Wholesalers call on political parties to commit to growth

Wholesalers have appealed to all political parties to work with the sector so it can play an active role in future economic prosperity.

Following today’s news that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP has called a general election for 4 July 2024, wholesale body Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD), the trade association for food and drink wholesalers in the UK who supply and support more than 450000 retailers, is calling on all political parties to work with the wholesale sector to ensure it can thrive to play a full and active role in future economic prosperity across the UK.

With an annual turnover of £30 billion, generated across all regions of the UK, the wholesale sector is a fundamental part of the UK economy. However, like much of the country, wholesalers have not been immune to the shocks that have been felt right across the economy, stated FWD citing a recent survey of FWD members which found that they have seen on average a 14 per cent rise in the cost of buying goods this year, with overall business costs rising by 10 per cent.

As the political parties start their campaigns leading up to the general election and for the next government and the years ahead, FWD has published its manifesto to kick-start a conversation on how some of the knotty challenges in the sector can be addressed. The document sets out clear and deliverable actions under five themes to help transform the UK economy. These are growth, employment, sustainability, communities and the supply chain.

Commenting on the general election announcement, FWD CEO James Bielby said, “Wholesalers are the lifeblood of the nation – from supporting high street restaurants to supplying hospitals, schools and local retailers with food, the FWD membership is delivering for the people across the length and breadth of the UK.

“Our manifesto is an open invitation to candidates in all parties to work with us in the run up to the election and beyond to ensure the wholesale sector can play a full and active role in driving future economic prosperity to every region in the UK.”

Full details of the manifesto and deliverable actions can be found here.