Leatherhead Food Research successfully completes first phase of multi-million-pound relocation

As a critical milestone in its move to prestigious new headquarters in Epsom, Surrey, Leatherhead Food Research announces that it now has more than fifty employees onsite at Great Burgh and has delivered its first training course to excellent reviews.

“The move to Great Burgh is an important step in the life of Leatherhead, post-acquisition by Science Group and we are delighted that our first training course, Legal Labels In-Depth - Helping You to Meet the UK Labelling Requirements was so well supported.  The course sold out with several weeks still to go, underlining the strength of our regulatory services and the attractiveness of our new training facilities,” remarks Chris Wells, Managing Director, Leatherhead Food Research. “Our regulatory, training, membership and central services teams have all moved to Great Burgh and are enjoying the new facilities. Our other teams will continue to relocate at phased intervals over the coming months.”

“Thank you to all speakers and staff for such an informative and enjoyable two days on Legal Labels In-Depth,” said Naomi Johnson from Yakult UK Ltd. Raquel Ortega Zarco, Jeanie Marshal Foods Ltd commented, “I now have clear concepts of good labelling. The training has solved many of the doubts that I had.” Virtually all of the delegates gave an overall assessment of ‘excellent’ and appreciated the new training environment. “Oh my word!! Stunning facility,” commented one delegate. “Beautiful surroundings and training room that are spacious and welcoming,” remarked another.

Leatherhead offers a full calendar of courses on food regulation, safety and integrity throughout the year.  The next event to be held in April will be a new high-profile conference on Taking Control of Listeria, featuring speakers from the FSA, Sainsbury’s and Public Health England.

The purchase of Great Burgh, which includes nine acres of grounds and a spectacular Grade II listed building, was announced by Leatherhead’s parent company Science Group plc in November 2015.  The property comprises 50,000 sq. ft. of space and provides a dedicated conference and training centre in the original building, extensive modern offices and areas for new laboratory facilities and a state-of-the-art consumer sensory centre.  The purchase of Great Burgh represents a £9m (GBP) investment in Leatherhead, including a £1.5m upgrade to the existing facilities to provide genuinely best in class facilities to the food and beverage industry. Leatherhead Food Research was acquired by Science Group plc in September 2015.