Whilst the chancellor’s Spring Statement delivered no new unwelcome surprises for businesses, it made clear that no support for the spirits, hospitality, or retail industries will be coming any time soon. And with businesses playing a large part in driving economic recovery in this country, it looks as though it’s being left to us to take care of it ourselves.
For spirits, the global landscape is tricky right now. Not only are drinks businesses facing the same challenges that you are, as business owners, but trade tariffs and expensive bureaucracy like the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (EPR) scheme are looming. This means that independent brands – who don’t have the deep pockets and cash reserves of a global corporation behind them - could especially struggle.
In spite of everything the government’s done to hammer businesses, there are glimmers of hope on the horizon. And I firmly believe that the resilience of our sector comes from supporting each other.
Nick Gillett
As a distributor, we’re taking steps to provide stability to our trade partners, like increasing stock levels of American products now, so that we can keep prices level for as long as possible if tariffs come into play. Alongside our brand partners we’re also finding new ways to support the on and off-trade, with activations and innovative marketing, to help you sell more bottles.
In return, try stocking a few of the UK’s incredible, independent brands – if you don’t already. Not only will you be offering your customers a top-notch liquid, but you’ll also be protecting the diversity and creativity of our sector, which the government has tried its damnedest to stamp out.