Wessex Country Gammons’ Journey to Achieving BRCGS START! Certification with iqms Learning
Background
Wessex Country Gammons is a long‑established, family‑run Dorset business specialising in premium cooked meats. Founded by Richard Isaacs, who learned his craft in a traditional Wimborne butchery, the company has grown from humble beginnings to employing over 30 staff and supplying customers across the UK while maintaining traditional techniques and craftsmanship. The company emphasises product quality, food safety, and excellent customer service as the foundation of its success.
With over 36 years of operational history and an expanding distribution network, Wessex Country Gammons continues to diversify its offering.
Given their continued growth and commitment to excellence, achieving a BRCGS certification became the next logical step in demonstrating strong food safety systems, enhanced customer confidence, and access to larger retail and wholesale markets.
The Challenge
As demand increased and distribution expanded nationwide, Wessex Country Gammons recognised the need to:
- Strengthen its food safety and quality management systems
- Align processes to meet the rigorous requirements of the BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
- Prepare its team for the documentation, auditing, and cultural expectations required for certification
Although the business already held other certifications such as SALSA and RSPCA Assured, BRCGS represented a higher level of international benchmarking requiring formal training, audit preparedness, and systematic improvement.
Why Wessex Country Gammons Chose iqms Learning
iqms Learning is a recognised provider of BRCGS training and consultancy support, delivering courses through BRCGS‑approved trainers, including internal auditor courses, lead auditor training, and site implementation programmes.
As our MD Steve Nicholas says “Our consultants are qualified, experienced in food manufacturing, and skilled at guiding organisations through the requirements of management systems standards and audit preparation.”
Why iqms Learning stood out:
- Expertise in BRCGS Issue 9 implementation and auditing
- Ability to deliver tailored in‑house support.
- Access to approved training courses designed for technical and quality teams
- Strong practical understanding of food manufacturing environments
Our Project Approach
With iqms Learning consultant Dave Ditch supporting the project, the certification journey followed a structured pathway:
1.0 Gap Analysis & System Review
iqms Learning reviewed existing systems, including:
- HACCP plans
- Internal audit processes
- Traceability and supplier assurance
- Production controls and hygiene practices
This identified a clear roadmap for meeting BRCGS requirements.
2.0 Staff Training & Capacity Building
iqms Learning delivered targeted BRCGS training using their approved trainers, including:
- Internal Auditor training, which included live case‑study audits and feedback to build confidence and competence among the technical team [iqmslearning.co.uk]
- Food Safety Issue 9 requirements and implementation workshops [iqmslearning.co.uk]
This ensured that staff understood not only what the Standard required, but how to implement it consistently.
With strong engagement from the team, new systems and procedures were quickly implemented, embedded into daily operations.
3.0 Documentation & Systems Development
Together, Wessex Country Gammons and iqms Learning strengthened:
- Policies and standard operating procedures
- Corrective action systems
- Risk assessments and vulnerability assessments
- Internal audit schedules
4.0 Pre‑Audit Readiness
iqms consultants conducted mock audits simulating BRCGS conditions, allowing the team to:
- Practise managing audit findings
- Demonstrate process knowledge
- Build confidence ahead of the formal certification audit
The Outcome: Successful BRCGS Certification!
With the guidance of iqms Learning and the dedication of the Wessex Country Gammons team, the business successfully prepared for and achieved BRCGS START! certification, marking a major milestone in its continuous improvement journey.
BRCGS START! also strengthened their position as a trusted partner for retailers, food wholesalers, and catering butchers, aligning with their long‑standing values of quality and service.
Hear Directly From Wessex Country Gammons
Speaking about the journey towards certification, Niki Cucka, Manager at Wessex Country Gammons, said:
“Wessex Country Gammons worked with Dave Ditch and iqms as consultants during our journey towards achieving BRCGS START! certification. Dave provided a high level of support through structured guidance, practical advice, and ongoing coaching, which significantly accelerated both our progress and overall business performance
The structured approach, clarity, and hands-on support provided by iqms were invaluable in getting us to the standard required.”
Benefits Realised
For Wessex Country Gammons
- Enhanced credibility with major buyers
- Improved internal auditing and process control
- Stronger food safety culture
- More structured and efficient quality systems
For Customers
- Increased confidence in food safety and compliance
- Assurance backed by a globally recognised certification scheme
For Staff
- Improved skills through certified training
- Clearer roles and responsibilities
- Greater engagement in quality and safety improvements
Conclusion
Wessex Country Gammons’ successful attainment of BRCGS START! certification demonstrates how a craft‑focused, family‑run business can scale its operations while preserving heritage and quality. By partnering with iqms Learning, the company gained not only certification, but also the internal capability and confidence to maintain and continuously improve its systems.
Wessex Country Gammons’ experience shows how a clear plan, practical guidance and team engagement can make the journey to certification far more manageable.
From implementation and certification to continual improvement, we provide practical support tailored to your organisation. Speak to our team today to see how we can help - Contact us here
