety, traceability and supply chain assurance continued to rise, they sought to strengthen its operations by achieving certification to the BRCGS Storage & Distribution.
Approach and Solution
We worked closely with the client’s senior leadership team to design, implement and embed a management system aligned with BRCGS requirements.
Gap Analysis
A structured review of current processes, documentation, controls and site standards provided clarity on existing alignment with BRCGS requirements and areas requiring improvement.
System Development
We developed a tailored Storage & Distribution management system integrated with the company’s existing ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 frameworks.
Although the client handles only outer packaging, the BRCGS Standard is based on Food Safety Management System principles.
This meant incorporating hazard identification, risk assessment and control measures similar to those used in food environments.
Key elements included:
- Senior management commitment and objective setting
- Product safety and risk‑based thinking
- Document control and traceability
- Site standards, hygiene and contamination control
- Strengthened incident, complaint and corrective action processes
- Processes for review, internal checks and escalation
Leadership Training & Support
Training was provided exclusively to senior management to ensure they:
- Understood BRCGS Storage & Distribution requirements
- Recognised their role in culture change and compliance
- Were able to train and guide warehouse teams internally
Implementation Support
We worked alongside senior management to embed practical improvements, including:
- Creating HARA flow diagrams for warehouse operations
- Strengthening pest control measures, including installing plastic bristle strips on shutter doors
- Enhancing traceability through product recall testing
- Supporting a mindset shift to treat packaging materials with the same hazard awareness as food products
Pre‑Assessment & Audit Preparation
A full pre‑assessment validated compliance and ensured the client was fully prepared for certification.
Outcome and Impact
The client achieved BRCGS Storage & Distribution certification at the highest possible grade: AA+ — demonstrating excellent leadership engagement, robust system design and a strong cultural shift.
Key benefits included:
- Top-tier audit result (AA+), positioning the company as a leader in compliant warehousing and distribution
- Enhanced customer confidence, particularly for clients requiring accredited suppliers
- Greater operational consistency, with aligned ISO and BRCGS systems reducing duplication
- Stronger risk management and improved hazard awareness
- Improved traceability and recall readiness
- Increased supply chain resilience, backed by a globally recognised standard
The project showcased how targeted consultancy, integrated systems and leadership‑driven implementation can deliver measurable business value and a transformative cultural shift.