Exiting the EU: A Bespoke Event for British Business from FDF
17 October 2016
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is convening leading regulatory, policy and trade experts next month to debate the best way forward for food and drink companies as the UK strives to create a workable future relationship with the EU. The event is sponsored by Aon and will take place on 1 November 2016 at the British Library, London.
Since the vote for Brexit, FDF has published a manifesto outlining negotiation priorities for UK food and drink in the summer and convened different parts of the food chain to make sure the industry's voice is heard. At this FDF event, delegates will gain insight into the likely timeframe and approach for developing the future regulatory framework; how to get their voice heard in trade negotiation priorities; and learn more about the implications of Brexit for international trade. Attendees will also be able to take part in interactive Q&A session with key speakers, ensuring they are able to gain the information that is most important to them and their businesses.
Alongside FDF's policy leads, the programme will feature among others: Tim Render (Deputy Director, Food Exports, DEFRA); Rosa Wilkinson, (Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Department for International Trade); Professor Tim Lang (City University); Malcolm Gooderham (Montford Communications); David Goodhart (Head of Demography, Immigration and Integration, Policy Exchange); and Allie Renison (Trade and EU policy lead, Institute of Directors).
Topics for discussion on the day include:
- What the public and consumers want from Brexit
- What business thinks about the challenges and opportunities presented by leaving the EU
- Expert discussions on employment and trade issues relevant to the food and drink sector.
- The legal and regulatory perspective on Brexit
Speaking ahead of the event, Ian Wright CBE, FDF Director General, said: “Following the vote to leave the EU many food and drink businesses have asked what the result means for them and how to approach key issues on employment, trade, and legal and regulatory matters. FDF's Exiting the EU event addresses these all-important questions and looks for the answers that businesses need to plan for the future.
“This event could not be better timed following the recent announcement by Theresa May that she sets the UK on the formal road to leaving the EU by 31 March 2017. With this date fast-approaching, businesses should ensure they are kept fully in-the-know on what this process might mean for them, their employees and their operations.”
Vince West, Head of Business Resilience Practice at Aon, event sponsor, said: “The food and drink manufacturing sector knows how significant the impact of Brexit could be. Now is the time to consider and demonstrate what it is going to do about it. The steps businesses take now, could prove decisive in preparing for the changes ahead and in retaining the confidence of their stakeholders, as the Brexit journey unfolds. With many of country's largest manufacturers joining us, this event will provide an excellent barometer of the sector's current state of readiness.”
More Information
When: 1st November 2016, 13:30-19:00 Where: British Library. 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB Who: Attendees will include a broad cross-section of food and drink businesses, from large multi-nationals to SMEs.
Contact Matthew Evans, Corporate Affairs Division, at: Matthew.Evans@fdf.org.uk, or (0) 20 7420 7152.
