The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) met more than 50 MPs in Westminster, introducing them to the wholesale sector and setting out some of the most pressing challenges facing its members.
Set against the backdrop of the Chancellor’s recent budget, the parliamentary drop-in event brought the FWD together with senior political figures from across the spectrum. With 335 MPs elected for the first time during July’s election, yesterday’s event provided an invaluable opportunity to discuss wholesale’s central role in driving growth, adding £3bn of gross value added to the UK economy annually.
Those in attendance included Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, Bill Esterson MP (pictured left), former Chief Whip, Wendy Morton MP, and Deputy Speaker Caroline Nokes MP, alongside senior wholesalers from Bidfood and Brakes, and suppliers Diageo, Suntory and PepsiCo.
Commenting on the event, FWD chief executive James Bielby said: “With many new faces returned to Parliament in July, our drop-in event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the essential role our members are playing in driving economic growth. The incredible interest and support we received on the day from MPs is a testament to the work of our members and a recognition of the critical role they play in serving the public sector.
“With 60,000 people directly employed in our industry, every day, our members serve the nation in often difficult economic circumstances. Yesterday was therefore an excellent opportunity to talk through several pertinent policy areas, including business rates, wider Budget implications, and wholesale crime.”
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