FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
By David Llewellyn, Chief Executive, Vending & Automated Retail Association
In the wake of the recent general election that saw the Labour Party come into power for the first time in nearly 15 years, the AVA has taken note of the various commitments outlined in Labour’s manifesto that will impact the retail and vending sectors. We are calling on the new government to hold true to its promises and not create further delays on action.
SMEs
As the new government forms, it’s crucial that these promises translate into tangible policies that support SMEs and bring increasing innovation into our sector. We are optimistic that we will see a robust approach to handling SME concerns such as administration, employment, business rates, R&D allowances, and the apprenticeship levy, for the benefit of our members and potential new customers, all of which are fundamental to sustaining the growth and vibrancy of this sector.
We hope that the new Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathon Reynolds MP, will ensure that there is a stable economic environment with good labour availability, investment opportunities and upskilling training to help promote a productive economy. Without this, the vending industry, and many others of course, will suffer.
MOVING FORWARD
We’ve been engaged in extensive discussions for many years with Defra on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), including crucial initiatives such as the Deposit Return Scheme and Mandatory Cup Takeback, only to face numerous delays and setbacks. All of which means new Defra Minister, Steve Reed MP, will now be sat at a desk groaning under the weight of all the delayed legislation and consultations!
As these progress towards implementation, it’s crucial that the new government prioritises these programmes to avoid further delays and uphold the UK’s commitment to achieving Net Zero. The importance of maintaining momentum in these areas cannot be overstated. We look forward to seeing the new government’s Net Zero plans and how EPR sits within them. It is also important that these new pieces of legislation are blanketed across the whole UK, no country-by-country variations. Separating processes this way will become cumbersome, costly, and will lead to consumer confusion with less actual recycling going on, and potentially higher retail pricing.
ENVIRONMENTAL TASKS
To make lasting change, detail is everything. And while the Labour Party’s manifesto has touched upon crucial aspects, such as the reduction of plastic waste and Net Zero targets, so far, the specifics have remained tenuous. So, we’re looking forward to seeing the substantive policies and clarity that are needed to push EPR and other agendas forward, towards making a real impact.
Our sector often leads in areas such as sustainable packaging innovations, yet we’re hindered by the lagging enforcement and funding shortages in crucial regulatory bodies including the local Trading Standards. We’re hoping to see less politically motivated and – in my opinion – pointless, ‘latte levies’ or ‘cup levies’ that are impractical and costly, especially when consumers are at their most price aware. Instead, we support more sensible, long-term decisions that move away from disposable all together, such as cup takeback schemes.
It’s clear: a more coherent and well-funded framework would greatly benefit suppliers and operators striving to meet and exceed environmental standards, enabling all parts of the supply chain to act together. Following the new cabinet appointments, we’re calling on Ed Miliband MP as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to translate these conversations into tangible, enforceable policy so we can move forward as a sector and create real change for the climate and environment.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
As the Labour Government begins its tenure, it’s not enough to simply announce initiatives; there must be real investment and follow-through. In vending and automated retail, making a selection implies an obligation to deliver. We expect the same from our newly instated government, ensuring the policies that affect our industry are not just statements on a manifesto, but actions that result in sustainable growth and innovation.
We eagerly anticipate working with the government to realise these objectives, enhancing our industry’s contribution to the economy and the environment.
