The Training
What the session covers, how it's delivered, and what your team will leave knowing.
Format at a glance
Interactive, not a lecture. Includes live Q&A throughout.
Keeps everyone engaged. Larger teams can be split across two sessions.
Delivered wherever works for your team — including international.
Stuart delivers every session personally. No associates, no recordings.
What the session covers
Every session is tailored to your business — your sector, your retailers, your actual challenges. The core curriculum covers the following areas, with real-life examples and live discussion woven throughout.
After the session, attendees receive the slide deck and access to Stuart for follow-up questions.
What GSCOP is and why it exists
The history and purpose of the Code, the role of the Groceries Code Adjudicator, and how it fits within UK competition law.
Which retailers are designated and who is covered
All 14 designated retailers, what triggers GSCOP protection, and why location of the supplier is irrelevant.
The rules in plain language
Deductions, retrospective changes, delisting procedures, promotional demands, forecasting obligations and more — what the Code actually says, and what that means in practice.
Recognising when GSCOP is being breached
Real scenarios from supplier experience. How to spot the difference between hard commercial pressure and a genuine Code violation.
How to raise a concern — and with whom
The options available: internal escalation, the GSCOP contact at the retailer, and the GCA. When and how to use each route.
Using GSCOP knowledge in negotiations
Not just compliance — how to use your knowledge of the Code to negotiate more confidently and protect your margins.
Additional training available
GSCOP sits within a broader landscape of commercial compliance obligations.
Competition Law
A 90-minute session covering the Competition Act 1998 and Bribery Act 2010 — essential for senior commercial and leadership teams in the grocery sector.
EU Unfair Trading Practices
If your business supplies into EU markets, EU Directive 2019/633 creates parallel obligations. Training available through our sister site — utptraining.eu
Who attends?
Sessions are regularly attended by people at every level of the supplier business.
Senior leadership
CEOs, MDs, Commercial Directors, COOs and board members who need to understand the strategic and compliance implications of GSCOP.
Commercial teams
Sales Directors, KAMs, NAMs and category managers who negotiate with buyers every week and need to know exactly where the boundaries are.
HR & People
Heads of People and HR Directors responsible for ensuring their business meets its obligations and staff understand the regulatory environment.
Finance & Legal
Finance Directors, controllers and legal teams handling deduction disputes, contract reviews and compliance reporting.
Operations & Supply Chain
Logistics and supply chain managers who are frequently in the firing line for retailer-imposed charges and penalties.
International suppliers
Companies based outside the UK who supply UK designated retailers. GSCOP applies in full regardless of where you are located — and many overseas suppliers don't know it.
"The session is going to bring massive value to the business going forward. I reckon we have some immediate wins that will more than pay for the training."
COO — Multinational Grocery Brand & Private Label Manufacturer
Ready to get your team trained?
Get in touch and Stuart will come back with a tailored proposal for your business.
Book a Session