Another AA-Grade BRCGS Certification for Howard Tenens Logistics

Howards Tenens Logistics, a quality focused, independent family business delivering mutual value through great people, collaboration and technology has been awarded AA-grade BRCGS certification for its warehouse in Swindon for the second year running.

Howard Tenens Logistics’ Swindon warehouse has been awarded the highest possible, AA-grade BRCGS certification. This time under issue 4 of the Storage and Distribution Global Standard. The Brand Reputation through Compliance of Global Standards is an internationally recognised standard that is fast becoming a fundamental requirement for logistics customers. It has become a benchmark for best practices in storage and distribution, guarantying the standardisation of quality, safety and operational criteria. The Standards audit confirms Tenens’ adherence to strict quality, safety and operational criteria and ensures that manufacturers fulfil their legal obligations and provide protection for the end consumer.

This year, a new version of the standard was released. This saw the following adaptations take place on-site; complete allergen management and segregation of produces, implementation of a product safety and quality culture plan, expansion of the HACCP team including the introduction of a deputy team leader, fraud vulnerability and integrity checks, as well as a plaster log for reporting all injuries both inside and outside of the workplace that result in the need for a plaster to be applied. There is a focus on ensuring all operational staff understand the BRCGS requirements and as such, they have all attended a training session. Briefings for regular suppliers and/or subcontractors are also conducted.

Alexandra Rothery, HSEQ Supervisor for Howard Tenens Swindon, comments: “This really has been a labour of love and wouldn’t have been even slightly achievable without the relentless hard work from our Coffee Network team.

When BRCGS announced that they were releasing a new version of the standard, we knew it was going to be tough to achieve an AA grade again. We have had to rethink some processes and really adapt our approach to work here on the Coffee Network. However, the team have taken it all in their stride, they have been enthusiastic and productive, all while relocating the operation at the same time!”