We are extremely fortunate to be based in the beautiful and inspiring rural landscape of the Dee Valley in North Wales.
Specialising in the business-to-business trading of bulk dairy ingredients, SPEAR was established in 2008 by Nick Philpott and is still family owned and run.
We are all about balancing the market – helping producers and manufacturers manage their product excess or shortfall, placing it to achieve the best value while reducing any chance of waste.
As would be expected in the industry, our clients confidence in our business practices and quality systems is essential: Which is why we have held organic accreditation to EC Regs 834 & 889 since 2011, are certified by Organic Farmers & Growers, and have attained the AA standard of BRC Agents & Brokers accreditation for the last 9 years. We strive for ‘best practice’ in all our activities being members of Campden BRI, the British Chamber of Commerce and the Provisions Trade Federation.
You can find copies of the certificates under Technical Data on this site alongside numerous product data sheets.
We are extremely fortunate to be based in the beautiful and inspiring rural landscape of the Dee Valley in North Wales.
Specialising in the business-to-business trading of bulk dairy ingredients, SPEAR was established in 2008 by Nick Philpott and is still family owned and run.
We are all about balancing the market – helping producers and manufacturers manage their product excess or shortfall, placing it to achieve the best value while reducing any chance of waste.
As would be expected in the industry, our clients confidence in our business practices and quality systems is essential: Which is why we have held organic accreditation to EC Regs 834 & 889 since 2011, are certified by Organic Farmers & Growers, and have attained the AA standard of BRC Agents & Brokers accreditation for the last 9 years. We strive for ‘best practice’ in all our activities being members of Campden BRI, the British Chamber of Commerce and the Provisions Trade Federation.
You can find copies of the certificates under Technical Data on this site alongside numerous product data sheets.
(Commercial, Technical & Corporate)
Nick has worked in the UK Dairy Industry since 1979, in a variety of roles including technical, production, general and commercial management before starting SPEAR in 2008.
Nick is a life-long DIY enthusiast and can be regularly found working on or around the ‘project’ that is his converted 1850’s row of potting sheds that he calls home.
(Commercial, Technical & Corporate)
Nick has worked in the UK Dairy Industry since 1979, in a variety of roles including technical, production, general and commercial management before starting SPEAR in 2008.
Nick is a life-long DIY enthusiast and can be regularly found working on or around the ‘project’ that is his converted 1850’s row of potting sheds that he calls home.
(Finance, Administration, HR & QMS)
With a background in customer service, retail management and teaching, Naomi joined SPEAR in the latter half of 2011, moving to North Wales to join a then fast-growing family business within the accounts and administration processes.
Her Dairy Industry experience has grown with the business over the years, her knowledge expanding through additional training to accommodate the area’s most in need of support.
Now with extensive financial experience, she is also a Food Safety & HACCP Level 3 Team Lead, an Internal Auditor and the General Manager of our SPEAR Team.
Naomi is an avid reader, writer and loves the outdoors, enjoying long walks with her family and collie, Enid, in the beautiful North Wales countryside.
(Finance, Administration, HR & QMS)
With a background in customer service, retail management and teaching, Naomi joined SPEAR in the latter half of 2011, moving to North Wales to join a then fast-growing family business within the accounts and administration processes.
Her Dairy Industry experience has grown with the business over the years, her knowledge expanding through additional training to accommodate the area’s most in need of support.
Now with extensive financial experience, she is also a Food Safety & HACCP Level 3 Team Lead, an Internal Auditor and the General Manager of our SPEAR Team.
Naomi is an avid reader, writer and loves the outdoors, enjoying long walks with her family and collie, Enid, in the beautiful North Wales countryside.
(TRADING, LOGISTICS & COMMERCIAL)
Adam joined SPEAR with many years of experience in the Dairy Industry on the transport side of operations.
He started as an HGV driver at 22 years old and worked his way through the ranks into Transport Management and became the Operations and Planning Manager covering 3 large sites in the UK. Therefore, has a vast amount of knowledge in an essential sector that the industry could not exist without.
Based in Somerset, an area rich in production for the UK Dairy Industry, his role is as a Trader.
This is the vital part of our client interface within the industry. Being integral to UK Dairy product movements gives Adam a unique position to comment on market developments and pricing thus helping our clients manage their company’s product flows.
He is Food Safety & HACCP Level 2 trained, progressing to Level 3, and a part of the SPEAR HACCP Team.
Adam enjoys Football, Rugby, Gardening and performing the various DIY tasks set for him by his wife.
(Trading, Logistics & Commercial)
Adam joined SPEAR with many years of experience in the Dairy Industry on the transport side of operations.
He started as an HGV driver at 22 years old and worked his way through the ranks into Transport Management and became the Operations and Planning Manager covering 3 large sites in the UK. Therefore, has a vast amount of knowledge in an essential sector that the industry could not exist without.
Based in Somerset, an area rich in production for the UK Dairy Industry, his role is as a Trader.
This is the vital part of our client interface within the industry. Being integral to UK Dairy product movements gives Adam a unique position to comment on market developments and pricing thus helping our clients manage their company’s product flows. He is Food Safety & HACCP Level 2 trained, progressing to Level 3, and a part of the SPEAR HACCP Team.
Adam enjoys Football, Rugby, Gardening and performing the various DIY tasks set for him by his wife.
(Business Development Lead & Trader)
With some 38 plus years in the dairy industry John brings a wealth of experience to SPEAR-UK.
Having begun his career in the dairy industry with Oldaces Feeds then moving into the role of milk procurement with Unigate during the run up to vesting day, John has continued working in the Milk Supply Management role throughout several business mergers covering areas of farm auditing along with DTAS transport auditing processes.
The key area of his daily role was maintaining a strong relationship with the direct supply farmers delivering up to 200 million litres per annum.
More recently his role included milk & cream trading in the UK & EU.
John has HACCP level 3, Food Safety level 3 and UFAS certification.
A motorcycle enthusiast over many years, John can also be seen regularly walking the family dogs regardless of the weather conditions.
(Business Development Lead & Trader)
Business Development Lead & Trader
With some 38 plus years in the dairy industry John brings a wealth of experience to SPEAR-UK.
Having begun his career in the dairy industry with Oldaces Feeds then moving into the role of milk procurement with Unigate during the run up to vesting day, John has continued working in the Milk Supply Management role throughout several business mergers covering areas of farm auditing along with DTAS transport auditing processes.
The key area of his daily role was maintaining a strong relationship with the direct supply farmers delivering up to 200 million litres per annum.
More recently his role included milk & cream trading in the UK & EU.
John has HACCP level 3, Food Safety level 3 and UFAS certification.
A motorcycle enthusiast over many years, John can also be seen regularly walking the family dogs regardless of the weather conditions.
Nii joined SPEAR in 2018 after working 5 years as a technical coordinator within the Food and Beverage Industry.
He is a crucial part of our Trading, Logistics and Customs Control Department.
Trained in Food Safety Culture, Internal Audits, Allergen Awareness, TACCP/VACCP, HACCP Level 3 and Customs Procedures achieving his Diploma in Advanced Customs Compliance with the UK Customs Academy, he is our “go to” on all matters relating to Import and Export procedures.
He is multi-lingual, being fluent in English, French, Ga, and Twi, and is also a martial arts enthusiast training in multiple disciplines.
Nii joined SPEAR in 2018 after working 5 years as a technical coordinator within the Food and Beverage Industry.
He is a crucial part of our Trading, Logistics and Customs Control Department.
Trained in Food Safety Culture, Internal Audits, Allergen Awareness, TACCP/VACCP, HACCP Level 3 and Customs Procedures achieving his Diploma in Advanced Customs Compliance with the UK Customs Academy, he is our “go to” on all matters relating to Import and Export procedures.
He is multi-lingual, being fluent in English, French, Ga, and Twi, and is also a martial arts enthusiast training in multiple disciplines.
Jamie joined SPEAR with over 35 years’ experience in the logistic industry.
After 3 years travelling round the UK & Europe with a removals company, Jamie joined the British Army & had a successful full career, gaining Operational experience in Northern Ireland, The Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan. A keen sportsman, Jamie also competed for the Combined Services at Tennis and was Army Tennis Champion in 2012.
After leaving the forces Jamie became travelling companion and hitting partner for the British No.1 Tennis player, Miss Elena Baltacha and managed her Tennis Academy for 3 years, coaching & managing players in the UK & overseas.
With a move to the West Midlands in 2017, Jamie moved back into logistics full time working for a Birmingham based company and managing one of the largest depots in the biggest pallet distribution network in the UK for 4 years.
Jamie has HACCP level 2, Food Hygiene & Safety level and is currently working his way through the Customs Academy level 2 qualification.
Jamie enjoys all sports, especially tennis, football and rugby and is making the most of the beautiful Welsh countryside with lots of mountain biking and running.
Jamie joined SPEAR with over 35 years’ experience in the logistic industry.
After 3 years travelling round the UK & Europe with a removals company, Jamie joined the British Army & had a successful full career, gaining Operational experience in Northern Ireland, The Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan. A keen sportsman, Jamie also competed for the Combined Services at Tennis and was Army Tennis Champion in 2012.
After leaving the forces Jamie became travelling companion and hitting partner for the British No.1 Tennis player, Miss Elena Baltacha and managed her Tennis Academy for 3 years, coaching & managing players in the UK & overseas.
With a move to the West Midlands in 2017, Jamie moved back into logistics full time working for a Birmingham based company and managing one of the largest depots in the biggest pallet distribution network in the UK for 4 years.
Jamie has HACCP level 2, Food Hygiene & Safety level and is currently working his way through the Customs Academy level 2 qualification.
Jamie enjoys all sports, especially tennis, football and rugby and is making the most of the beautiful Welsh countryside with lots of mountain biking and running.
Gloria joined Spear-UK in October 2025 with an academic background in Food Engineering.
An experienced Compliance Specialist/Technical Manager known for her resourcefulness and problem-solving abilities, possessing extensive and varied experience throughout the food industry.
Trained in HACCP Level3 , FSCC2200 Lead Auditor, Crisis Management, TACCP Level 2, Food Crime Awareness, Food Law, Feed Labelling, Biosecurity Measures, Allergens, Food Labelling.
Gloria’s hobbies include 3D printing and epoxy resin craft, although Nero her Staffy, Labrador and Lurcher mix is now her main priority along with the necessity of a couple of expressos to get her through the day!
Gloria joined Spear-UK in October 2025 with an academic background in Food Engineering.
An experienced Compliance Specialist/Technical Manager known for her resourcefulness and problem-solving abilities, possessing extensive and varied experience throughout the food industry.
Trained in HACCP Level3 , FSCC2200 Lead Auditor, Crisis Management, TACCP Level 2, Food Crime Awareness, Food Law, Feed Labelling, Biosecurity Measures, Allergens, Food Labelling.
Gloria’s hobbies include 3D printing and epoxy resin craft, although Nero her Staffy, Labrador and Lurcher mix is now her main priority along with the necessity of a couple of expressos to get her through the day!
Joan has 21 years’ experience working in the food industry in key roles within sales and administration.
Since joining SPEAR she has trained in Food Safety Culture, Internal Audits, Allergen Awareness, TACCP/VACCP and HACCP Level 3.
She is our Quality Systems Lead and supports our business’ trading administration.
Joan is a fitness, wild water swimming, and prosecco enthusiast, especially at weekends.
Joan has 21 years’ experience working in the food industry in key roles within sales and administration.
Since joining SPEAR she has trained in Food Safety Culture, Internal Audits, Allergen Awareness, TACCP/VACCP and HACCP Level 3.
She is our Quality Systems Lead and supports our business’ trading administration.
Joan is a fitness, wild water swimming, and prosecco enthusiast, especially at weekends.
Afreen serves as our Accounts and Finance Manager, bringing to the table over eight years of extensive experience in the corporate finance sector at an international level.
With a solid academic foundation and a career marked by strategic financial management, she is a pivotal part of our team.
She holds an excellent educational background with M.Com in Accounting and Finance, an MBA in Finance, and an MSc in Finance and Management from prestigious universities, underscoring her commitment to excellence and continuous learning.
Since Joining SPEAR in November ‘23 she has attained HACCP & Food Safety Level 2 and is scheduled to support our robust QMS as an internal auditor.
When not driving financial performance and supporting business growth, Afreen enjoys exploring new places; appreciating the landscapes North Wales has to offer (though perhaps not the rain) and the architecture of the local cities. Now living in Manchester, she is the second member of our team to be based remotely from SPEAR HQ. She endeavours to give mankind a little required peace where she can.
Afreen serves as our Accounts and Finance Manager, bringing to the table over eight years of extensive experience in the corporate finance sector at an international level.
With a solid academic foundation and a career marked by strategic financial management, she is a pivotal part of our team.
She holds an excellent educational background with M.Com in Accounting and Finance, an MBA in Finance, and an MSc in Finance and Management from prestigious universities, underscoring her commitment to excellence and continuous learning.
Since Joining SPEAR in November ‘23 she has attained HACCP & Food Safety Level 2 and is scheduled to support our robust QMS as an internal auditor.
When not driving financial performance and supporting business growth, Afreen enjoys exploring new places; appreciating the landscapes North Wales has to offer (though perhaps not the rain) and the architecture of the local cities. Now living in Manchester, she is the second member of our team to be based remotely from SPEAR HQ. She endeavours to give mankind a little required peace where she can.
Tanya joined SPEAR at the beginning of 2026 bringing over 12 years of Accounts Administration and Office Management experience to the team.
Now trained in both HACCP Understanding and Food Safety, she’s responsible for the processing of SPEAR’s Purchase Ledger activities as well as maintaining the day-to-day accounts administration within our busy head office.
Her background in Child Care Management saw her well-travelled as a Nanny, visiting places such as Sardinia, Corsica, and Greece as well as skiing in the French Alps.
As a Mum of two, there are few things she enjoys more than embracing time with her family, whether that be taking the kids swimming, cheering from the sidelines as her son plays football, or heading out for long walks around Bala Lake with the family cockerpoo, Jessie.
Tanya joined SPEAR at the beginning of 2026 bringing over 12 years of Accounts Administration and Office Management experience to the team.
Now trained in both HACCP Understanding and Food Safety, she’s responsible for the processing of SPEAR’s Purchase Ledger activities as well as maintaining the day-to-day accounts administration within our busy head office.
Her background in Child Care Management saw her well-travelled as a Nanny, visiting places such as Sardinia, Corsica, and Greece as well as skiing in the French Alps.
As a Mum of two, there are few things she enjoys more than embracing time with her family, whether that be taking the kids swimming, cheering from the sidelines as her son plays football, or heading out for long walks around Bala Lake with the family cockerpoo, Jessie.
Chrissy joined SPEAR in July 2024 bolstering the team against the heavy workload faced by the Trading Support, Administration and Compliance Department.
Her main role is within the load Reconciliation and Agreements processes, focused on Milk, but she also supports the administration side of the business.
Prior to joining SPEAR, she has a background in Accounts Administration including Sales Ledger and Credit Control activities for several Birmingham based businesses including Forestry & storage.
In her spare time, she is a Miniature enthusiast, building beautiful doll houses with all the interior trimmings and collecting pieces and models.
She loves nothing better than taking her two dogs on outdoor walking adventures & finishing the day with some pub grub.
Chrissy joined SPEAR in July 2024 bolstering the team against the heavy workload faced by the Trading Support, Administration and Compliance Department.
Her main role is within the load Reconciliation and Agreements processes, focused on Milk, but she also supports the administration side of the business.
Prior to joining SPEAR, she has a background in Accounts Administration including Sales Ledger and Credit Control activities for several Birmingham based businesses including Forestry & storage.
In her spare time, she is a Miniature enthusiast, building beautiful doll houses with all the interior trimmings and collecting pieces and models.
She loves nothing better than taking her two dogs on outdoor walking adventures & finishing the day with some pub grub.
Adam was the first to join SPEAR’s Apprenticeship Scheme and has been an exceptional asset to our SPEAR Team, fully immersing himself in learning what was initially an unfamiliar Dairy Industry from the ground up and excelling in the process.
He has provided integral input into SPEAR’s Accounts Administration and Trading Support processes so far, as well as applying significant creative flare in designing our most recent email signature banners.
After finishing school, Adam ventured to Coleg Cambria to Study Creative Media gaining experience in producing music videos and even visited Heart Radio to complete radio research.
He is also a Rally Co-Driver and competes on events throughout the United Kingdom. After winning “Newcomer Of The Year” in his local motor club in 2022, his passion continues.
Adam was the first to join SPEAR’s Apprenticeship Scheme and has been an exceptional asset to our SPEAR Team, fully immersing himself in learning what was initially an unfamiliar Dairy Industry from the ground up and excelling in the process.
He has provided integral input into SPEAR’s Accounts Administration and Trading Support processes so far, as well as applying significant creative flare in designing our most recent email signature banners.
After finishing school, Adam ventured to Coleg Cambria to Study Creative Media gaining experience in producing music videos and even visited Heart Radio to complete radio research.
He is also a Rally Co-Driver and competes on events throughout the United Kingdom. After winning “Newcomer Of The Year” in his local motor club in 2022, his passion continues.
Tracy was the second to join SPEAR’s Apprenticeship Scheme successfully completing a Business and Administration Diploma.
She holds a Level 4 City & Guilds qualification in Supervising & Management alongside a CACHE Level 3 Certification as a Child Care, Play, Learning and Development Practitioner. Her experience as a Highschool Science Technician has further enriched her skills in education and child development.
When not busy managing her apprenticeship journey, this very proud mum of four, often shuttling the kids to various sports clubs, embraces an active lifestyle. A keen fitness enthusiast, Tracy has a passion for running, playing hockey and weight training. She takes pride in her fitness achievements, including being the only woman in her personal training classes who can do a pull-up! She’s currently doing 4!
She believes in balancing hard work with a bit of fun though, enjoying a glass of wine and if there’s music, she’ll be the first on the dance floor and always the last to leave a party!
Tracy was the second to join SPEAR’s Apprenticeship Scheme successfully completing a Business and Administration Diploma.
She holds a Level 4 City & Guilds qualification in Supervising & Management alongside a CACHE Level 3 Certification as a Child Care, Play, Learning and Development Practitioner. Her experience as a Highschool Science Technician has further enriched her skills in education and child development.
When not busy managing her apprenticeship journey, this very proud mum of four, often shuttling the kids to various sports clubs, embraces an active lifestyle. A keen fitness enthusiast, Tracy has a passion for running, playing hockey and weight training. She takes pride in her fitness achievements, including being the only woman in her personal training classes who can do a pull-up! She’s currently doing 4!
She believes in balancing hard work with a bit of fun though, enjoying a glass of wine and if there’s music, she’ll be the first on the dance floor and always the last to leave a party!
Capel Hermon Business Centre, SPEAR’s home, providing infrastructure and ambience to cope with hectic trading and customs administration. Allowing the SPEAR Team to maintain the professionalism and unrivalled commitment appreciated by our clients.
Conferencing, hot desks and printing facilities available – enquire within or via 01678 520 504
Capel Hermon Business Centre, SPEAR’s home, providing infrastructure and ambience to cope with hectic trading and customs administration. Allowing the SPEAR Team to maintain the professionalism and unrivalled commitment appreciated by our clients.
Conferencing, hot desks and printing facilities available – enquire within or via 01678 520 504