SPECIFIERS

BPCA was proud to attend BRCGS Connect Europe 2026, Europe’s food and product safety conference, held on 12–13 February at County Hall, Southbank, London. 

The event brought together retailers, manufacturers, brands, and technical experts from across the UK and Europe to explore the latest developments in food safety, quality, and manufacturing practices.  

Raising the profile of professional pest management 

For BPCA, the conference was a valuable opportunity to speak directly with major food producers and distribution businesses about what good pest management looks like in practice. 

A key message throughout the two days was simple: look for the BPCA logo when selecting a pest control contractor. 

We spoke with food businesses about the importance of choosing a properly qualified, assessed and insured pest management company.  

In high-risk environments such as food manufacturing and storage, confidence in your contractor’s competence is critical. The BPCA member logo provides that assurance. 

There was strong interest in: 

• BPCA member standards and assessment processes 
• Technician qualifications and ongoing CPD 
• The role of professional pest management in supporting BRCGS certification 
• Integrated pest management approaches in complex supply chains. 

Our conversations reinforced that food businesses want clarity, consistency and competence from their pest control providers. That aligns directly with BPCA’s mission to raise standards across the industry. 

Engaging with Europe’s food safety leaders 

Over the two days, the BPCA team met with a wide range of large food manufacturers, retailers and logistics operators operating across the UK and Europe. 

Discussions covered: 

• Pest management expectations within BRCGS-audited sites 
• Trends in audit findings relating to pest control 
• Documentation, reporting and digital record-keeping 
• The increasing focus on environmental impact and responsible product use. 

It was encouraging to see how seriously food businesses are taking preventative pest management, and how closely it is linked to brand protection and supply chain resilience. 

Learning from the agenda 

BPCA Chief Executive Rosina Robson and Technical Manager Niall Gallagher also attended a session on 'Key indicators of food safety risk and their role in food safety management'. 

The session explored how leading organisations identify early warning signs of risk and use data to prevent failures before they occur. From a pest management perspective, this is a vital conversation.  

Pest activity is often a symptom of wider site issues, and early intervention can prevent costly non-conformances. 

Understanding how food safety leaders interpret risk indicators helps ensure BPCA members remain aligned with client expectations and audit requirements. 

Championing members at the highest level 

Reflecting on the event, Rosina Robson said: 

“Being present at events like BRCGS Connect is about making sure professional pest management has a seat at the table in food safety discussions. 

“Our members play a critical role in protecting public health and safeguarding food supply chains. We’re here to champion their professionalism, highlight their qualifications and make it clear to major food businesses that choosing a BPCA member means choosing recognised standards and accountability.” 

Her message was well received by delegates, many of whom were keen to understand more about how BPCA membership supports compliance and best practice. 

Looking ahead 

BPCA will continue to engage with food industry stakeholders, auditors and certification bodies to ensure the voice of professional pest management is heard clearly and consistently. 

If you work with food manufacturing or distribution clients, conversations at BRCGS Connect underline the value of: 

• Clear documentation and trend analysis 
• Demonstrable qualifications and CPD 
• A proactive, preventative approach 
• Visible commitment to recognised industry standards. 

WHERE SHOULD WE GO NEXT? 

BPCA promotes our members to potential customers at events across the UK and beyond. 

If there’s an exhibition, conference or industry gathering where you think we should be flying the flag for professional pest management, tell us. We’re always looking for the right rooms to showcase the value of BPCA members. 

events@bpca.org.uk