Challenges
To obtain BRC Accreditation, a wider interpretation of the Agents & Brokers standard needed implementing because it is mainly written for food businesses. Bag Broker is a non-food product company.
The focus of resources centred around the UK Director and a team of six in the UK and EU.
Challenges associated with Covid also occurred. Finding a certification body to carry out the audit who were UKAS and BRCGS approved needed resolving. Finally, a suitably qualified and trained auditor.
Preparing and Implementing
A Gap Analysis report is the first stage, looking at the current systems in place against the standard. The current systems framework needed work, particularly around supplier control. To develop a complete system, offices outside the UK/EU region were also supported.
The focus of our work was the mentoring of key staff, guiding on how and why each section was to be developed and implemented.
The most challenging sections of the standard included supplier and service supplier control. This is because Bag Broker has a global supplier base and there is a lack of controls at the warehouse service providers. This took time and perseverance to obtain all supplier information required to meet and follow the standard.
Outcomes
Achieving BRCGS Grade AA at the audit. This is the highest grade obtainable.
For Food Safety Assist, we have secured a further project to mentor a food business through the Agents & Broker standard.
Our work continues…
Work continues carrying out internal audits and reviews for Bag Broker which are an essential requirement of the standard. Staff require mentoring to update the current safety system to the new version 3 ready for their next audit.
