The FWD has welcomed the government’s new discretionary local authority grants in high alert areas, with the chancellor Rishi Sunak specifically mentioning the wholesale sector in his announcement.
Aiming the funding at “supply chains of those serving the hospitality industry”, alongside the new Job Support Scheme for open businesses and the Job Retention Bonus , the FWD has called this “pretty good news, but we need more so will be continuing our business rates relief campaign.”
This follows FWD chairman Coral Rose promoting the role of wholesalers to millions of BBC Breakfast viewers on Thursday morning.
Access to the local authority discretionary fund is the first time throughout the Covid-19 pandemic that wholesalers have been given specific support. The announcement follows weeks of intensive lobbying and high-profile media activity by the FWD and provides relief for struggling foodservice wholesalers which had previously been overlooked in the Government’s support packages.
Trade bodies call for wholesale support in open letter
In answer to a question from Jim Shannon MP about help for businesses delivering to hospitality and the public sector, the Chancellor said: “We recognise the complexity of the supply chains, which is why that very generous job support scheme will be available for all businesses in all parts of the country and I think that will make an enormous difference to the businesses he mentions.”
FWD chief executive James Bielby said: “This is a great win for wholesalers and will provide much-needed breathing space for those of our members whose hospitality customers are closed or barely trading. We’re very pleased that Mr Sunak made particular reference to foodservice wholesalers, as it indicates the Government’s evolving understanding of the vital role they play in the economic and social health of the country.
“There is still a severe threat to food distribution to the most vulnerable among us, in care homes, hospices and schools. Lockdowns at short notice leave wholesalers with unpaid bills and stock they can’t sell. While today’s new measures will keep the trucks rolling, the hospitality industry can’t come through these restrictions without further financial support for the sector that supplies it.”
FWD is calling for wholesalers to receive the same business rates relief that supermarkets and hospitality outlets have had, and says this is the most cost-efficient way for government to prevent redundancies and business closures in the sector.
