New government: Wholesalers respond
Following today’s general election result propelling a new Labour Government into number 10, wholesalers share their thoughts
PAUL NIEDUSZYNSKI, CEO, SYSCO GB
“Sysco looks forward to working constructively with the new government on a range of issues. As a business and as a sector, we hope to assist government in developing a versatile Skills and Growth Levy so we can utilise the funds, not only for apprenticeships, but for a broad spectrum of training initiatives, allowing us to provide the best possible development pathways for our employees.
“With the need for greater sustainability across the industry, Sysco is keen to work with the government and looks forward to greater clarity as we accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered technologies.”
ANDREW SELLEY, CEO, BIDCORP UK
Andrew Selley Bidcorp General Election Government Paul Nieduszynski Sysco GB“The news of a Labour Government brings with it a fresh start, but alongside that a need for clarity and demonstration that it supports the hospitality industry. We are calling on the Prime Minister and the Labour Party to deliver on their manifesto commitments to replace the apprenticeship levy with a system that would provide greater flexibility to training up staff, something that is fundamentally important to our sector and will hopefully help ease the challenges we continue to see with skill shortages.
“After what has a been a turbulent few years, it will be important for the new government to provide stability and consistency, particularly in its approach to working with devolved nations on areas such as legislation and policy. The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (EPR) are examples where more needs to be done to provide clarity, cohesion and inclusion of key experts that can help to advise and shape policy impacting our sector.
“We would also like to see the National Food Strategy developed into a long-term plan which will bring together areas such as food security, carbon reduction and biodiversity and invest more in these areas. In addition, we are calling on the government to invest more in the farming sector and of course, free school meals, which sadly continues to be severely underfunded.
“This government has made it clear that they want to make lasting change and we look forward to seeing their proposals and working towards a better future for the United Kingdom, but also for our industry, which plays a crucial role in providing jobs and contributing to the economy.”
