For 17 years Garry has worked within the Central Technical Team of Tesco. In that time the company went from third biggest in the UK to the third biggest in the world. It has now been 6 years since Garry created GDT Consultancy with the philosophy of assisting and working within Food Standards.
Garry joined Tesco along with the remit to protect Tesco due diligence. A manufacturing standard was produced and unannounced audit programme developed and undertaken.
Against much opposition from the Tesco supply base, “the men in black” continued, resulting in the recognised “Product Integrity Unit” which exists today, along with the highly recognisable and credited “Tesco Manufacturing Standards” in place.
The success of theses standards against others, is the very strict process for the auditors to be approved to audit against them.
This is not the traditional BRC type of auditing where non-conformances are found and reported. Auditors are encouraged to use their experience to help sites.
Garry’s experience in FMCG through auditing, product technical management and overseas technical experience allows for the “fresh pair of eyes” approach to help suppliers and manufacturing site.
Prior to Tesco Garry was a Food and Health Safety Enforcement EHO in a London Borough where he investigated fraudulent operations, hygiene and health and safety issue, many of which resulted in prosecution and presence at both Crown and Magistrates Courts.
In the past 5 years we have had the pleasure to work with major UK retailers, large food processing groups and companies, independent food producers, food service companies, accreditation bodies and a major holiday park provider. (Some of which are detailed on our “who we worked with” page).
These sites have been in the UK, Ireland, Mainland Europe, West Africa and South America indicating the breath and range of people we work with, and differing food products.
As we continue to develop our skills and experience to add to the 25+ years that Garry has been involved in Food Production and Food Safety, we still believe that the UK Food industry Standards are the highest in the world and the people we meet are dedicated to keeping to or raising their standards. Unfortunately, we have met a few who wish to cut corners and we couldn’t help or wish to be associated with.
Garry has been invited to join the Board for Society of Food Hygiene and Technology, a Technical Judge for the British Sandwich Awards and Product Judge for the Quality Food Awards, which has been a specific highlight of GDT Consultancy recent journey.