The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) has launched a parliamentary petition urging the government to grant food and drink wholesalers with bespoke financial support.
Accusing the government of ignoring its previous calls for sector-specific support, the trade association said its latest attempt to make the industry’s voice heard for Covid-19 support comes at a time when the need for financial aid is getting greater.
“In a few weeks’ time the government is going to ask the UK’s foodservice wholesalers to reopen the hospitality sector,” said James Bielby, FWD chief executive.
“It will need them to stock up in advance so that restaurants, pubs, cafes and leisure facilities can come out of hibernation and revive the out-of-home economy. But that won’t be possible unless the Treasury invests in food distribution.”
FWD warned that many foodservice wholesalers won’t have enough cashflow and crucial public services will suffer without a support package from the government.
“Having had no government support through nearly a year of lockdowns and restrictions, and having traded at a loss all that time to supply hospitals, care homes and schools, these wholesalers have no money left and some are on the brink of collapse,” Bielby said.
“With no cash or credit insurance, they can’t buy the food the government wants them to distribute or provide the service and support their customers will need as they return. There’s no way back for hospitality without its wholesalers, and there’s no hospitality wholesalers without immediate support.”
The petition has currently secured nearly 3800 signatures. It will receive a response from the government when it reaches 10,000 signatures, and will be taken up for a debate in parliament at 100,000 signatures.
The petition has currently secured nearly 3800 signatures. It will receive a response from the government when it reaches 10,000 signatures, and will be taken up for a debate in parliament at 100,000 signatures.
Retailers: this has everything to do with you! Without government support, our supply chain will be impacted and with it your choice of wholesalers and their ability to invest. I’ve signed this, I hope you do too. https://t.co/YS0ijph1xp
— James Lowman (@JMLowman) February 18, 2021
James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, has lent his support to the petition and urged all retailers to sign it.
“Retailers: this has everything to do with you! Without government support, our supply chain will be impacted and with it your choice of wholesalers and their ability to invest. I’ve signed this, I hope you do too,” he wrote on Twitter.
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