BRCGS AA
Why choosing the right BRCGS AA warehousing partner matters
Choosing the right BRCGS AA-accredited warehouse is critical for food, FMCG, and manufacturing businesses. Your storage partner must ensure compliance, traceability, and audit readiness, while also providing reliable, hands-on service. With so many providers in the UK, it can be hard to know which warehouse will truly meet your operational and regulatory needs. This guide outlines the key factors to consider and how a partner like CS Ellis can help your business scale safely and efficiently.
Before evaluating warehouses, it’s important to understand what BRCGS AA means. The BRCGS Storage & Distribution Standard sets out strict requirements for food safety, product handling, traceability, and regulatory compliance. Warehouses with BRCGS AA accreditation are audited regularly and demonstrate the highest standards in:
- Food-grade storage and hygiene
- Inventory traceability and rotation
- Audit-ready operations for retailers and manufacturers
A certified partner ensures your products are safe, compliant, and ready for inspection at any time.
Choosing a BRCGS AA accredited warehouse reduces risk across your supply chain. It gives manufacturers and retailers confidence that goods are stored, handled, and dispatched in line with recognised industry standards, helping to protect product integrity, brand reputation, and customer relationships. It also simplifies supplier approvals and supports smoother audits, saving time and reducing operational friction.
Key factors to consider when choosing a BRCGS AA logistics partner
Family-Led Warehousing & Personal Accountability
A family-run operation like CS Ellis brings dedication, attention to detail, and ownership to every aspect of your storage and distribution. Combined with BRCGS AA accreditation, this means your goods are not only handled to the highest industry standards but also cared for by a team who treats your business like their own. You get flexible, responsive service and a single point of contact who knows your operation inside out.
Compliance & Accreditation
- BRCGS AA for food-grade storage
- Safety standards, traceability, and regulatory compliance
Safety & Handling Standards
- Hygiene, pallet handling, and storage conditions
- Correct rotation of stock and handling of delicate or hazardous goods
Technology & Visibility
- Real-time inventory management
- Order tracking and reporting systems
- Audit-ready processes
Scalability & Flexibility
- Ability to manage seasonal peaks or high-volume contracts
- Flexible storage layouts and transport integration
- Dedicated teams or embedded logistics support
Reliability & Service
- Experienced, hands-on staff
- Consistent delivery and stock management
- Personalised service vs impersonal larger operators
Operational Efficiency
- Central location (e.g., Midlands) for fast UK coverage
- Streamlined order picking, packing, and dispatch processes
- Integration with customer systems for seamless operations
Risk Management & Assurance
- Inspections, audits, and continual improvement programs
- Safe handling of all types of stock, including high-value or sensitive items
Compliance and traceability
A warehouse is only as good as its compliance systems. Ask about:
- Audit history: Up-to-date certificates with no major non-conformances
- Traceability: Every pallet recorded in real-time
- Integration: Connects with ERP/WMS via EDI, CSV, or API
- HACCP & hygiene: Procedures documented and monitored daily
- iene controls: Are procedures documented and monitored daily?
At CS Ellis, every pallet is fully traceable and managed to BRCGS AA+ standards, with our experienced team handling stock safely and accurately.
Operational capabilities that matter
Beyond compliance, consider how the warehouse operates day-to-day. Key capabilities include:
- Pallet storage: Racked or bulk, tailored to your needs
- Pick & pack: Accurate, ready-to-ship orders
- Distribution support: UK-wide, including Amazon IPCP & Hazchem
- Scalability: Handles seasonal peaks and growth from 1,000–5,000+ pallets
CS Ellis provides flexible ambient and food-grade storage, giving customers confidence their products are safe, accessible, and handled with care.
Communication and hands-on service
Many large warehouses operate through automated systems, leaving customers feeling like just another number. When choosing a partner, consider:
- Will you have direct contact with the team managing your stock?
- Are queries handled promptly and transparently?
- Do they go above and beyond to anticipate and solve issues?
Our customers value CS Ellis because we offer hands-on support from a family-run team that cares about their business and ensures operations run smoothly.
