Sector responds to new energy bills discount scheme.

Sector responds to new energy bills discount scheme

Responding to the chancellor announcing the government’s new Energy Bills Discount Scheme, UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “It was crucial for hospitality businesses to receive an extension to energy support, which has been a vital lifeline for many this winter.

“While I’m relieved the chancellor has listened to UKHospitality’s concerns and extended the scheme as a whole, the absence of a sector-specific package that helps vulnerable sectors like hospitality will still result in higher bills. Our analysis shows the new, lower level of support will see a total £4.5 billion hike in bills for the sector compared to the previous scheme.

“This will simply be unsustainable for many. With no further, dedicated support for a vulnerable sector like hospitality, I’d urge the government to consider other measures it can take to help the sector. One measure in particular that would make a significant difference would be increasing the business rates relief cap. For those suppliers to hospitality in the wider food and drink sector that have received additional support, we expect them to support the sector accordingly in their pricing.

“Now we have some clarity on the future of energy support, we must see a concerted change in behaviour by energy suppliers, who have been unfairly treating businesses with outlandish quotes and unjustifiable demands for enormous deposits or prepayments. Government must act swiftly if this is not forthcoming.

“This scheme is a significant investment from the government and energy suppliers should not be using that as an excuse to hike up prices. The Ofgem review into the non-domestic market should serve as a wake-up call to suppliers that now is the time to be reasonable with the quotes they’re offering and to abandon unfair demands of businesses to secure fixed deals. They should also consider allowing businesses to renegotiate if they are stuck on previously agreed, inflated fixed deals.

“This is an extremely challenging period for the UK’s hospitality sector, which is so important to the economy and communities, and it’s essential the sector gets through it as best it can. If it does, I’m confident we can reach a situation where hospitality will return to generating economic growth, delivering hundreds of thousands of jobs, and investing in Britain’s high street and communities. This is all while it contributes billions to Treasury revenues.”

Ibrahim Dogus, chair of the British Takeaway Campaign commented: “The Chancellor’s new scheme spells bad news for Britain’s takeaways. His reluctance to support our kebab and curry houses with a sector-specific package means that many of our local favourites will be lumbered with eyewatering energy bills.

“It’s entirely unrealistic to expect those costs to be passed on to customers too, who are struggling themselves. Even if the cost of energy comes down, profiteering energy companies will undoubtedly continue to hike up their standing charge, rinsing every small business for their last penny. If the chancellor won’t help the hospitality sector now, he needs to consider other methods to protect our local favourites, like a cap on standing charges.”

Fresh Direct appoints a new managing director

Sysco Great Britain has appointed Andy Pembroke as the new managing director of Fresh Direct, a leading UK foodservice fresh produce wholesaler.

Peter Jackson, CEO of Sysco in Great Britain, said: “Our fresh business is one of the key pillars to Sysco’s future growth and success in this country and having Andy at the helm of Fresh Direct is the perfect fit to lead the company in the next stage of its development. Fresh produce, meat and fish are integral to our customers’ menus and Andy has a very clear vision for how we can add value to that process. Throughout the recruitment process we have been impressed by Andy’s strategy for developing the business, which will ensure that the customer is at the very heart of our thinking from farm through to the kitchen.”

Andy Pembroke has been with Fresh Direct for more than 10 years, having previously held senior roles in supply chain and manufacturing and most recently as Fresh Direct’s sales director. Since becoming sales sirector, he has been credited with creating a more focused, customer-first proposition, helping customers to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, Brexit and cost-of-living crisis. At the same time, he has helped bring together Sysco’s fresh businesses, Wild Harvest, M&J Seafood and Fresh Direct, allowing customers to consolidate their deliveries and save time and money.

Andy Pembroke commented: “Sysco’s fresh businesses have adapted brilliantly through the pandemic and are now leading the way through the new challenges that the foodservice sector is facing. Whether it’s staff shortages, menu simplification or cost control, we’ve been identifying the products and services that make a real difference to customers while delivering excellent levels of service.”