case studies
range redesign management
technical case study - specifications
the client
One of the UK’s leading prepared fresh produce manufacturers supplying major retailers, with over 300 employees.
the challenge
In January 2017 the task was to manage the range redesign for one of the clients retailer brands, involving 30 different products. In addition to this, new product launches and routine specification amends.
In October 2018 the client required SJW Technical to pick up the workload of an outgoing employee with no handover and manage another range redesign in April 2019, as well as new product launches.
the result
Trusted by the client on two separate occasions to deliver accurate specifications and artwork whilst improving existing systems for future projects.
- SJW Technical managed the range redesign in January 2017 and again in April 2019
- Provided guidance on specification and artwork requirements for a new retailer customer
- Improved existing QAS documents to gold standard level
- Solved labelling challenges in a professional and sensitive manner
"Sarah picked up the reins from our outgoing Spec Tech rapidly and with no handover. She is professional, trustworthy and made a real difference. It’s great when you can trust a colleague with a project and know it will be completed to the right standard on time. Thank you Sarah." Technical Leader
new factory specifications setup
technical case study - specifications
the client
Factory producing ambient products for Tesco instore bakeries and 5 artisan bakery shops around London.
the challenge
Following the opening of a new factory in 2014, the task was to complete specifications and accurate artwork for 300 artisan and standard lines under tight timescales. New processes and new factory setup created challenges in recipe accuracy for specifications and artwork.
the result
SJW Technical played a key role in delivering the specifications whilst keeping the technical manager informed of progress with weekly meetings.
- The team successfully completed all 300 specifications within the agreed time period
- Artwork approvals managed by SJWT between December 2014 and April 2015
- In October 2016 SJW Technical returned to Euphorium Bakery (high street branches) to help with a project in specifications transfer and internal technical document creation
"Sarah is an excellent Specifications Technologist, she is very professional, knowledgeable, diligent and thorough. She is also a really nice person and works very well under pressure and tight deadlines and I would happily recommend her to any business. We worked together on a large project and Sarah went above and beyond her duties happily to get the work done when it was necessary to deliver the project objectives." Lead specification consultant
"professional"
"diligent"
"committed"
"fast"
authorised representation (fbo) - UK exporter
technical case study - EU regulations
the client
This small spice kit business grew well during the pandemic because it tapped into the needs of people with time on their hands and the urge to experiment in their kitchens. When lockdown ended and life got back to normal again, it was clear that relying on the UK for growth wasn’t going to deliver against the founder’s targets.
the challenge
To export into the European Union, they learned that they would need to have a local address in the EU to use on their labels. Opening a local office was complicated and beyond their budget. Finding a local agent would be time-consuming and cut into their profits. So, the business looked to find a company acting in the ‘Authorised Representation’ field.
the result
The client found SJW Technical and CERTLabel who together were able to meet his needs and exceed his expectations. Together, the two companies were able to offer the exporter the confidence that their products met all the local legislation and provided a service acting as the point of contact for enforcement bodies, whilst providing the client with an appropriate address for the packaging.
Working with SJWT and CERTLabel “gives me total confidence in my compliance to sell my products in my destination markets” Gordon, Founder and Exporter of a range of food gift packs
authorised representation (fbo) - US exporter into UK
technical case study - UK regulations
the client
This US-based supplier of nutritional supplements had built a successful business in their home country selling through Amazon.com. They were encouraged by Amazon staff to consider exporting their products into Europe and took the decision to start with the UK, where they shared a common language.
the challenge
The company had no prior export experience but received lots of advice and guidance documents from Amazon and spoke to one of Amazon’s compliance partners who explained that they would need to get the product formulations checked against UK legislation, and would need a local address in the UK for their labels. They learned about the option of Authorised Representation and, after lots of online searching, they found SJWT.
the result
The client recognized that Authorised Representation was a cost-effective alternative to opening a local office or finding a local agent, and it enabled them to put their ‘toe in the water’ and explore the market whilst ensuring that they met all the local legal requirements.
They found Sarah to be highly knowledgeable, professional and thorough, and her prices to be very reasonable. As a US-based company, they were reassured by Sarah’s local knowledge and felt secure that their business was safer for having her support.
“The level of expertise and market familiarity that Sarah offers is unparalleled. Her service made it possible for us to enter the UK market in a compliant way, minimizing our risks.” Daniel, US-based Amazon.com seller and exporter
"exceeded expectations"
"reassuring"
"knowledgeable"
"responsive"
authorised representation (fbo) - UK exporter
technical case study - EU regulations
the client
This company is a ground-breaking supplier of vegan egg-substitute. When they decided to start exporting to the EU, the General Manager – an experienced food and beverage professional - already knew they would need to check the product for EU legal compliance, and would need a local address for their packaging.
the challenge
The company researched their options and the GM was not happy with some of the cheaper routes to market. He wanted more than an office where somebody would take a few calls and forward the mail. He considered such services to be within the ‘scope but not the spirit’ of the legislation and he wanted a more professional approach that offered greater security than that.
He had previously worked with companies that used SJWT and CERTLabel and he trusted their skills and experience.
the result
The client found the service easy to use and he appreciated the thorough checks for legal compliance. Sarah was easy to work with and responsive, and the thoroughness of her approach gave them confidence that they had done everything they could to ensure their business was safe in a new market.
“We investigated the options thoroughly and chose to work with Sarah because she offers a fabulous service that reassures us that we have a defendable position. She’s very responsive and easy to work with and I recommend her highly”, Rik Roberts, GM of Plantheads.
