About | Consumer Research | Product Testing

Wirral Sensory Services

Established in 1997, Wirral Sensory Services conducts sensory and consumer research for the food, beverage and household product industries.

At WSS we offer a flexible and personalised product testing service. We provide detailed, statistically robust results based on your requirements. Our research aids product optimisation, improved customer satisfaction and increased sales potential.

Our Approach

Our approach allows us to be extremely competitive on cost and with the flexibility to meet the most exacting of deadlines.

Whether you are a start up company looking to break into a supermarket or a global brand assessing a range of new concepts, our research can help your business.

We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our clients; when we conduct research for a new client our aim is that rather than being an individual piece of research, it will be the start of an ongoing partnership to produce the best possible products.

Meet Our Team

Paul Melville

Project Director

Paul has been instrumental in the growth of Wirral Sensory Services, helping to shape its overall strategy and drive long-term success. His leadership and vision continue to play a key role in guiding the company’s direction and ongoing development.

David Barry

Marketing Director

Dave joined the business as Marketing Director in 1999, following a career in investments and acquisitions. Today, he leads our marketing strategy and is always on the lookout for new and exciting food and drink brands to work with.

Debbie Melville

Research Director

Debbie joined WSS in 2008, bringing with her a background as a qualified veterinarian and experience running a successful veterinary practice. She now plays a key role in our sensory work, particularly in studies involving food, drink & cosmetics.

Jon-Paul Realey

Associate Director

JP joined WSS in 2010 after completing a business degree. He now leads the company’s digital strategy and manages key accounts, playing a vital role in strengthening client relationships and driving innovation across our digital platforms.

Lynn Deyes

Senior Manager

Lynn brings 16 years’ knowledge and experience at WSS to her role. She manages key client accounts, specialising in bespoke research projects to meet individual research and business objectives.

Nick Watson

Senior Account Manager

Nick joined WSS in 2011 and plays a key role on one of our major client accounts, overseeing data analysis and reporting to deliver accurate insights and consistently high-quality results.

Chris Realey

Project Manager

Chris joined WSS in 2021 to support the pet-food arm and now plays a key role in coordinating and organising regular testing, ensuring studies run efficiently and to WSS’s high standards.

Chris Toal

Project & Dev Manager

Chris brings enthusiasm and a fine eye for detail to the role. He works on new product development and manages a supermarket account, ensuring high-quality results and smooth coordination.

Diane Smith

Accounts Manager

Diane Smith joined us in 2010 and is now a full-time Accounts Manager, overseeing finances and client accounts. Previously, she worked as an experienced mortgage underwriter in finance.

Ben Ellis

Project Manager

Ben joined the business in late 2023 to help manage a key client account and works on a wide range of sensory optimisation and product improvement projects across multiple brands.

Gill Evans

Senior Project Executive

Gill has been instrumental in developing software applications to support the business and working on data management and reports to enhance overall efficiency and insight.

Joe Wood

Senior Project Executive

Joe studied Chemistry at LJMU & joined the business in 2022. He supports projects across the UK & Europe, using his scientific background to tailor approaches and ensure smooth delivery.

Amy Davies

Project Executive

Amy re-joined the business in late 2023 to help manage a number of new client accounts. She studied Food & Nutrition at LJMU with a background in R&D.

Marie Hanafin

Project Executive

Marie joined in 2023 to work on key accounts after studying Biomedical Sciences at Liverpool Uni, bringing scientific insight & analytical skills to projects.

Nicky Spiers

Project Executive

Nicky joined WSS in 2024 to help manage a number of key client accounts as WSS continues to expand and strengthen its growing portfolio of projects.

Jordan Brown

Project Executive

We're excited to welcome Jordan to the team. With a great attitude, fresh ideas, and a strong drive to succeed, Jordan is ready to jump in and help us grow.

Stuart Blair

Kitchen Manager

Stuart’s main focus is the careful prep of samples for panellists, ensuring all details meet clients’ guidelines & maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, presentation, & quality.