Monthly Finance Community call

Andrew heads up the team focusing on the production, labelling and sale of food alongside the responsible sourcing and production of all retail products. Covering a complex legislative agenda, he and his team work closely with key officials in all UK Governments and Brussels. They are also working closely with key NGOs and partners in the supply chain to improve the way products are made and sold.

Andrew has huge experience in food production from his time with the NFU and before that as Chartered Surveyor managing a dairy estate.

Chris manages the BRC’s Finance Community and has recently joined the organisation after working in public policy roles for a range of companies and organisations, including TikTok, Which? and Ofcom. He has extensive knowledge of current digital policy matters and online advertising regulations and has extensive experience in engaging with government and regulators, advocating for better consumer outcomes in markets and in shaping legislation.

David Lonsdale is the Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, and Head of Devolved Nations for the BRC. Prior to this he was Assistant Director at CBI Scotland for 8 years until 2013, and previously worked at the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, rising from Policy Officer to become Head of Policy & Public Affairs.

David’s responsibilities at the SRC involve representing and promoting the interests of the retail industry and member companies to government, policy makers and opinion formers on a wide range of public policy issues.

He is a board member of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, a member of SCDI’s National Policy Committee, a member of the CBI Scotland Council, and former chairman and trustee of Work Place Chaplaincy Scotland.

Devina Sankhla is Food Policy Advisor at the BRC, responsible for food safety and quality aspects including microbiology, chemical contaminants, food contact materials, food fraud & authenticity, allergens, novel foods and additives. She also supports on the border target operating model and pet food.

She leads the Microbiology, Emerging Risks & Chemical Contaminants and Allergens Working Groups at the BRC, working with members, government, and various associations & industry partners. She also sits on the board for the Food Authencity Network and various government working groups.

Devina has a strong regulatory background, with over 15 years’ experience in previous food labelling and regulatory roles.

Ewan is Deputy Head of the Scottish Retail Consortium. He previously was Head of Policy and External Affairs for the SRC. Previously he was Public Affairs Advisor for Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc, and before that worked for the Scottish Youth Parliament, Scottish Parliament & Business Exchange, having started his career at the Courier Newspaper in Dundee.

Ewan leads on the development of SRC policy, collaborating with stakeholders, members, and colleagues to develop the SRC’s position on relevant Scottish issues. He also leads on the development of the SRC’s media activity. 

Graham joined the BRC in 2001 and has built up an extensive network in departments and agencies which he can call on for information, advice and to make submissions on policy proposals. He was Chairman of the EuroCommerce Internal Market and Consumer Affairs Committee for 10 years, having first lobbied in the EU in 1979. Prior to the BRC he worked on BBC local radio; was Secretary General of an international political organisation; and Head of Policy and the Shadow Cabinet Secretariat of the Liberal Party of Australia. 

Inga manages the Product Safety Community and has recently joined the organisation having worked in the chemical industry. Inga has a Masters in chemistry and begun her career working in formulated materials and resin synthesis, and subsequently worked in biocidal regulation monitoring UK and EU regulation. She is engaged with key government departments, and is passionate about helping retailers and ensuring market product safety.

Jim leads the BRC's corporate affairs, including communications and public affairs, around the UK. Jim and the team ensure the BRC is well-represented and positioned in Westminster, Whitehall, the devolved administrations, regional and local government, and in the media and social media. 

Before joining the BRC, Jim was director of corporate affairs and packaging policy at the Food and Drink Federation. He has led corporate affairs for some leading global brands in the UK, including PepsiCo, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and ManpowerGroup. Jim started his career at the CBI, where he was head of policy for employment, skills, pensions, exports, and public service reform. Jim is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a former visiting fellow at the University of Oxford, and holds degrees from Cambridge and Durham universities. 

Lou leads on environmental and ethical sourcing policy and the BRC's Plan for Nature programme.

Luiza manages the HR community. She has over 6 years of experience working in other trade bodies. Prior to the BRC, she worked at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and UKHospitality, leading on labour and skills shortages, immigration and food and safety policies. Luiza is an overseas qualified lawyer and worked as a civil litigator in Brazil before relocating to the UK.

Naomi leads on packaging and waste including pEPR, WEEE Regulations and DRS.

Neil Johnston is the Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium. He has worked in public affairs and policy work in Northern Ireland for over 25 years. He has worked for a diverse range of organisations including the Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors, the BBC, the RSPB and Northern Ireland’s leading health charity, Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke. 

Sara has a varied and diverse background working across the private, public and voluntary sectors for over 20 years. As Head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, she has ten years’ experience working for UK wide retailers, advising them on their engagement activity in Wales and helping them develop their business approach.

A former Council Deputy Leader, she has championed issues around diversity, digital deprivation and social justice, focusing on building community connections across the county.  She has previously held the role of Head of Wales for global communications agency Grayling, with extensive experience in working for clients to build their objectives and presence in Wales.  Sara sits on the board of the Farmers Union of Wales and Snowsport Cymru.

Tom leads the Business & Regulation team covering a broad range of business cost and reputational issues including property, planning, regeneration, taxation, crime, employment, diversity and risk and safety.

He joined us in 2008 bringing previous experience in a range of public sector policy roles and began his career at the Local Government Commission leading reviews of local authorities' structure and electoral arrangements.

Tracey leads our work under the Climate Action Roadmap, coordinates signatories’ work under each pathway and engagement with the key partners.