Achieving BRC certification is a significant milestone for any food business. Whether you’re aiming for BRCGS Food Safety, Storage & Distribution, Agents and Brokers, or another standard, having the right consultant by your side can be the difference between a smooth certification process, or a stressful one.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the key things to look for when choosing a BRC consultant, so you can ensure compliance, save resources, and protect your brand’s reputation.
Why hire a BRC consultant?
BRC standards can be complex and overwhelming, especially for businesses without dedicated in-house expertise. Many companies struggle to interpret the detailed requirements and implement the necessary systems to achieve and maintain compliance.
This is where a BRC consultant becomes invaluable. These specialists bring in-depth knowledge of the BRC standards and provide hands-on support tailored to your operations. A qualified consultant can help you:
- Expertise in the standard particular to your business
- Indicate non-conformities and corrective action ahead for audits
- Guidance on documentation and procedures
- Staff training
- Support during external certification audits
What to Look for in a BRC Consultant
1. Proven Experience with BRC Standards
Look for consultants who specialise in your specific BRC category (e.g., Food, Packaging, Storage & Distribution). Ask:
- How many businesses have they helped get certified?
- Do they have recent experience with your BRC standard version?
- What grades do their clients tend to achieve?
- Can they provide references or case studies?
2. Qualifications and accreditations
Ensure your consultant has formal qualifications and industry-recognised credentials, such as:
- Lead Auditor Training
- HACCP Level 3 or 4 certification
- Membership in relevant bodies
3. Industry-specific knowledge
Each sector has its own compliance challenges. Your consultant should understand:
- Your product category and production methods
- Your supply chain complexity
- Specific customer or retailer requirements
4. Trailered solutions for your business operation
Avoid consultants who offer a “one-size-fits-all” approach, every business has unique operations, risks, and compliance needs that require tailored solutions. The best ones will:
- Tailor documentation to your processes
- Involve your team in implementation
- Offer flexible support packages
5. Clear communication and support
BRC compliance is a journey, not a one-off task. Choose someone who:
- Communicates clearly and promptly
- Offers ongoing support after certification is achieved
- Can train your staff for long-term compliance
- Provides backup support if your primary consultant is absence (e.g., illness or holiday)
Red Flags to watch out for
- Vague about experience or unwilling to provide references
- Promises quick fixes or guaranteed certification
- Offers pre-written templates with no customisation
- Pressures you into decisions without understanding your business
The ROI of the Right Consultant
Investing in the right BRC consultant can result in:
- Faster and smoother journey to certification
- Fewer non-conformities
- Better staff understanding of food safety culture
- Long-term savings from reduced risks and inefficiencies
Choosing the right BRC consultant is a strategic decision. Take the time to evaluate their experience, ask for references, and make sure their approach fits your business’s size, culture, and goals.
By partnering with the right expert, you’re not just aiming for a certificate, you’re building a safer, stronger, and more trusted brand.
Get in touch today to find out if we’re the right partner to support your BRC journey.