Directory of training providers
Updated 2 October 2023
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The information below has been provided by trainers that have advised the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) that they offer training on the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (the Code).
They are listed in alphabetical order and inclusion in this list does not imply any endorsement of the course by the GCA.
If you wish to be trained on the Code, please follow up with your chosen provider directly to discuss the specifics of the course on offer.
If you would like to inform the Groceries Code Adjudicator that you offer training on the Code, please email enquiries@groceriescode.gov.uk.
1. Addleshaw Goddard
Provide case study focused training on the Groceries Code, the role of the Adjudicator and what this means for your trading relationships, based on sector knowledge and experiences advising on the development of the Code and its application. Can be combined with other training for trading teams.
Contact:
Rona Bar-Issac on 020 7160 3357 or 07725 734167 or by email at rona.bar-isaac@addleshawgoddard.com.
2. Blueprint Management Consultants Ltd
A full and up to date understanding of GSCOP delivered in an interactive and dynamic fashion, including role play and a Q&A session. The trainers are all ex-FMCG sales directors who fully understand the subtlety of trading with the designated GSCOP retailers in the UK.
Contact:
Nigel McMahon on 07951579765 or email nigel@blueprint-consultants.com
3. Bridgethorne Ltd
Bridgethorne Training Academy GSCOP training is delivered by a retail expert with years of buying experience and uses his retailers perspective to assist teams in understanding the Code’s detail in an engaging and supportive workshop bringing together the different perspectives of both a retailer and a supplier. This delivers greater confidence in spotting potential breaches and enables teams to tactfully raise Code-related concerns with trading partners. We offer a 1-2-1 session at the end of the workshop to discuss in detail specific challenges and offer further support to deal with the issues being faced.
Contact:
Mark Hermsen by email at mark.hermsen@bridgethorne.com.
4. British Brands Group
One-day introductory course providing essential knowledge and skills on the Code, including the Adjudicator’s role, recent developments and using the Code effectively in day-to-day trading, whilst sustaining strong relationships with retailers. Also a half-day Refresher Course. Both courses available to individuals or groups and can be run in-house, in-person or online. First to provide supplier training, our courses reflect our day-to-day practical work with the Code and are highly rated by delegates.
Contact:
John Noble on +44 (0)1730 821212 or by email at jn@britishbrandsgroup.org.uk.
5. Gordons LLP
Our training is provided by solicitors who have worked in-house at designated retailers such as Morrison’s and Iceland. We use real life case studies provided by our supplier clients which enables suppliers/participants to create the most effective negotiating environment, without damaging their commercial relationships.
Contact:
Mark Jones on 0113 227 0297 or by email at mark.jones@gordonsllp.com.
6. GSCOP Ltd
With both online & face-to-face workshops GSCOP Ltd helps companies (suppliers/manufacturers) identify areas of risk & improve their chances of success when dealing with supermarkets. Done through a combination of insightful training, issues spotting and conflict resolution, together with hands on practical advice, access to best practice and legal services. This is training from the perspective of a Buyer, why do they do what they do? With over £45m saved in the past few years our training & advice gets results.
Contact:
Ged Futter on 07943 840775 or by email at ged@theretailmind.co.uk or david@theretailmind.co.uk.
7. GSCOP for Suppliers
Since 2015 we’ve supported thousands of suppliers worldwide, and UK based; large, small and tiny startups. Our services have released £millions in savings and improved terms with retailers. Our expertise lies in providing a comprehensive understanding of GSCOP regulations and retailer behaviour. We equip your teams with the skills needed to spot and resolve GSCOP issues. Our services are highly affordable to businesses of all sizes.
We offer sessions online and face to face, allowing ample opportunities to interact and address your specific issues and problems. With decades of commercial experience in regulated retailers and close relationships with suppliers, the sessions are engaging and informative, packed with real world examples, practical advice and best practices.
Additionally, we have a comprehensive support package available too, from one on one advice sessions to hands on, in depth resolution sessions.
Contact:
Stuart Sadler by email at stuart.sadler@gscoptraining.com.
8. Making Business Matter (MBM) Ltd
Are you concerned that your supermarket buyers have a legal advantage over you? Or that you don’t have a written supply agreement?
We can help, So, why choose us? Two reasons: 1. We have been delivering GSCOP training for over 8 years, and 2. Our training is delivered by an ex-Tesco Trading Director.
Contact:
Darren A. Smith on 0333 247 2012 or by email at helpme@makingbusinessmatter.co.uk.
9. National Farmers Union GSCOP Training
The NFU offer a special discounted price for members to be trained on GSCOP, in conjunction with British Brands Group. These one-day training sessions offer members the opportunity to learn how GSCOP affects them, to instil confidence in using GSCOP in supply negotiations and to understand how the NFU can help if you think GSCOP has been breached.
Contact:
Christine McDowell by email at FoodBusinessUnit@nfu.org.uk.
10. Sentinel Management Consultants Ltd
Practical GSCOP. The day was designed by CEO David Sables so that all elements can be recalled ‘in the moment’ by your commercial teams. It’s not just legalese and process; in realistic role plays we show how to react to non-compliance and allow restoration to a productive commercial agenda.
Contact:
David Sables by email at david.sables@sentinelmc.com.
11. SmithCarey Ltd
Our SmithCarey ‘GSCOP IN ACTION’ training has helped many suppliers affect real behaviour change when dealing with retailers. We deliver personalised training focused on ‘WHAT IT IS’ insight and knowledge into the Code and ‘HOW TO USE IT’. This approach helps create a practical collaborative approach using your own specific challenges as well as wider industry case studies, ensuring you ‘PUSH BACK’ effectively. Participants receive guidance from both commercial experts, retail buyers and input from our competition lawyer.
Contact:
Paul Carey on 07786745165 or by email at Paul@smithcarey.co.uk.
12. Walker Morris LLP
Bespoke or off-the-shelf training provided by lawyers with both designated retailer and supplier in-house experience. Practical and pragmatic sessions that use the legal framework of the Code and insightful case studies to help commercial teams identify Code issues and opportunities in the most effective way.
Contact:
Sarah Podesta on 0113 283 2500 or by email at sarah.podesta@walkermorris.co.uk.
13. 4C Associates Limited
Simon Latham has held senior commercial roles at JS, Safeway and Tesco. Simon wrote & delivered Tesco’s GSCOP training to over 3,000 people and more recently has trained a further 2 multiple grocers.
After leaving Tesco, Simon has trained in excess of 100 FMCG suppliers either remotely or in person with a tailored approach depending on supplier requirements and group size – anything from a 2 hour refresher to a full day’s immersive session.
Contact:
Simon Latham on 07799 352968 or by email at Simon.Latham@4cassociates.com.