25 November 2015

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Responding to the Chancellor's Spending Review and Autumn Statement on behalf of UK food and drink, Ian Wright CBE, Director General of the Food and Drink Federation, said:

"Food and drink – Britain's largest manufacturing sector – has always enjoyed staunch support within government from DEFRA. Naturally we're speaking with colleagues in that department to understand the impact any cuts will have. It's particularly important, given DEFRA's express ambition of helping Britain become a “Great Food Nation” that our ability to continue to grow, be more productive and to meet stretching export targets continues to be championed within government.

"Government's emphasis on research and innovation is both timely and heartening. Now more than ever we need more support for post-farm gate, pre-competitive and collaborative research in food and drink manufacturing, all vital ingredients in enabling our sector to take on and tackle today's challenges, and tomorrow's.

"Growing apprenticeship numbers is a key ambition for the UK food and drink industry. Reform is needed to make this route more attractive, and an apprenticeship levy system that is proportionate, simple and works for businesses of all sizes will be a key ingredient in achieving this. The rate announced today will be a cause of concern for larger businesses, and may hit company investment pots for staff training and, perversely, new apprenticeship starts. We look forward to working with the new levy board, in particular to make sure that due attention is paid to improving the quality of apprenticeships, not just increasing the volume."

More information

For further information contact FDF's press team on 0207 420 7120 or Alexandra.crisp@fdf.org.uk

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