Scotch whisky looks at 'golden opportunity' as UK, India start trade talks
India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, and British Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan pose for a picture during the launch of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the United Kingdom and India during an event at a hotel in New Delhi, India, January 13, 2022. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis
Britain and India began hammering out a post-Brexit trade deal on Thursday, with London seeking a cut in tariffs on Scotch whisky and greater access to the Asian giant's services and tech sectors.
New Delhi, which is notoriously reticent about lowering trade barriers and was dubbed the ‘tariff king’ by former US president Donald Trump, wants in return to make it easier and cheaper for Indians to obtain British visas.
A joint statement after Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and British Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan formally launched the talks in Delhi reiterated a target of doubling bilateral trade volumes by 2030.
“Both sides have agreed that we will focus initially on areas which are of mutual benefit and where there is less disagreement, and for which we have set a very aggressive timeline of next few months,” Goyal told reporters.
“We feel confident that there is so much complementarity between the two economies that we should easily be able to come up with a very substantive agreement in the initial phase... I think we are committed to concluding this negotiation in about a year's time,” he said.
“The UK has world-class businesses and expertise we can rightly be proud of, from Scotch whisky distillers to financial services and cutting-edge renewable technology,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement.
“We are seizing the opportunities offered in growing economies of the Indo-Pacific to cement our place on the global stage and deliver jobs and growth at home,” he said.
Britain has struck trade deals with Japan, New Zealand and Australia as it attempts to compensate for falling trade volumes with the European Union since it left the bloc in January 2020.
The total volume of trade at stake in a deal between Britain and India is small fry, however, equivalent to about three percent of London's total volume of commerce with the EU, Bloomberg News reported.
New Delhi's push to ease the granting of UK visas for Indian nationals may also fall foul with Brexit supporters who were keen to cut immigration.
Conservative lawmaker Edward Leigh told parliament last week that "working-class voters who voted Brexit did not vote to replace immigration from Europe with more immigration from the rest of the world".
Tariffs of up to 150 per cent
Scotch whisky producers are eagerly looking at the discussions, as the UK Government is striving to slash duties of up to 150 per cent on whisky exports, offering a boost to distilleries and the whole spirits industry.
“Launching UK/India trade talks offers a golden opportunity to reach an ambitious tariff reduction in an early harvest deal that could grow Scotch Whisky exports to India by £1 billion over five years,” Mark Kent, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said.
“Tackling the tariff and State level regulatory issues would open the market up to smaller producers who are effectively locked out by the substantial barriers to trade.”
Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord added: “Home to 1.4 billion consumers and one of the world’s fastest growing economies, India holds enormous potential for Scottish businesses as part of an ambitious new trade deal.
“On a recent visit to Mumbai, I saw first-hand how Scotland’s distilleries would benefit from the removal of tariffs as high as 150 per cent on whisky. Our thriving services sector would also receive a welcome boost. I look forward to talks with India progressing as we negotiate new global trading relationships for the benefit of people and businesses across the UK.”
The UK government said a deal has the potential to almost double UK exports to India, boost the total trade by as much as £28 billion a year by 2035, and increase wages across the UK by up to £3 billion. Investment from Indian companies already supports 95,000 jobs across the UK.
Sir Tony Blair failed to put a brake on the Horizon rollout although the former prime minister had been warned the Post Office IT software was flawed, the inquiry heard on Wednesday (13).
In a witness statement, Lord Mandelson, who served as business secretary in Sir Tony’s cabinet, said the “integrity of the new system itself” was not “called into question” ahead of the 1999 rollout of the software. The Labour peer’s account comes 10 months after the public inquiry into the scandal was shown a note drafted by Geoff Mulgan, special adviser at Downing Street, and sent to the then prime minister in December 1988, which described the system as “increasingly flawed”.
Sir Tony jotted a handwritten note on the document itself, asking for a “clear view” on its reliability.
On Wednesday, the final hearing of the last phase of the Post Office inquiry took place and 80 additional witness statements were published – including Lord Mandelson’s. In his witness statement to the inquiry, the Labour peer wrote, “Concerning the integrity of the new system itself, this was not called into question.
“The external review’s findings were accepted both within my department and in No 10, albeit with some conditionality.”
He added: “The recommendation to confirm the Horizon system was made to the Prime Minister and the final decision was his. I do not remember No 10 putting a brake on the programme at any stage.”
By 1998 the Horizon project, which was launched under John Major’s government, had been running more than two years behind schedule. As a result, the project was referred to Sir Tony to decide if it should continue. In his own witness statement submitted to the inquiry, the former prime minister said he was unable to recall some details of the period.
However, he wrote: “I have learnt that it is crucial to obtain advice from experts with deep experience in the field who can provide the necessary assurance. As I have explained, I sought and obtained assurances as to the reliability of the product being developed.
“It is now clear that the Horizon product was seriously flawed, leading to tragic and completely unacceptable consequences, and I have deep sympathy with those affected.”
More than 900 sub-postmasters were wrongfully prosecuted as a result of the Horizon scandal, which saw the faulty software incorrectly record shortfalls on their accounts.
The Dougall Group has reaffirmed its commitment to providing top-quality products and service by renewing its supply contract with Nisa for an additional five years.
The renewed partnership ensures that four Dougall Group stores will continue to benefit from Nisa’s extensive product range, including exclusive access to Co-op own-brand items and flexible support designed to empower independent retailers to meet local customer needs.
The renewed contract solidifies a relationship that began in 2010 and has helped Dougall Group achieve significant growth and expand its retail portfolio across multiple locations.The latest addition to the Dougall Group store network is the Leamington Spa site, which opened in September and showcases the modern, community-focused shopping experience that both Dougall Group and Nisa strive to deliver.
The Leamington Spa store has already attracted a strong local following, thanks to its emphasis on convenience, fresh foods, and locally sourced products. A targeted marketing campaign is underway to introduce more customers to the new location, and early results have been positive, with both footfall and sales steadily increasing.
Ricky Dougall, Owner of The Dougall Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the renewed partnership, citing the ongoing alignment between Nisa’s services and Dougall’s growth strategy.“We’re very pleased to continue working with Nisa for another five years. Their support, from logistics to access to Co-op own-brand products, has been invaluable in helping us bring a unique, trusted shopping experience to our customers.“
The partnership allows us to remain independent and responsive to our local communities, which is essential to our vision. The positive reception at our new Leamington Spa store reaffirms that commitment.”Katie Secretan, Nisa’s Director of Sales & Retail, welcomed Dougall Group’s decision to extend their relationship with Nisa.
“We’re delighted to continue supporting Dougall Group and helping them grow and evolve. Ricky and his team share Nisa’s values of quality, community support, and flexibility, and it’s rewarding to see how our combined efforts have led to meaningful connections with customers.“
The success of the Leamington Spa store highlights what can be achieved when local retailers leverage Nisa’s product range and resources to create stores that truly resonate with their communities.”The renewed agreement not only reinforces a long-standing partnership but also sets the stage for Dougall Group’s continued growth and ability to adapt to changing customer demands with Nisa’s dedicated support.
Scottish Retail Consortium and trade union Usdaw have released a joint appeal to the public to be kind and considerate to all retail workers and fellow customers when doing their shopping this Christmas and play their part in creating a safe and enjoyable retail experience.
The plea comes as abuse and violence towards those in customer service continues to climb, with a recent Usdaw survey showing that in the last 12 months, 69 per cent of retail staff experienced verbal abuse, and 45 per cent have been threatened by a customer.
Retail is Scotland’s largest private sector employer with 230,000 Scots directly working in the industry. The festive period is a crucial trading period for many shops, with every purchase helping to support jobs in local retail and throughout the supply chain. Christmas is always an incredibly complex and challenging time of year for the retail industry. Everyone is working extra hard to keep shelves stocked, products delivered, and stores, delivery services, and eateries will naturally be a little busier.
Nonetheless, it is essential that all Scots play their part in creating a friendly and enjoyable environment for other customers and workers this Christmas, and the SRC and Usdaw are asking for patience, kindness and consideration during this busy time.
SRC and Usdaw will also be launching a new social media campaign to encourage shoppers to be considerate this Christmas. The joint initiative comes during Usdaw’s Respect for Shopworkers Week.
David Lonsdale, Director, Scottish Retail Consortium, said, "As the clock counts down to Christmas Day, retail stores and websites will become increasingly busy. People in retail are doing a brilliant job working hard to look after customers, helping them find what they need, keeping shelves stocked and delivering goods.
"While this time of year can be a little stressful, any mistreatment of store colleagues and delivery drivers will not be tolerated. Confrontations, be it verbal abuse or physical assault, can take a huge toll on victims, their families and their colleagues. When everyone shows a little Christmas kindness and courtesy – everyone will be better off. That way we can all enjoy shopping over the festive period and support local jobs and the vibrancy of our high streets and retail destinations.”
Tony Doonan, Scottish Regional Secretary, Usdaw, said, "People across retail work incredibly hard over the busy festive period to make sure everyone can get the gifts and items they are looking for and enjoy the brilliant shopping experiences that Scotland has to offer.
"They deserve to be treated with respect and kindness and there is no place whatsoever for any abuse or violence towards shopworkers. We urge customers to treat retail workers the way they would like to be treated, that way everyone can enjoy their shopping experience as we celebrate Christmas.”
Typhoo Tea, one of Britain’s oldest tea companies, is teetering on the edge of administration after enduring years of challenges, including a costly break-in at its Wirral factory.
According to court filings made on Thursday, Typhoo has filed a notice to appoint administrators. This move allows companies temporary protection from creditors while exploring options to address their debts.
The company is reportedly using the process to seek rescue solutions, with administrators from EY already lined up. However, filing the notice does not equate to Typhoo entering administration at this stage.
Dave McNulty, Typhoo's chief executive, commented: “This action has been taken to enable us to pursue a sale of the business. A further statement will be issued in due course with additional information.”
Founded in 1903 by Birmingham grocer John Sumner, Typhoo was once among the UK’s best-loved tea brands. However, in recent years, the company has struggled as Britons increasingly shift towards coffee, energy drinks, and novelty beverages like bubble tea.
According to Mintel, tea consumption in the UK has been steadily declining and is projected to drop by 8% between 2023 and 2028.
Typhoo’s revenues fell from £34 million in 2022 to £25 million in 2023, while losses surged from £9.7 million to £38 million in the same period, as per publicly available accounts.
The steep rise in losses partly stemmed from a break-in at the company’s mothballed Merseyside factory. The incident caused extensive damage to machinery and tea stock, delaying the factory’s sale, which was eventually completed in June 2024.
Typhoo’s future now hangs in the balance as it navigates a path to potential recovery or sale. Typhoo Tea revealed it had to absorb £24 million in exceptional costs during the 2023 financial year, largely due to damage caused by a break-in. Company executives admitted these costs had a "material" impact on its operations.
Adding to its challenges, Typhoo has faced mounting competition from a surge of "wellness" tea brands entering the market. Meanwhile, tea manufacturers have struggled with supply chain disruptions, including tea paper shortages and rising import costs following Brexit.
Private equity firm Zetland Capital has held the majority stake in Typhoo since 2021. By the end of September 2023, Typhoo’s debts had climbed to £73 million, up from £53 million the previous year.
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Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves visits the Cambridge Biomedical Campus on November 1, 2024 in Cambridge, England
Britain's economy contracted unexpectedly in September and growth slowed to a crawl over the third quarter, data showed on Friday, an early setback for chancellor Rachel Reeves' ambitions to kick-start a sustained pickup.
Gross domestic product slipped by 0.1 per cent in monthly terms during September as the services sector flat-lined, while manufacturing and construction dropped, the Office for National Statistics said.
For the third quarter as whole, the economy grew by 0.1 per cent, slowing from 0.5 per cent growth during the second quarter.
Economists polled by Reuters and the Bank of England had forecast an expansion of 0.2 per cent in the July-September period, slowing from the rapid growth of the first half of 2024 when the economy was rebounding from last year's shallow recession.
"Improving economic growth is at the heart of everything I am seeking to achieve, which is why I am not satisfied with these numbers," Reeves said in response to the figures.
"Now we are going to deliver growth through investment and reform to create more jobs and more money in people’s pockets, get the NHS back on its feet, rebuild Britain and secure our borders in a decade of national renewal."
Last week, the BoE trimmed its annual growth forecast for 2024 to 1 per cent from 1.25 per cent but predicted a stronger 2025, reflecting a short-term boost to the economy from the big-spending budget plans of finance minister Rachel Reeves.
Britain's economic output has grown slowly since the Covid-19 pandemic. Only Germany, which was also hit hard by surging energy costs after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has done noticeably worse among the largest advanced economies.
Prime minister Keir Starmer said he wanted the economy to reach annual growth of 2.5 per cent when campaigning for the July 4 election - a rate that Britain has not regularly achieved since before the 2008 financial crisis.
Reeves wants Britain to have the fastest per capita growth in gross domestic product among the Group of Seven advanced economies for two consecutive years.