Click on each mentor to find out more about them
I have a BSc in Agricultural Science and an MSc in Food Quality Management. I have built my career in the UK food industry, specialising in FMCG and ready meals. I’ve spent the past decade leading technical teams to deliver day-to-day compliance, supplier assurance, robust hygiene standards, and the smooth upscale of new products from concept to launch. As Head of Technical, I am most passionate about empowering people and building great teams. My dream day outside of work finds me skiing down a mountain, alternatively playing squash, or planning my next travel adventure.
I hold a Food Science & Nutrition degree from Northumbria University and completed a product development placement at Dr. Oetker as part of the sandwich course. I spent five years as an NPD Technologist before joining Arla in 2015 as a Specifications & Artwork Coordinator. Post-Brexit, I took on greater responsibility in UK food compliance and regulatory affairs. In 2023, I became Chair of the Dairy UK Labelling and Composition Committee.
I now work in Arla’s Global Trade Policy and Regulatory Affairs team, supporting global Milk-Based Beverages, UK-specific compliance, and trade-related activities for UK imports and exports.
I began my food industry journey studying Food Science at the University of Nottingham and completed a placement year as a technical intern at Charlie Bigham's. After graduating, I worked as a process technologist at a food to go manufacturing site. I loved the fast-paced nature of manufacturing and wanted to expand my understanding of different product categories, which led me into moving on to retail, where I am now a quality technologist at Asda. I currently look after product quality in the impulse grocery and BWS category. I love the variety and problem-solving aspects to the role, and the continuous expansion of technical skills and manufacturing knowledge.
Laura Ryan is the QEHS Director for Arla Foods, with over 23 years of experience in the food industry. This role leads strategic initiatives across Quality, Environment, Health, and Safety.
Laura began her career with Kerry Foods followed by Pilgrim’s Europe, where she developed a strong foundation in food production and food safety systems. Over the years, she has built a reputation for driving excellence in compliance, risk management, and continuous improvement across complex supply chains.
Laura’s expertise spans regulatory affairs, HACCP, BRCGS standards, and sustainability practices, with a passion for developing talent and supporting early career opportunities within the food industry.
I have worked in the food industry for my entire career in several different roles which has made me appreciate how inter-related all functions are. Initially, I began my career in NPD, developing products for major retailers. I then moved into various Technical Roles including factory Technical Management and to my present role as Asda Category Technical Manager (Core Chilled). Along the way I also ventured into Factory Operations which gave me valuable insight as to what it takes to make a food manufacturer successful. I am extremely fortunate to have worked across so many different industries including Dairy / Cooked Meats / Poultry and for so many great companies including Cranswick, 2 Sisters Food Group and of course Asda. My absolute passion is Food Safety and designing safe products at initial concept stage all the way to launch.
I graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Food Science and Nutrition, where I developed an interest in the science behind food and it’s impact on health. During my year in industry, I gained valuable hands-on experience that deepened my understanding of how products are developed and brought to market. I’m now a Graduate Trainee at Cranswick on a rotational scheme, building a broad foundation across different areas of the business and developing the skills to drive innovation and quality within the food industry!
Zoe Shuttlewood is a food safety professional with over 20 years of experience in factory quality assurance, food safety management systems and supplier quality, she has been working for McCormick since 2011. Zoe obtained her Masters’ degree in Food safety Management from the University of Central Lancashire and is a registered food safety manager (RFoodSM) with the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST).
Working as a subject matter expert within McCormick’s Global Food Safety & Scientific Affairs team focusing on risk sciences, Zoe is accountable for raw material & allergen control program governance. Activities within these programs include evolving raw material risk assessments using the latest scientific and historical data. Participation in horizon scanning activities and working with key trade association on areas of emerging risk with a focus on contaminants and allergens.
I first discovered my passion for food quality during my university studies in Agricultural university of Athens. After graduating, I moved to the UK with the aim of joining the food industry and gaining hands-on experience in compliance and food safety. My journey began in Arla’s lab team, which gave me a great foundation in technical work. From there, I progressed to a Technical Team Leader role, where I learned how to manage people, lead projects, and drive continuous improvement. In that role, I gained valuable experience in compliance, food safety, and coordinating teams across the site. Today, as a QEHS Professional – Specification & Artwork at Arla Foods, I’m focused on deepening my knowledge of legislation and standards to support product integrity and compliance.
I began my career as a QA within an added-value poultry manufacturing business. Within a few years, I progressed through a range of technical roles, ultimately becoming a Technical Manager.Over the following decade, I led technical functions across raw, added-value, and ready-to-eat poultry and beef manufacturing operations. This experience provided me with extensive knowledge of food safety, quality management systems, customer standards, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement within complex food manufacturing environments.A few years ago, I joined Dunbia, where I further expanded my expertise in sustainability, animal welfare, and the management of food safety and quality within a primary processing site. This role has given me valuable insight into how individual site operations contribute to wider multi-site business objectives and support the overall organisational strategy.In my current role, I lead the Hygiene and FSQ teams, ensuring the consistent delivery of hygiene, animal welfare, food safety, quality, and customer-specific compliance requirements. I also lead the site's TACCP programme and actively promote a positive food safety culture across operational departments, driving both routine and strategic improvements throughout the business.The most fulfilling part of my role is, leading or supporting the implementation of changes and capital investment projects. I particularly value collaborating with colleagues across all departments, ensuring their perspectives are considered while embedding food safety and quality requirements into business development plans from the outset.