The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has welcomed today’s New Industrial Strategy white paper issued by the Government.
BBPA Chief Executive, Brigid Simmonds commented, “I welcome the industrial strategy, with its strong focus on places, people and the business environment. In particular, the huge strategic importance of the food and drink sector is recognised, of which British beer and pubs are such a crucial part. And on places, it is essential that high streets and new housing developments have access to pubs, to provide leisure opportunities and great facilities for local people.
“The proposed partnership with industry, through a new Food & Drink Sector Council, is something we will fully engage in given it spans our whole industry, from grain to glass. We are already working closely with DEFRA on a £100 million export strategy for British beer, and also through the Courtauld Commitment to deliver a 20 per cent per capita reduction in food waste by 2025. I am sure other valuable initiatives can be fostered through government working closely with industry.'
Simmonds added, “We are also working hard with VisitBritain and the Tourism Alliance on a tourism sector bid to include skills, connectivity and increased productivity, and we look forward to working with organisations such as the Career Enterprise Company on ambassadors to encourage young people to work in our sector, with its emphasis on career progression and people skills.”