Current affairs and industry updates
In an ever-changing political landscape it can often be difficult to keep up with the times. However, Bidfood’s current affairs page will help keep you informed on the latest news impacting the hospitality and wholesale industry. From what’s going on in Westminster, to updates on legislation and policy, our experts our ready to give their thoughts on the biggest stories affecting you.
- Most recent
- Political landscape and industry updates
- Expert opinions
Most recent
Farming Protests
In the wake of the recent protests, we sympathise with those farmers that have taken to the streets to express their concerns around the changes to inheritance tax. British farmers produce food to some of the highest standards across the world, but these changes suggest a lack of appreciation or understanding by government towards the farming process. The illusion of generational farmers sitting on considerable wealth is in most cases inaccurate, with most annual incomes reflecting modest figures. It is likely that unless the Government reconsider their stance on the proposed changes to inheritance tax, many farming families will struggle to continue. – Lee Callon, Head of Buying, Oliver KayPubs reaction to the budget
“Following the disappointing Autumn Budget, Bidfood is very aware that pub operators are predicted to suffer. The National Insurance increase and lowering of the threshold will weigh heavily on many pub operators who rely on part-time staff. Increases to the minimum wage and removal of business rate support also put many small businesses at risk. “Pubs are the heartbeat of many communities, offering delicious food and drink while providing a place where people can come together, unwind and enjoy themselves. We know how important a good food offer is to our customers and the critical part it plays in helping them make a sustainable profit. “We absolutely support the call to government for swift and decisive reforms to employers NICs so we don’t lose these wonderful businesses.” - Chris Palethorpe, Client Director, PubsBidfood calls on Prime Minister to ring-fence school meals funding – Gavin Squires, Business Development Controller, Education & Healthcare
“School meals is a topic area that has been highlighted by countless industry bodies whose voices continue to be either ignored or not understood. This has therefore result that unless urgent action is taken by the Government, the school meals service will be non-existent in some areas of the country and under severe threat of failure in most. Our third annual paper highlights, in a non-political way and with absolute fact, the cause and effect of previous and current Government action, along with the key elements to review, acknowledge and take action on in order for the school meal provision to simply survive and reverse what could be the loss of a critical service being made available to all of our children in state education.”What impact will a change of government have on the NHS?
Host Olivia Jackson is joined by distinguished NHS guests Phil Shelley, Iain Robertson and Orlaith Curran, for an in-depth discussion on how the new UK government’s policies will shape the future of the National Health Service (NHS).Budget reaction statement 2024 - Andrew Selley, CEO Bidcorp UK
30/10/24 “Following the announcement of the budget today, it’s hard to have a positive outlook. For the government to say “invest, invest, invest”, whilst costing businesses £25billion in NI changes is ludicrous. “Two thirds of our suppliers and customers are SME’s and many will struggle to survive these tax hikes on top of the minimum wage increase and employment rights bill. “It seems clear that the government either don’t understand or don’t care about business growth and the prosperity this brings to our country.” - Andrew Selley, CEO Bidcorp UKWhat impact will a change of government have on school meals?
Co-hosts Cally Ip and Gavin Squires are joined by industry greats Dr Andy Kemp MBE and Patricia Fellows MBE to breakdown the current scene of school catering and discuss the impact of politics on school meal funding.
Political landscape and industry updates
What impact will a change of government have on the NHS?
Host Olivia Jackson is joined by distinguished NHS guests Phil Shelley, Iain Robertson and Orlaith Curran, for an in-depth discussion on how the new UK government’s policies will shape the future of the National Health Service (NHS).What impact will a change of government have on school meals?
Co-hosts Cally Ip and Gavin Squires are joined by industry greats Dr Andy Kemp MBE and Patricia Fellows MBE to breakdown the current scene of school catering and discuss the impact of politics on school meal funding.
Expert opinions
Farming Protests
In the wake of the recent protests, we sympathise with those farmers that have taken to the streets to express their concerns around the changes to inheritance tax. British farmers produce food to some of the highest standards across the world, but these changes suggest a lack of appreciation or understanding by government towards the farming process. The illusion of generational farmers sitting on considerable wealth is in most cases inaccurate, with most annual incomes reflecting modest figures. It is likely that unless the Government reconsider their stance on the proposed changes to inheritance tax, many farming families will struggle to continue. – Lee Callon, Head of Buying, Oliver KayPubs reaction to the budget
“Following the disappointing Autumn Budget, Bidfood is very aware that pub operators are predicted to suffer. The National Insurance increase and lowering of the threshold will weigh heavily on many pub operators who rely on part-time staff. Increases to the minimum wage and removal of business rate support also put many small businesses at risk. “Pubs are the heartbeat of many communities, offering delicious food and drink while providing a place where people can come together, unwind and enjoy themselves. We know how important a good food offer is to our customers and the critical part it plays in helping them make a sustainable profit. “We absolutely support the call to government for swift and decisive reforms to employers NICs so we don’t lose these wonderful businesses.” - Chris Palethorpe, Client Director, PubsBidfood calls on Prime Minister to ring-fence school meals funding – Gavin Squires, Business Development Controller, Education & Healthcare
12/12/2024 “School meals is a topic area that has been highlighted by countless industry bodies whose voices continue to be either ignored or not understood. This has therefore result that unless urgent action is taken by the Government, the school meals service will be non-existent in some areas of the country and under severe threat of failure in most. Our third annual paper highlights, in a non-political way and with absolute fact, the cause and effect of previous and current Government action, along with the key elements to review, acknowledge and take action on in order for the school meal provision to simply survive and reverse what could be the loss of a critical service being made available to all of our children in state education.”Budget reaction statement 2024 - Andrew Selley, CEO Bidcorp UK
30/10/24 “Following the announcement of the budget today, it’s hard to have a positive outlook. For the government to say “invest, invest, invest”, whilst costing businesses £25billion in NI changes is ludicrous. “Two thirds of our suppliers and customers are SME’s and many will struggle to survive these tax hikes on top of the minimum wage increase and employment rights bill. “It seems clear that the government either don’t understand or don’t care about business growth and the prosperity this brings to our country.” - Andrew Selley, CEO Bidcorp UK
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