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 of working at WSS to her position. She manages many of our main client accounts, specialising in bespoke research projects to meet individual research and business objectives.

Nick Watson

Senior Account Manager

Nick joined us in 2011 & works on one of our major client accounts, responsible for data analysis & reporting.

Chris Realey

Project Manager

Chris joined the business in 2021 to work on the pet-food arm of WSS & is now instrumental in the organisation of regular testing.

Chris Toal

Project & Development Manager

Chris brings enthusiasm & a fine eye for detail to the role. He currently works on NPD work & a supermarket account.

Diane Smith

Accounts Manager

Diane Smith joined us in 2010 & is now a full time Accounts Manager. Previously, Diane worked as a mortgage underwriter.

Ben Ellis

Project Manager

Ben joined the business in late 2023 to help with a key account and also works on sensory optimisation projects.

Gill Evans

Senior Project Executive

Gill has been instrumental in developing software applications to support the business as well as working on data & reports.

Joe Wood

Senior Project Executive

Joe studied Chemistry at LJMU and joined the business in 2022. He plays a key role in supporting bespoke research projects across the UK and Europe, using his scientific background to help tailor approaches to client needs and ensure smooth project delivery.

Eloise Cook

Project Executive

Eloise has been with the business for over 10 years and is instrumental in supporting sensory research projects.

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 WSS in early 2023 to work on key accounts after studying Biomedical sciences as Liverpool University.

Nicky Spiers

Project Executive

Nicky joined WSS in 2024 to help manage a number of key accounts as WSS continues to grow.

Jordan Brown

Project Executive

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

Georgie Simpson

Project Executive

Georgie recently joined the team and is already making waves with her can-do attitude in her work on key accounts. She is a University of Liverpool graduate with a background in Food and Nutrition.