Zero2Five Food Industry Centre has appointed Simon Burns as its new technical director, marking a significant moment for the organisation as it prepares for the retirement of long‑serving leader Helen Taylor at the end of August 2026.

Simon Burns steps into the role with more than 27 years of technical experience across multiple food categories. Since joining Zero2Five in 2022, he has overseen the Centre’s pilot plant facilities and supported Welsh food and drink businesses with hands‑on technical and operational guidance. His expertise spans food quality and safety systems, with a strong focus on hygienic factory and equipment design — an area increasingly central to manufacturers seeking to strengthen compliance and modernise production environments.

His appointment also reflects Zero2Five’s growing role within the wider industry. Simon is an active contributor to several professional bodies, serving as co‑chair of the UK committee of the EHEDG, a committee member of the IFST Wales Branch, and Student Liaison Officer for the UKAFP. This external engagement signals the Centre’s intention to deepen its influence in food safety, hygienic engineering and professional development.

Simon Burns succeeds Helen Taylor, who has been part of ZERO2FIVE’s technical team for more than two decades and technical director since 2016. Helen has played a pivotal role in helping Welsh food and drink businesses develop products that are safe, legal and authentic, while also contributing nationally and internationally through her work with IFST, IAFP and the Food Standards Agency’s Wales Food Advisory Committee.

Peter Sykes, head of Zero2Five, said Simon’s appointment comes at an important time for the Centre: “Simon has made a significant contribution to Zero2Five since joining the team in 2022, supporting food and drink businesses across Wales whilst helping to develop our specialist pilot plant facilities. His extensive industry experience and commitment to advancing food quality and safety make him well placed to lead our technical team. I would also like to thank Helen for her outstanding contribution to Zero2Five over more than two decades.”Reflecting on his new role, Simon said:

“I am delighted to be appointed Technical Director at Zero2Five. Having worked closely with food and drink businesses throughout my time at the Centre, I have seen first-hand the value of the support we deliver. I look forward to building on the strong foundations established by Helen, and continuing to help businesses develop safe, high‑quality products.”