Your overview of political and economic news with a focus on the food and consumer goods industry, featuring the latest developments and guidance on COVID-19, labour shortages and adapting to a new relationship with the EU. Northern Ireland Protocol – next steps The UK government and EU commission are undergoing a period of intense clarification talks about EU proposals for the N...

ONS has issued data on the number of HGV drivers working in the UK, running up to Q2 2021. In Q2 2021, there were 268,000 people employed as HGV drivers in the UK, down 31,000 or 10% on the same quarter in 2020. Most of the reduction, about two-thirds, was accounted for by UK nationals, with the remaining third accounted for by EU nationals. However, since EU nationals make up only...

With two weeks to go before COP26 conference in Glasgow, the Prime Minister has launched the UK government’s new “Net Zero” strategy , which builds on previous policy documents. This strategy sets out how the UK will achieve “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, which is the legally-binding target date. The government is evidently keen to position the plan as an exciting...

New inflation data from ONS, covering September 2021, shows that inflation remains elevated, with pressure occurring across a broad range of goods and services. “All items” inflation for September was +3.1% year-on-year, when measured using the CPI measure – this is slightly above the target range set for the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The data suggests a ver...

A new report from the Food and Drink Sector Council (FDSC), sets out the food and drink industry’s recommendations for the UK Government’s Food Strategy. A key recommendation includes a ten-year government strategy encompassing obesity and balanced diets focussing on changing the UK food culture. Here I summarise its 2030 vision for a food and drink sector that provides healthy and affordable...

The Bank of England has issued new data from its Decision Makers’ Panel, a monthly survey of thousands of business leaders, representing the UK private sector. This data shows that price increases enacted by businesses have become more significant as 2021 has progressed. Average annual price rises reported over July – September 2021 were +3.9%, compared with +1.5% in the same period...

Research involving over 6,000 UK consumers captures attitudes to healthy and susta This webinar recording is ideal if you are a manager looking to learn more about inclusive leadership and to take away some simple, practical steps that will help you feel more empowered to build a more inclusive team. This is a recording of a highly interactive session, well-suited to watching b...

Research involving over 6,000 UK consumers captures attitudes to healthy and sustainable diets, before, during and post COVID-19 restrictions Our latest research reveals there is still a significant appetite for change among UK consumer to shift towards healthy, sustainable diets. Over three years, we’ve undertaken consumer research with 6,000 UK consumers, to understand the op...

This interactive webinar will help you reflect on and consider how to create a great first impression. You will improve your self-awareness and come away with simple tips that will make a difference straight away. Ideal if you are looking to establish or grow your impact, especially if you are new in role. This is a highly interactive session, well-suited to watching back in your own ...

Plant-based innovation continues to boom despite our recent survey revealing nearly 9 in 10 (86%) UK adults eat meat 1 . As attention turns to climate change ahead of the UK hosting COP26, I explore the opportunities for ‘hybrid’ meat products plus the tactics that can be used to help normalise change and shift people towards healthier and more sustainable diets. Image: Lean & G...