Hi I'm
Ceri Ritchie

As Head of Food & Enterprise at SAC Consulting I lead a talented, multi-disciplinary team and undertake project work for a variety of clients across Scotland. In my career I have held a number of senior positions within SRUC and at the Cooperative Wholesale Society (CWS). Since joining SAC Consulting I have worked on a number of projects, ranging from regional economic strategies and major Scotland-wide projects to one-to-one company advice. I am passionate about supporting enterprise creation and entrepreneurial ambition. 

With 38 years' management and marketing experience in the UK's food & drink supply chain I have more recently focussed on local food & drink, food tourism, rural enterprise and delivering THRIVE, a weekend school for the next generation of entrepreneurs in Scotland’s food & drink and rural sector. 

With an understanding of what drives consumer behaviour and key industry challenges, such as climate change and sustainability, I provide strategic advice to a range of businesses and organisations. As an established and well-respected project manager I also manage the Scottish Government's £4M annual Veterinary Services Programme and managed Connect Local, the Scottish Government's Local Food & Drink Marketing Advisory Service (2016 to 2020). While working in the UK grocery sector for the CWS I was responsible for procuring key grocery ranges.

In my time at SRUC I have held a number of industry-wide roles, including representing SRUC on the Scotland Food and Drink Executive Group from 2007 to 2017.