There is also the logistical side to consider, where the distribution of these goods is decided. This means that there needs to be more than one organisation deciding the standards, as each type of FMCG requires its own independent set of regulations.
Furthermore, there is also the issue that FMCGs are a global industry, with each country following their own health and safety rules, a fact that is further complicated as many companies involved in FMCGs employ migrant workers as a part of their workforce.
Despite this, however, there are some organisations and firms that have dedicated themselves to helping companies involved in the FMCG industry maintain these standards and regulations. For example, PZ Cussons, a leading organisation within the industry, does business with FMCG companies in Europe, Asia and Africa to ensure that these businesses not only remain profitable but also adhere to the standards of corporate responsibility in regards to the environment, health and safety, product testing, consumer safety and proper business conduct and ethics.
Meanwhile, in Ireland, specialised law firm Maree Gallagher Associates (MGA) has filled a sizeable gap in the market by providing expert legal & technical advice to the food, animal feed, pharmaceutical and consumer product sectors. However, even with organisations like these providing support, companies within the FMCG industry still need to make sure that their staff and employees are aware of these rules and regulations and guarantee that they follow them throughout their work. One of the best ways they can do this is through regulatory compliance training. This usually takes the form of a course that companies can provide to employees that instructs its participants on the latest updates in regulations and professional standards. These courses can take place both within a classroom or online via e-learning services and are used by a variety of industries and businesses. However, their content is usually tailored to suit the profession they are intended for.
Unfortunately, companies that provide this training are not always easy to find, particularly in the UK. Some FMCG businesses can get around this by simply creating their own exclusive training programmes, but not everyone has this option. For those who are having trouble finding a suitable training course for their business, we’ve included some possible solutions.
The first company we’ve been able to identify is Spearhead
Training. Founded in 1981 by 3 directors, Spearhead designs and delivers cost
effective soft skills training for a variety of industries and roles, including
Management, Sales and Marketing, PA and Office Support, Business Skills and
FMCG. It should, however, be noted that these courses tend to be focused more on
skills improvement than regulatory compliance. They can be contacted by
telephone (01608 644144) or via email (info@spearhead-training.co.uk). Their website is at www.spearhead-training.co.uk
The next company is FQC Solutions Ltd, a corporation that
specialises in providing compliance support to food and beverage providers.
While they do primarily support those involved in food production, their work
is relevant to the FMCG industry, which is largely based on packaged food
goods. They provide bespoke training in auditing, food safety, risk and crisis
management, quality improvement techniques and ISO standards. Anyone wishing to
contact them may do so either by telephone (+44(0)7584139100) or email (enquiries@fqcsolutions.com).
For online training solutions, Webanywhere offer learning management systems (LMS) with a specific legal compliance module for companies worldwide to prepare for internal or external audits. You can call them for an informal discussion of your requirements on 0044 (0)1535 604 026 or learn more at on the legal compliance training page of their website.
Another option that may prove useful is Kings Safety
Training, and independent training centre based in York. As with FQC Solutions,
they focus more on food than the other aspects of FMCG, but their services can
still be relevant. They offer a training course in food safety, as well as
allergy awareness, nutrition and health and safety. They can be contacted
either by telephone (01904 761791) or via email (info@kingssafety.co.uk).
Finally there’s Needham Logistics Training Ltd, a logistics
training company with offices in Suffolk and a forklift training centre in
Ipswich. Like the previous two, this company only offers training for a part of
the FMCG industry, but considering the large role that logistics plays in the
business of packaged goods, it should be more than helpful. Needham offers a
wide range of training courses, including first aid and health and safety.
Anyone wishing to contact their main office may do so either by telephone
(01449 722400), email (roy@needlogisticstraining.co.uk, carol@needlogisticstraining.co.uk or alan@needlogisticstraining.co.uk)
or directly from their website.
