The Food WorksSW Strengthens Its Services For Food And Drink Businesses

The Food Works^SW  Technical Manager Beth Winters, recently appointed as a Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA) Auditor

The Food Works^SW, the food and drink innovation centre in Weston-super-Mare, continues to strengthen its support for food and drink businesses with the announcement of a new partnership with One Scientific Labs and a new in-house SALSA Auditor.

The centre’s own Technical Manager Beth Winters has recently been appointed as a Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA) Auditor,  the widely recognised food safety certification scheme designed specifically for smaller food producers.  Through this appointment, The Food Works^SW will continue to extend its impact across the industry, offering a wider range of support to small and medium-sized producers looking to meet certification requirements, improve operational standards and grow their business.

Commenting on her new role Beth Winters said, “I’m thrilled to be joining the SALSA team. This new role aligns perfectly with my ongoing work at The Food Works^SW supporting food businesses with practical, realistic advice and auditing expertise. Becoming a SALSA Auditor not only builds on my auditing experience but also allows me to support producers on their journey to achieving and maintaining high food safety standards”.

In addition, The Food Works^SW is further enhancing its services with a new working relationship with Avonmouth-based One Scientific Laboratory,  part of the Tentamus Group. The new partnership brings together expert laboratory testing and practical technical advice for food and drink businesses.

One Scientific is a respected UKAS-accredited laboratory offering microbiological and chemical analysis for food, drink and environmental samples. Their accredited testing services help producers meet regulatory requirements, maintain quality standards and ensure consumer safety. The Food Works^SW will work closely with One Scientific to support clients throughout the testing process.  The collaboration also includes guidance on validation of processes, routine sampling plans and troubleshooting product or process concerns.  A comprehensive shelf-life testing package will also be available, helping producers to understand and demonstrate how long their products remain safe and of good quality. 

Dominic Long, One Scientific’s General Manager said, “I am delighted to support The Food Works^SW  in their mission to help food producers across the South West and beyond. Through this collaboration, clients will gain access to expert advice and support, underpinned by the Gold-standard testing and service that One Scientific is proud to provide. Our team is dedicated to customer service and quality, and we believe The Food Works^SW  share these same values”.

Simon Gregory, Director at The Food Works^SW added, “Working alongside the team at One Scientific gives us the ability to offer a truly joined-up approach to laboratory testing.  It means our clients can access high-quality analytical services with the added benefit of practical support, turning data into decisions, and helping businesses grow with confidence”.

The Food Works^SW  Open Day is on 2nd October from 10am to 2pm for food and drink businesses, with free seminars and one to one clinics with experts from a range of industries. 

-ENDS-

For images please see this link. 

Notes to Editor

About The Food Works^SW

• The centre was created by North Somerset Council following feedback from food and drink producers that they needed facilities and support as it wasn't available elsewhere. For many, this limited their ability to grow their business and create jobs. The centre now helps UK-based businesses of all kinds - from start-ups to well-established companies and hospitality businesses - to grow or diversify their product offering. Not only does this support the sector, it underpins the council’s goal to strengthen economic growth across the area.

• The centre is operated by the Future Food Partnership, a not-for-private-profit Community Interest Company.

• The Food Works^SW food innovation centre is home to five development kitchens, each containing specialist equipment centred around creating different products including dairy, bakery and drinks. These are available for flexible short-term hire by food and drink businesses of all sizes to test, develop and manufacture their products. Specific information about the kitchens and the equipment available can be found at www.foodworks-sw.co.uk/development-kitchen-hire.

• The development kitchens, which are available with or without onsite technical and development support, contain specialist equipment tailored to the areas within the industry - bakery, dairy, drinks, commercial and trial. Flexible short-term contract hire is available for businesses of all sizes to test, develop and manufacture their food and drink products or dishes.

• The Food Works^SW technical team provides businesses with support including food safety and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP); developing a product; scaling up production; product costing; labelling compliance; and certification such as British Retail Consortium (BRCGS) and Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA). More information can be found at www.foodworks-sw.co.uk/technical-support. Support bundles are also now available: www.foodworks-sw.co.uk/bundles 

• All of the 12 on-site food-grade business units at The Food Works^SW are currently let and in use by food and drink producers. With 24/7 access to the secure sites, the units contain food-grade non-slip resin flooring, a staff kitchen and changing area, roller shutter doors, three and single phase electricity, video intercom system and access control, discounted use of the development kitchen space and meeting rooms, access to specialist business and technical development support through the site operators, The Future Food Partnership CIC.

• The food and drink innovation centre also includes meeting rooms, conference facilities and a coffee shop where events can be hosted. Anyone is welcome - businesses do not have to operate in the food and drink sector to book these facilities.

For further information please contact rebecca@rawfoodanddrink.co.uk

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