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MONEY MATTERS Burgers Revealed as UK’s Favourite Takeaway But Brexit Could Spell Trouble

Foodhub data reveals UK could be in for a burger shortage this autumn

ANew data from takeaway delivery platform Foodhub has revealed that the humble burger has seen off traditional favourites, Chinese, Indian and pizza, to be named the UK’s favourite order.

The online food delivery company has revealed almost half (49%) of their orders in 2020 were in the burger category and that the same option has so far accounted for 45% of purchases in 2021. However, the news signals a concern to thousands of takeaway owners across the country, who are worried they will not be able to cope with demand due to supply issues and the rising costs of ingredients. Traders say that following the UK’s departure from the EU on 31st January 2021, the prices of flour, chips, chicken, cheese and other ingredients have sky-rocketed, which has left takeaway bosses begging the question, what’s a burger without cheese and fries? In light of Foodhub’s recent findings and the realisation that burgers have become crucial to the industry, the issue of rising costs is especially concerning. Many are fearful the development and supply issues could result in a burger shortage this autumn, which would signal a crushing blow to industry. Business owners say they are usually given notice about industry-wide price increases, but the uncertainty of a deal/ no deal Brexit put a huge level of anxiety on businesses, and before they knew it – the prices of their essential items had increased. Now they don’t know whether they will be able to continue offering the fan-favourite dish. Their concerns were increased further last month when Nando’s shut around 50 restaurants because they were unable to get enough chicken to match demand – showing even the biggest operators in the industry can be struck down. As things stand, takeaway owners are having to shell out even more on their stock to satisfy their customers – but they have warned increased outgoings cannot go on forever. Ardian Mula, Foodhub’s CEO said: “We understand and appreciate how important burgers are to the industry, which is why we are so concerned by these reports. “It’s a troubling situation for customers and business owners alike, with some in the unenviable position of having to pay more for ingredients or removing burgers from their menu. “We hope to see this issue resolved as soon as possible.” Phil Adams, who runs multiple takeaways in Stoke-On-Trent including Burger Bite, said: “Burgers are an integral part of our business model, in fact they are one of the most popular items we offer across our entire portfolio of takeaways. “Sales have been shooting up over the past 18 months or so, with orders flying in for traditional offerings as well as vegan and vegetarian options. “It’s really exciting to see this development, but now we are concerned with the prices, which we can clearly see are going up and up. “Since leaving the EU the cost and availability of key ingredients has changed drastically. If we don’t get this under control there is every chance we could see a burger famine later this year.” Phil added: “The main problem was the lack of information we had prior to this, as it just made forward planning impossible. “Now we are left in a position where we don’t know what we will do going forward.”

JJ Foodservice Appoints 11 Mental Health First Aiders

JJ Foodservice has invested in training eleven members of staff across ten branches to become qualified Mental Health First Aiders.

The move is part of its investment into supporting and promoting the wellbeing of staff. Jaz Sandhu, Learning & Development Manager at JJ said, “It’s been a tough year and our team have worked incredibly heard through unprecedented circumstances.

“We want everyone to know that if they ever need to talk – there’s a qualified person nearby who is willing to listen and help.”

In addition to the Mental Health First Aiders, JJ offers an Employee Assistance Programme, which is a free, confidential telephone support service, which gives employees access to counsellors and advisors 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

Staff can use the service any time for support with emotional, medical, legal and financial issues.

BillyChip® Awarded National Lottery Funding

Funding Pays for Starter Packs for Outlets Signing Up To The Social Enterprise Scheme

Meg Abernethy-Hope and Jon Hope, CoFounders at BillyChip® with their Starter Packs

BillyChip®, the social enterprise scheme supporting rough sleepers, has been awarded funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. The funding, amounting to almost £10,000, will pay for 300 BillyChip Starter Packs, which will be given free of charge to new food and drink outlets signing up to the scheme.

The BillyChip platform allows people to purchase a token from participating food and drink outlets which can then be given to rough sleepers and homeless people as an alternative to cash. They can then redeem the BillyChip for food, drink and other products. The Starter Packs contain 25 BillyChips, window stickers and decals, and a range of POS items including posters and strut cards.

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

Meg Abernethy-Hope, Co-Founder at BillyChip and Diana Award winner, shared: “We’re over the moon to have been recognised by the National Lottery for the work we are doing with the homeless. It’s so wonderful to think that every time someone plays, their money is going towards helping those who have so little. Thank you to everyone who supports the BillyChip. We really wouldn’t be able to do this without you!”

About BillyChip® BillyChip is a new social enterprise platform which aims to empower rough sleepers. The platform allows people to purchase a BillyChip token from participating food and drink outlets which can then be given to rough sleepers and homeless people as an alternative to cash. They can then redeem the BillyChip for food, drink and other products.

BillyChip was set up in 2018 to continue the legacy of Billy Abernethy-Hope, a twenty year old ambulance driver from Bristol. After helping support the homeless, Billy felt disheartened at how little the general public gave to local homeless people. Although many make regular charitable donations, Billy was surprised at the small percentage of donations given directly to people living rough for fear of the money being used for drugs or alcohol. The BillyChip offers a solution, delivering kindness, compassion and food and drink to homeless people in the UK. The BillyChip Foundation was established as a registered charity by Meg Abernethy-Hope, Billy’s sister, and Jon Hope, Billy’s father. In 2021, Meg was awarded the Diana Award for her charitable work.

About The National Lottery Community Fund We are the largest community funder in the UK - we’re proud to award money raised by National Lottery players to communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. National Lottery players raise £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK. Since June 2004, we have made over 200,000 grants and awarded over £9 billion to projects that have benefited millions of people.

We are passionate about funding great ideas that matter to communities and make a difference to people’s lives. At the heart of everything we do is the belief that when people are in the lead, communities thrive. Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, our funding is open to everyone. We’re privileged to be able to work with the smallest of local groups right up to UK-wide charities, enabling people and communities to bring their ambitions to life.