Harriet has worked in the food industry since 1988, beginning her career as a Microbiologist and Food Technologist at British Sugar Plc and later at Tesco Stores Ltd. Between 1993 and 1996, she contributed to national initiatives aimed at improving food safety, working with focus groups in the UK to review the microbiological safety of foods sold to the public. During this time, she also served as the Retail Representative on the Steering Committee for the Microbiological Safety of Foods.

In 1996, Harriet transitioned into food safety training and certification. She was appointed Head of Food Safety at Weston Research Laboratories, the central technical function for the Associated British Foods Group, and later became Technical Director at National Britannia Certification Ltd.

Before founding Harriet Simmons Consultancy Limited in 2014, she was responsible for managing food safety training programmes, including BRC Standards, at SAI Global Assurance Services.

With decades of experience across microbiology, food technology, and regulatory training, Harriet is a trusted authority in food safety and compliance.